2012 NHL Playoffs: Top Seeds And Perennial Contenders Dropping Like Keslers

(Photo via sports.yahoo.com)

If the Washington Capitals find a way to take game 7 in Boston against the Bruins, we'll have no returning Cup champs in the tourney. No Penguins. No Wings. The Blackhawks are holding on by a thread and could be bumped out by Phoenix in the near future.

Eastern Promising: The 93 Point Dash To The NHL Playoffs

(Photo via washingtonpost.com)

93. This is the magic number for all NHL clubs. This has been, in recent seasons, the average number of points needed to get access to the second season. Most teams have about 10 games left to play and, in my view, this is one of the most exciting times as a hockey fan. The playoffs are tops in any fans heart, but the lead up to the first round is where winners and losers are made.

The Race In The East

Capitals vs Lightning - NHL Playoffs - Eastern Conference Semi-Final

This is it! 1,230 games have been completed and the 2nd season begins. 16 teams participate and 1 will hoist the most coveted trophy in professional sports: the Stanley Cup. This is one of the toughest tournaments in the world and P&B will be your round by round guide.

(Photo via hfboards.com)

1

VS

5

2011 Season Series:

Washington won 4-2

What's the story?:

Tampa has showed the world that they are ready to be players again. The reasons?

Where Legends are Made : NHL Playoffs - Eastern Conference - Round 1

This is it! 1,230 games have been completed and the 2nd season begins. 16 teams participate and 1 will hoist the most coveted trophy in professional sports: the Stanley Cup. This is one of the toughest tournaments in the world and P&B will be your round by round guide.

(photo via imageshack)

1

VS

8

2011 Season Series:

New York won 3-1

What's the Story?:

The Rangers barely squeaked into the 8th seed thanks to Carolina's inability to capitalize in game #82.