2 rounds are done and 2 rounds are left to go in the 2012 NHL Playoffs. So far almost every series has surprised everyone. 4 out of the top-5-ranked teams have been knocked out! All the Superstars are heading for the golf courses and the only teams left relying heavily on the goaltenders to win. We’re halfway through, let’s do a review…
King Klowns
Dustin DuckCourtesy of the NHL
The biggest surprise in the Playoffs so far are the LA Kings. The Kings barely squeaked into the Playoffs, clinching a spot on the final day of the regular season. However, they blew past the Vancouver “President Trophy winners” Canucks, and then they swept the #2 St Louis Blues. How are they doing it and will Cinderella become a King at the end of the story?
Scorched Superstars
Claude GirouxCourtesy of the NHL
The best series of the Playoffs was definitely the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers. Claude Giroux showed everyone that he is the new greatest player in the NHL dumping Sydney Crosby over and over. Claude scored so many points already, that he might be the first player ever to win the playoffs scoring title after getting knocked out of the playoffs in the second round!
Subway Series
Subway SeriesCourtesy of the NHL
The New York Rangers are the only top ranked team left in the playoffs. They’re up for a subway series in the semi-finals with the New Jersey Devils. Lucky New York fans are guaranteed one team in the Stanley Cup Finals. There is definitely going to be some parties in Manhattan in June!
Cup for Coyotes?
Coyote PrideCourtesy of the NHL
Finally, how the heck did the Phoenix Coyotes make it to the Semi-Finals? They have the worst fan support in the NHL and the team is probably going to be sold to Quebec in the next couple of years. Hopefully they lose to the Kings so we don’t remember the Coyotes as the team that won the Cup and then hightailed it out of Dodge.
Goalie Greats
4 Top GunsCourtesy of the NHL
The goalies have been the real reasons why these 4 unsuspected semi-finalists have made it this far. THe NHL is now dominated by the goaltender. If your goalie is hot, you can pretty much beat any team. Here are the candidates for this year's MVP:
- Jonathon "I'm Quick" Quick - LA Kings
- Mike "Don't call me Mike" Smith - Phoenix Coyotes
- Henrik "the Swedish Sunflower" Lundquist - New York Rangers
- Martin "I'm not old, I'm 40, oh yeah, I guess that is old..." Brodeur - New Jersey Devils
Have Your Say
What do you think about all these NHL upsets? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
