NHL Playoff Schedule 2012: Matchups Destined for Compelling Finishes

We aren't very far into the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs, and things have already reached a fever pitch.

We've seen goalie duels and lopsided score-fests. We've seen overtime thrillers and first periods that last over an hour, mostly because we've seen a whole lot of rough stuff.

We've had plenty of controversies as well, none more prominent than the decisions of Brendan Shanahan regarding player suspensions.

But mostly, we've just seen hockey being played at the highest level.

So which series are bound to offer fantastic finishes? Which matchups will have us on the edge of our seats or out of our chairs, yelling at the television?

Which series could be an all-time classic?

Well, let's find out.

 

Philadelphia Flyers vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

This one won't be a classic because it goes to seven games. The Penguins will be likely to get out of Philadelphia, trailing 3-0 and having been thoroughly outplayed in the past two games.

But if the rivalry all season between these two teams—which devolved from being chippy to an all-out skirmish in Game 3—is any indication, any game in the Keystone Clash is must-see television.

Between a crazy amount of skill that has resulted in 32 total goals in three games to every whistle being accompanied by a shoving match, these games have been magnificent, confounding train-wrecks.

More magnificent if you are a Flyers fan, more train-wreck if you are a Penguins fan, and confounding to everyone else. Oh, and a whole lot of fun. No matter when it ends, you don't want to miss it.

 

Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Red Wings

I thought this one was going to be a classic before it started, and it looks headed that way.

All three games have been decided by one goal, and for that matter, have finished as 3-2 scores. There is not lack of star power, no lack of intensity and certainly never a moment where it seems one side or the other has seized control.

The series everyone was talking about heading into the playoffs was the Flyers vs. Penguins, and that hasn't disappointed as rivalries go. But if you are looking for hockey at its best, look no further—these two teams are playing it.

This one will go seven games, mark my words.

 

Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals

There have been 32 goals in three games between the Flyers and Capitals. There have been four goals in two games in this series.

Oh, and both games have gone to overtime, with Game 2 needing two overtime periods to settle things.

It's been of little surprise that Tim Thomas already has a shutout and has played this well. It's what he does this time of year.

But Capitals' goalie Braden Holtby has been superb, allowing only two goals in the first two games and keeping the Caps close by turning aside 72 of the Bruins' 74 shots in the series.

Despite offensive weapons like Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Semin, the Capitals are only going to stay in this one if they continue to play solid, physical defense and get more gems from Holtby.

A hot goaltender can sway a series like nothing else, and I'm not sure Boston has the firepower to run away with this one. Looks like this one could be headed toward seven.

 

Looking for an NHL playoff television schedule that includes every first-round game? Bleacher Report has you covered.

 

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets light the lamp like Danny Briere.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1147745-nhl-playoff-schedule-2012-matchups-destined-for-compelling-finishes

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