By Kat
If you’re a Canadian hockey fan, the idea of seeing NHL tickets for the 3rd round of the playoffs for under $50 seems like a pipe dream. But these have been no ordinary playoffs.
The postseason is the time ripe for unexpected twists and turns, and few could’ve predicted this year’s edition of the final four of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs. To the lament of fans hoping to see a repeat of the star-studded lineups and presence of big-market teams of last year’s playoffs, the 2012 Conference Finals seem to mark a resurgence of pre-lockout hockey. That means structured defence trumping end-to-end offence, shooting galleries being replaced by walls of players blocking shots, and rosters filled with names that would’ve made a casual fan go “huh?” back in October 2011. It’s blue-collar hockey to a tee, but not necessarily something the NHL would’ve liked after seeing some great TV ratings for Round One.
It says a lot when a Phoenix Coyotes-New Jersey Devils matchup could very well be in the cards for the Stanley Cup Final. And yes, I AM talking about those same Coyotes whose third-round tickets can be had for as low as $30. Call me a bitter Canucks fan, but it’s hard to not feel just a little bit ripped off in the hype department after the bar was set so high last year. On the other hand, we’ll get to see whether playoff success ultimately translates into a greater following in the lower-key markets in Los Angeles, Phoenix and New Jersey.
So what of the 2012 Conference Finals? With so many surprise teams, it can feel like rolling the dice when it comes to making predictions.
Kat’s Picks
East Final: 
New York Rangers (1st in East) vs. New Jersey Devils (6th in East)
While it’s not quite Pittsburgh/Philly or Vancouver/Boston in terms of hype, these cross-town, cross-river divisional rivals will have lots to hate about each other by the time this series is done. Everyone remembers the line brawl they had to begin a game earlier in the season. With the two arenas a mere train ride away, the atmosphere at the rink should be charged with the presences of both teams’ fans. On the ice, both teams rely on sound defensive play, great goaltending and a balanced effort to win games.
Prediction: Devils in seven.
Fatigue from two tight seven-game series prior may work against the Rangers, especially given how narrow the margin of victory was for them against two supposedly lesser squads. The Devils are winning by committee in these playoffs, which will make it all that much harder for the Rangers to shut them down. The Devils handled the high-powered Flyers rather easily in Round two, and I can’t see New York will be able to break through to score many on Martin Brodeur given how anemic their offence has been these playoffs.
West Final 
Phoenix Coyotes (3rd in West) vs. Los Angeles Kings (8th in West)
Well there go our playoff brackets. Anyone who bet on these two teams making it this far (which is probably not many) should’ve put some money down. It’s a battle of two defensive-minded teams that sit in two sun-soaked, under-appreciative markets that have found on-ice success from the net out. Goalies Jonathan Quick and Mike Smith deserve most of the credit as to why these two teams are here; as they go, so do their teams in front of them.
Prediction: Kings in six.
While both teams have the same number of wins, game-changing goalies, and play defensively-minded systems, the Kings possess a stronger set of skaters and have been dominant thus far in the playoffs. Los Angeles is bigger, more physical and well-rested, and their star players have been the difference for them. Off-season moves that had the Kings penned as early powerhouses on paper seem to finally be materializing on the ice. While Phoenix is a feel-good story, having found success through a motley collection of discarded 1st-rounders and reclamation projects, their lack of elite-level talent will be their undoing.
What are your predictions for the 2012 Conference Finals?
This year’s edition of the the NHL playoffs give fans an opportunity to see a brand new set teams and players grind it out for hockey’s biggest prize. ShowTimeTickets.com has NHL playoff tickets for every team and every game; we are never sold out!