NHL Playoffs 2012: Each Team's X-Factor Heading into Round 2

The second round of the playoffs is under way and teams are fighting to make it to their division's final series. Ultimately, each team has a goal of making the Stanley Cup.

Each surviving team is going to need to utilize their intangibles to win this series. Here is every team's x-factor heading into round two.

New York Rangers: Power Play

This postseason has not been kind to the New York Rangers and their power play, so they need to improve there or this series against the Washington Capitals will be a brief one.

The Rangers power play is currently at a 13.9%, which is the third worst of the remaining teams in the playoffs. They have gotten great production in the goal from Henrik Lundqvist, which fueled their first round victory over the Ottawa Senators.

Should the power play come together, the Rangers will be a force to be reckoned with the rest of the playoffs. 

Washington Capitals: Use of Star Power

The Washington Capitals may have some of the most talented players in the league, but they will need to show up big time if they want to taste victory.

Alexander Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin will need to lead the way, as they are among the most skilled players in the league. Combined, they attained six goals and seven assists in the first round vs. Boston, which is not horrible, but should be better.

If they can get it together, the Capitals can challenge any other team in a best-of-seven series.

Philadelphia Flyers: Goaltending

The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins had one of the most entertaining playoff series I have ever seen in my life. It was like watching the Detroit Red Wings-Colorado Avalanche rivalry of the 90's. It was an absolute goal fest, with neither team looking as if they could stop shots.

This could be problematic for the Flyers going forward. Not every series is going to be as emotional as the series they had with Pittsburgh. If they fail to have consistently good goaltending, they are in deep trouble. 

Ilya Bryzgalov will need to dig down deep and play his heart out, or it could be a disappointing second round for the Flyers.

New Jersey Devils: Penalty Kill

The New Jersey Devils penalty kill this postseason has been atrocious at best. Their penalty kill percentage is at 69.7%, good for second-to-last among teams still in the playoffs. Simply said, Martin Brodeur needs some help.

New Jersey is going up against the Flyers, who have had a great power play so far in the playoffs. If the Devils lose this playoff series to the Flyers, I guarantee it will be because of a poor penalty kill.

St. Louis Blues: Forecheck

The St. Louis Blues need to keep up the pressure on Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, so they will need an aggressive forecheck to keep peppering him with shots. The more shots they can get on Quick, the better chance they have of scoring.

The Blues have a great forecheck as they pressure teams into making mistakes. Just watching them this season has showed how successful they are when they keep the puck in their opponent's zone.

The St. Louis Blues have one of the best forechecks in hockey, and would be wise to keep utilizing it.

Los Angeles Kings: Jonathan Quick

The Los Angeles Kings can be the most dangerous team in the playoffs if Jonathan Quick continues to be dominant in net. He has easily been the best goalie all year, as showcased by his incredible regular season numbers.

He has carried that impressive play into the playoffs, possessing a .955 save percentage and 1.49 goals against average. He was one of the big reasons that the Kings were able to knock off the Vancouver Canucks in round one.

If he continues to play this way, the Kings will be successful.

Phoenix Coyotes: Grind Away Wins

The Phoenix Coyotes had a tough first round matchup in the Chicago Blackhawks, but ultimately prevailed in six games, with five games going to overtime. By the Coyotes experiencing those long-running games in the first round, they gained valuable experience and composure.

The Coyotes are up 2-0 in their series with the Nashville Predators. If they can continue to play a grinding style of hockey that wears down the opposition, they have a bright future.

The longer the game runs, the better it is for Phoenix.

Nashville Predators: Resilience

Right now, things are not looking good for the Nashville Predators, as they have fallen into and 0-2 hole in their second round series with the Phoenix Coyotes. They will need to utilize resilience if they plan on continuing their playoff push.

They will need to pepper Mike Smith with shots, as he has been on fire and basically a brick wall. The Predators have all the talent in the world to bounce back, but it's a matter of getting team morale back and chipping away at their deficit.