NHL Playoffs 2012: Analyzing The Eastern Conference Playoff Picture

The 2012 NHL Playoffs are upon us, and the matchups this year should provide just as much thrilling action as in years past. Here's a look at what to expect from the Eastern Conference this spring.

2012 NHL Playoffs, Adam McQuaid Injury Update: Bruins' Defenseman Out For Game 1

Boston Bruins coach Claude Julien announced Wednesday that defenseman Adam McQuaid will not play in the team's Stanley Cup Playoff-opening game against the Washington Capitals on Thursday night.

Ironically, McQuaid originally injured himself on March 29 against the Capitals after being hit by Jason Chimera. McQuaid needed 18 stitches in his eye after the incident and missed the three subsequent games. He did return to the lineup on April 5, but the return was not for long after he told the trainers he didn't feel well enough to continue.

The Bruins also announced Wednesday that Nathan Horton will miss the entire 2012 NHL Playoffs due to a concussion suffered on Jan. 22.

For everything Bruins related, check out Stanley Cup Of Chowder. For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, head to Japers' Rink. You can also head over to the SB Nation NHL hub page for more on hockey news as the playoffs begin.

NHL Playoffs 2012: Which Boston Bruins Player Must Step Up Vs. Washington Capitals?

Who will step it up for the Boston Bruins in the 2012 NHL Playoffs? How about netminder Tim Thomas? In last season's Stanley Cup winning run, Thomas was 16-9 with a 1.98 GAA, .940 save percentage and four shutouts. Thomas' regular season numbers weren't as sparkling as last season but if he's 90% of what he was in last year's playoffs, the Bruins could make another run.

What about the fourth line guys? The grinders are important in wearing down the opposition over the course of a series but they also provided some scoring punch last year's playoffs.

How about Milan Lucic? Lucic was third on the team in scoring during the regular season with 26 goals. He's had five goals in each of the past two playoffs.

For everything Bruins related, check out Stanley Cup Of Chowder. For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, head to Japers' Rink. You can also head over to the SB Nation NHL hub page for more on hockey news as the playoffs begin.

2012 NHL Playoffs, Bruins Vs. Capitals: Boston Needs Discipline In Round One

The Boston Bruins ended an up-and-down regular season strongly to enter the 2012 NHL Playoffs with a bit of momentum, which they will test against the Washington Capitals in the first round.

SB Nation's Angie Lewis previews the matchup, breaking down which team has the advantage in each portion of the game and what each team needs to accomplish to win the series.

Lewis gives the Bruins an edge in offense, defense and goaltending, but believes the Capitals have better special teams. She predicts Boston will win if it maintains discipline.

BRUINS WILL WIN IF ... they play disciplined hockey. The Caps can hurt the Bruins if their power play clicks and gets their top players going without the pressure of matchups. Thus, it would work in Boston's favor to stay out the box. Not only in penalty stats, but also it would be best for the B's to just not get too caught up in trying to repeat. Taking it one game at a time keeps them focused and not so arrogant or loose that they forget to take out the Caps.

For everything Bruins related, check out Stanley Cup Of Chowder. For more news, analysis, and discussion on Capitals hockey, head to Japers' Rink. You can also head over to the SB Nation NHL hub page for more on hockey news as the playoffs begin.

NHL Playoffs 2012: Bruins Face Off Against Capitals In Opening Round

They're back and just as hungry as last year. Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins will face Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, which begins Thursday night in Boston.