The NHL Playoffs have begun and 16 teams prepare for battle to-be the Stanley Cup Champions. The 2012 season was an onslaught of nonstop action and the last week determined which teams were going to make it into the playoffs. There are a few teams they have been red-hot coming into the playoffs, like the New Jersey Devils, who have won 6 in a row.
Most NHL sports analysts believe that the Pittsburgh Penguins are-favored to win the Stanley Cup this year. There are several significant reasons why they feel that way too, but I wouldn’t be surprised if another team stole the show. In the Eastern Conference, there are several teams that have a great chance to upset the Penguins. Especially, there first round opponents the Philadelphia Flyers.
After one week of action, the Philadelphia Flyers are on the verge of beating the Penguins, as they have man-handled the Penguins. The Flyers were able to win the first three games of the series. They attempted to sweep the Penguins, as they led the series 3-0. In a record-setting game 4, the Penguins scored 10 goals to avoid the sweep and finally showed their talent to stay alive in the series. However, the chances of Pittsburgh coming back to win the series are very slim. Although, anything is possible and we have seen teams pull off the impossible.
The New York Rangers had a sensational season and with Henrik Lindqvist in the nets, they could make it very interesting. The Rangers have not won a title in 18 years and they will be gunning for a title again. However, with a thrilling overtime win in Ottawa last-night, the Senators have evened up the series at 2-2. If the Rangers lose the series, it will be a big upset and would be a waste of a hard-fought season by the Rangers. The Flyers are a physical and offensive team and they have proven themselves so far.
Last years champions the Boston Bruins are battling the Washington Capitals in the first round and-lead the series 2-1. The Bruins are the better team and besides for Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals are really not much of a threat. During the Playoffs there have been several upsets and if the favorites continue to lose. An underdog team might be taking the cup home. The Chicago Blackhawks another favorite to win it all, is also in the hole 2-1, to the Phoenix Coyotes.
In conclusion, with all-of-the upsets going on around the league there is a very good chance that we will have an unforeseen Stanley Cup winner this year. The question is which one? Will the Florida Panthers continue there-dominance of the New Jersey Devils? Will the Ottawa Senators upset the number-one seeded N.Y. Rangers? One thing is for sure, it-appears that the favorite means nothing in this years playoffs and there will be several more upsets as the playoffs continue. Generally, the team with the best defense and superior goaltender will win the cup, but don’t underestimate the underdog this year.
