OK hockey fans, the 2012 NHL Playoffs start tonight! This year the race for first place in the league was closer than it’s ever been. 10 teams tallied more than 100 points in the regular season and it’s anyone’s guess who will win the Stanley Cup Finals… actually who are we kidding, everyone knows the Pittsburgh Penguins are unstoppable.
Scary Sidney
Who is going to stop the Penguins? They have Sidney Crosby, by far the best player in the NHL, who is looking healthy and fresh as he got a nice 1 year rest from the concussion he suffered last January in the Winter Classic. If Sid can stay healthy throughout the playoffs, there is no hope for any other team.
Crosby Malkin DuoCourtesy of the NHL
Evgeni Malkin might be the other reason why Pittsburgh is the scariest team to face in the NHL Playoffs. “Geno” (Evgeni’s nickname) was the only player to score more than 100 points this year in the NHL regular season, and he even missed 10 games with an injury. Geno is healthy and will be a huge force in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh vs Philadelphia
The Penguins will show their ferocity right off the bat in the opening round of the playoffs as they have the toughest first round opponents for any contender… the Philadelphia Flyers. It will be a big battle as the Flyers are also stacked with offensive power. NHL future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr is looking pretty strong for his age and his teammates Claude Giroux and Daniel Briere are playing their best hockey ever. The Flyers-Penguins 1st round series should be packed with goals!
Canucks vs Kings
Jonathon QuickCourtesy of the NHL
As the Penguins make their run in the East side of the bracket, which team will grind their way to the Stanley Cup Finals from the West side? The Vancouver Canucks won their second Presidents Trophy back to back and will have home-ice advantage throughout their playoff run. However, they are also in tough up against a new and improved Los Angeles Kings team full of superstars including their flashy goalie Jonathon Quick.
Have Your Say
Kidzworld predicts a Vancouver Canucks – Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup Finals… who do you think will make it? Leave us a comment and let us know!!
