NHL Playoff Predictions 2012: Picking Winners for Remaining Postseason Series

The 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs are well under way and the semifinals are rolling right along. It won’t be long until players from one lucky team are taking terms hoisting the cup and celebrating.

Let’s take a look at each remaining series, pick a winner for them and then predict who will win the whole thing.

Semifinals

New Jersey Devils over Philadelphia Flyers in seven.

The Devils came damn close to stealing Game 1 in Philadelphia. They lost in overtime and get another crack at evening up the series on the road tonight. If they can pull off the victory, they will be in good shape to advance.

New York Rangers over Washington Capitals in six.

The Caps stole a game in New York to even the series. Alexander Ovechkin scored the game-winning goal, despite seeing less than 14 minutes of ice time.

It’ll be interesting to see if the Caps can continue winning with such unconventional lines. It’s highly doubtful and the Rangers skill should overwhelm the opposition eventually.

Los Angeles Kings over St. Louis Blues in five.

Los Angeles shocked the Vancouver Canucks in five games and are on the verge of doing the same to the Blues. They have a 2-0 series lead and are actually still hoping to pull off a sweep. L.A. has more momentum than anyone in this postseason.

Phoenix Coyotes over Nashville Predators in six.

The ‘Yotes are also up 2-0 on their opponent and seem poised to do battle in the Western Conference final with the Kings. Nashville is a good enough team to make this a competitive series, but it has dug too big a hole to get out of.

Conference finals

Rangers over Devils in six.

This classic rivalry will be renewed in the Eastern Conference final. The two teams last met in the ECF back in 1994 in an epic seven-game series. The Rangers went on to win that and then defeat the Canucks for the Stanley Cup. Expect the Rangers to win again here if they meet NJ and attempt to repeat that destiny.

Kings over Coyotes in seven.

L.A.’s momentum is going to carry them into the Stanley Cup Final. The Kings are unstoppable right now and the Coyotes will not be able to best them in seven games.

Stanley Cup Final

Kings over Rangers in seven.

This epic New York vs. Los Angeles final would be one for the ages. Both teams would scrape tooth and nail to win, and it would be a David vs. Goliath battle.

If I had to choose a winner, the Kings would be the choice. They are the hottest team in hockey and will not lose if they get this far.