NHL Playoffs 2012: Power Ranking Best Possible Finals Matchups

There truly is nothing like NHL playoff hockey, and in a couple of weeks the casual fans will realize there is really nothing like NHL Stanley Cup Final hockey.

No matter who makes the finals, it will surely be full of action, but that doesn't mean the right matchup can't make it even better.

Here's a look at the best possible remaining matchups for the finals. 

3. Los Angeles Kings vs Washington Capitals

The classic East Coast-West Coast battle.

The Kings are playing remarkable defense right now, led by, of course, goaltender Jonathan Quick, who is letting just 1.56 goals per game get past him. That's easily the best number of any playoff team. 

The Capitals could very well be eliminated on Wednesday, but I include them in this list because of a little guy named Alex Ovechkin. 

He's had a down season by his standards, but Ovie is just so dangerous when he lines up for a shot. Watching a full series of Ovechkin's dangerous abilities against Jonathan Quick's wonder-glove would be terrific.

What's more, this would be No. 8 vs. No. 7. It would certainly appeal to the underdog lovers. 

2. Phoenix Coyotes vs New Jersey Devils

The Kings may currently be the story of the West right now, but the Coyotes, who no one expected to be here at the beginning of the season, are certainly flying under the radar.

Seeing Phoenix, a team that has been for sale for a long time, make it to the Stanley Cup finals would be one of the stories of the year.

Pitting them against the Devils, who are putting in goals at a ridiculous rate right now, would make for a very good matchup. 

1. Los Angeles Kings vs New York Rangers

We mentioned earlier how good Quick has been as Los Angeles' goaltender, but don't forget about Henrik Lundqvist.

Easily one of the best goalies in the NHL, he is a big reason why New York is a No. 1 seed and is just one win away from the conference finals.

It's not a shock when an elite goalie leads his team to a title (just look at Tim Thomas with the Boston Bruins last year), and this matchup would pit the two hottest goalkeepers against each other.

Yes, please. 

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