NHL Predictions: Final Push for the Playoffs

As all eyes turn to the NCAA tournament, true hockey fans stay focused on their sport. With about 12 games left for each team, it's crunch time for teams on the brink of a playoff berth.

This is the time when stars shine, true battlers work that much harder under pressure, and goaltenders play the most important position on the ice.

With three teams battling for two final playoff spots in the West and two teams chasing Boston for the eighth seed in the East, it should be a nail-biter until the end of the season.

It's anyone's guess how it will all play out, but here's my take on it for your consideration.

Western Conference

1. San Jose Sharks —Heatley and Marleau highlight a fantastic Sharks team. 

2. Chicago Blackhawks —A division title all but clinched, the 'Hawks ride smoothly into the postseason. 

3. Colorado Avalanche —A young team bounces back from an awful season a year ago. 

4. Phoenix Coyotes— A franchise on the edge of irrelevancy has a great season to put it back in the headlines. 

5. Vancouver Canucks —Luongo is strong in net, and the Canucks continue to be consistent. 

6. Los Angeles Kings —A young Kings team revives a franchise that had experienced no success since No. 99 was in town. 

7. Detroit Red Wings —It may be too late to fight their way to the top, but the return of injured players have put new life into the Wings. 

8. Nashville Predators —The Preds hold onto the final spot for a playoff berth. 

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9. Calgary Flames —The Flames come up a little bit short this time, bringing Calgary down to Earth. 

10. Anaheim Ducks —A couple of wins over top seeds of late doesn't make up all the ground Anaheim needs to cover. 

11. St. Louis Blues —No second playoff year in a row for a team that comes up just short.

12. Minnesota Wild —The younger Koivu has emerged as a leader, but maybe it's just too early for a rebuilding team. 

13. Dallas Stars —Looks like a rebuilding season next year for the Stars.

14. Columbus Blue Jackets —Nash needs a little help, doesn't he?

15. Edmonton Oilers —I think most of the world stopped watching this team a while ago. 

Eastern Conference

1. Washington Capitals —A president's trophy team for sure, Ovie and the Caps are looking good. 

2. New Jersey Devils —This is the only team Pittsburgh hasn't figured out yet. 

3. Buffalo Sabres —Although struggling a little, the Sabres hang on to their division title. 

4. Pittsburgh Penguins —No division title this time, but a chance at a repeat. 

5. Ottawa Senators —Not able to capitalize on their opportunities, the Sens set themselves up for a first-round challenge. 

6. Philadelphia Flyers —Beating the odds and reaching the playoffs, Philly sets up a classic match-up vs. Buffalo. 

7. Montreal Canadiens —Carey Price hasn't been the superstar everyone thought he would be, but he's done enough for a third-straight playoff season.

8. New York Rangers —Gaborik proves useful in a late-season push to make the playoffs. 

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9. Boston Bruins —Just missing the playoffs, the Bruins will look to regain their powerhouse title next year. 

10. Atlanta Thrashers —Kovalchuck's trade leaves little star power—definitely not enough to make the postseason. 

11. Tampa Bay Lightning —Stamkos' breakout season ends after 82 games. 

12. Carolina Hurricanes —The 'Canes make up a little ground, but not enough. 

13. New York Islanders —Better, but NYI still needs more improvement. 

14. Florida Panthers —Boothe's injury has left Florida for dead. 

15. Toronto Maple Leafs —Additions of Giguere and Phaneuf aren't enough to revive a franchise. 

Playoffs—Round One

Western Conference

SJ vs. NSH—Sharks in four—An easy way to start the playoffs for the Sharks. 

CHI vs. DET—Red Wings in seven—A nail-biting renewing of a rivalry leaves the 'Hawks in the dust. 

COL vs. LA—Avalanche in six—An entertaining series sends Duchenne deeper into the postseason. 

PHX vs. VAN—Coyotes in seven—Another close series in the Wild West sets up a good second-round match-up. 

Eastern Conference

WAS vs. NYR—Capitals in five—A rematch of last year ends two games sooner this time. 

NJ vs. MON—Devils in six—Brodeur continues to improve his resume. 

BUF vs. PHI—Sabres in six—Buffalo has the slight edge over Philly in a rivalry series. 

PIT vs. OTT—Senators in seven—Spezza and the Sens step up when it really matters to take down Crosby. 

Playoffs—Round Two

Western Conference

SJ vs. DET—Red Wings in seven—After a season sweep of San Jose, Detroit pulls the giant upset to continue a Cinderella season. 

COL vs. PHX—Avalanche in six—The Avs punch Detroit's tickets to Colorado, setting up a classic series. 

Eastern Conference

WAS vs. OTT—Capitals in six—Ottawa holds the Caps close, but it's Washington that emerges eventually. 

NJ vs. BUF—Devils in seven—Olympic goalies Miller and Brodeur face off in a close series. 

Playoffs—Round Three

Western Conference

COL vs. DET—Red Wings in seven—The Wings drop some jaws, going to the Finals for the third year in a row. 

Eastern Conference

WAS vs. NJ—Capitals in five—This series is less than it was bargained for, but in the end, Ovechkin gets his shot at filling the gaping hole in his resume—a Stanley Cup. 

Playoffs—Stanley Cup Series

WAS vs. DET—Capitals in six—Detroit has a lot of fire going into this series, but would Washington prove to be too much? After splitting the games in Washington, fans are all on the edge of their seats to start Game Three. After jumping out early, Detroit is subject to a giant comeback led by—who else—Ovechkin. In shock, Detroit drops not only that game, but the next. Washington has them up against the wall, but the Wings stay alive in Game Five. An epic Game Six is decided by Detroit's inability to bury the puck. By a margin of 3-1, Ovechkin wastes no time in equaling Crosby by defeating Detroit to hoist the Stanley Cup. 

Stanley Cup Champions: Washington Capitals

Finals MVP - LW 8 Ovechkin (Runner-Up: G 40 Varlamov)