2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs: After Two Days

Hockey is back. And while it's been for a while, after just two days of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, North America is sure this postseason is poised to be one of the best.

There was most certainly no shying from the start, as the NHL kicked it off with Game 1 of an outstanding rivalry game: Flyers-Penguins. Pittsburgh with outstanding skill jumped out to a 3-0 lead, but it was the Flyers, led by Danny Briere, who would strike back to shock the Consol Energy Center faithful and win the game 4-3 in overtime.

Many hockey fans were shocked at that result, but they only had more on their way, with a heart-racing Red Wings-Predators matchup in Nashville.

While many have predicted the Nashville Predators to come out of the West to compete for the Stanley Cup, it was apparent that the Preds had some offensive struggles. Regardless, Pekka Rinne carried his team to a 3-2 win over the rival Red Wings.

The nightcap on Wednesday didn't seen as interesting as the first few contests, yet this exciting Game 1 of a Kings-Canucks series would poise to be just that.

The heavily-favored Vancouver team would jump out in front right away on an Alexandre Burrows goal. The Canucks would have problems of their own with discipline, which would lead for the Kings to take advantage of their power plays, and come back in front with a 2-1 lead.

Despite Vancouver tying it up with less than 10 seconds left in the second period, Los Angeles would take the lead late in the third and upset Vancouver 4-2.

Thursday night was also an interesting night, featuring an emotion-testing Sharks-Blues Game 1, which the Sharks would win in overtime. The Bruins would shutout the Capitals 1-0 in overtime as well.

The Rangers did not shy to show their abilites, winning 4-2 at MSG, despite a late offensive surge by the Senators.

The Blackhawks would struggle quite a bit against Phoenix, ultimately losing 3-2 in OT, despite Brent Seabrook's goal to tie the game with 14.2 seconds left in the third period. Jonathan Toews also returned in Game 1, and tallied a goal and an assist.

The playoffs have offered plenty of excitement, and our hometown Blackhawks will continue their stride for the Cup on Saturday night in Game 2 against Phoenix. As for the other 15 teams with the same goal (no pun intended), they will all be back in action either Friday or Saturday night for a Game 2.

The postseason shall offer many battles and conflicts, but only one team can lift Lord Stanley's Cup in June. Is this the year?