NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Matchups You Can't Miss

The second round of the playoffs has commenced, and I have already been licking my chops at the great matchups and possible matchups that could come out of these series.

Eight superior teams remain, all fighting for the chance at Lord Stanley's Cup. This, of course, is the most prestigious prize in all of hockey.

Here are four matchups you cannot miss, especially if they are to happen.

St. Louis Blues vs. Los Angeles Kings

If you haven't been watching this series, I pity you as it has been very good thus far.

Two of the least scored on teams in the NHL have gone to battle in the Western Conference, with the Kings getting the better of the Blues. Both teams have exceptional goaltending, which makes this series the ultimate chess match.

I can see the Blues extending the series to a full seven games, but only time will tell how long these two western powers can duke it out. 

Phoenix Coyotes vs. Los Angeles Kings

I hate to count any team out, but it looks like the Phoenix Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings are on a crash course to meet each other in the Western Conference Finals.

The Coyotes ground away a first-round series win over the Chicago Blackhawks and have been more decisive in their two wins over the Nashville Predators in their second-round series. Behind Mike Smith, the Coyotes have been marvelous.

The LA Kings have a great goalie themselves in Jonathan Quick, who has put the team on his back throughout the season and the playoffs. He will look to continue is stellar play and try to earn the Kings a much coveted Stanley Cup this season. 

New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals

This is another series going on right now that should, and has been to this point, a barn burner.

The Capitals have immense star power and a very rounded team that is capable of beating any team in a seven-game series. Behind the stardom of Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals are a tough out for any team. They were able to knock off the defending Stanley Cup champs in the first round, grinding out a seven game series over the Boston Bruins.

Meanwhile, the Rangers are the top-ranked team in the Eastern Conference. Under the tutelage of John Tortorella, the Rangers have been dominant in the NHL this year. They ran into a tough series with the Ottawa Senators in the first round, but proved their dominance by knocking them off.  

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Los Angeles Kings

Yes, this is the third mention of the Los Angeles Kings. I am not biased toward their team, but I simply believe they are the team to beat in this year's playoffs.

As mentioned the Kings have the best goaltender in the NHL in possessing Jonathan Quick. The Flyers have been goal scoring machines so far in the playoffs. That is a great contrast if both are to meet in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Furthermore, the Flyers have been incapable of stopping goals from going into the net so far. This is the great challenge they would face in playing the Kings, who have let very few pucks in the net.

If this series happened, it would be both exciting and intriguing, as there is a great difference between the two teams. This, of course, would only be possible in the Stanley Cup Finals.