NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Bold Predictions for All Three Game 7's

There are no better words in sports than Game 7, especially in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Hockey doesn't take the spotlight in the United States until the postseason starts, but when it does, it is really good. With three Game 7s on the dock in the next two days, things are going to heat up. 

One of the best parts of all these series is how back and forth they have been. It is not like one team took a commanding lead, only to see it slip away because of poor play. They keep answering each other. 

Here are bold predictions for all three Game 7s in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

Washington at Boston

After years of failing to live up to their expectations, the Capitals have put forth one of their best postseason efforts when there is no pressure on them. 

The biggest difference for them in this series has been goaltending, with the Bruins scoring just five goals in their three losses. As long as Braden Holtby doesn't feel in over his head, the Capitals will have a great chance to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. 

Unfortunately, the run is going to end tonight. The Bruins had to fight for their playoff lives in Game 6, now all the pressure is taken off their shoulders playing at home in front of a partisan crowd. Tim Thomas has had an inconsistent series, but when the chips are down he always seems to step up his performance. 

Prediction: Boston wins 3-2

Ottawa at New York

Speaking of saving your season, the Rangers used a huge effort in the second period of Game 6 to stay alive and now they get to prove their regular season, which was so remarkable, was not a fluke. 

It's not like Ottawa has been dominant in one particular area this series, it is just doing all the little things to surprise a lot of people. 

The strength of the Senators has never been goaltending, yet Craig Anderson is having one of the best stretches of his career. 

Unless the Rangers can figure out a way to contain Ottawa's offense, they are going to be packing early. It hasn't happened consistently in this series, so it is difficult to predict them to win this game. 

Prediction: Ottawa wins 2-0

New Jersey at Florida

This has easily been the best and most exciting series of the postseason so far, but the Panthers have a lot of decisions to make as we head into Game 7. 

Goaltending has been a source of uncertainty for them since the series started. Scott Clemmensen has gotten the call in three of the last four games with middling results and a 1-2 record. 

Jose Theodore is battling a mysterious injury, which has kept him out of three games this series. His presence, or lack thereof, is going to be critical to determining who wins this series. 

Even though the Devils don't have a strong offensive team, it is hard to bet against Martin Brodeur in a must-win situation. 

NHL Playoff Schedule

Game 7: Washington Capitals at Boston Bruins, Wednesday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. EST on NBC Sports Network

Game 7: Ottawa Senators at New York Rangers, Thursday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. EST on CBC

Game 7: New Jersey Devils at Florida Panthers, Thursday, April 26 at 8:30 p.m. EST on TSN

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