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It's the most wonderful time of the year, with four playoff games on tap, all of which will be televised nationally (all times Central):
| Visitor | Home | Time / Networ |
| Ottawa | NY Rangers | 6:00 p.m. NHL Network |
| Washington | Boston | 6:30 p.m. NBC Sports |
| San Jose | St Louis | 6:30 p.m. CNBC |
| Chicago | Phoenix | 9:00 p.m. NBC Sports |
For background, here are the OTF prediction posts related to each series (the Chicago/Phoenix one will post later this evening):
2012 NHL Playoffs: New York Rangers favored against Ottawa Senators - On the Forecheck
The Rangers rode a workmanlike team mindset and great goaltending to the #1 seed in the East this season, but face a surprising Ottawa squad which wasn't expected to make the playoffs.
2012 NHL Playoffs: Boston Bruins begin Stanley Cup defense against Washington - On the Forecheck
The Bruins want to be the first Stanley Cup champions to defend their title since Detroit in 1998, and tonight they launch that campaign against a Washington Capitals squad which has gone through fits & starts just to make the playoffs.
2012 NHL Playoffs: St. Louis Blues hope to feast on the Sharks - On the Forecheck
Can the big names at the top of San Jose's depth chart triumph over the chain-gang approach in St. Louis?