2011-12 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap

Overview

The 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs were the playoff tournament of the National Hockey League (NHL) for the 2011–12 season. It began on April 11, 2012, after the conclusion of the regular season. The playoffs concluded on June 11, 2012, with the Los Angeles Kings defeating the New Jersey Devils in six games to win their first Stanley Cup championship.

The playoffs were played in a 16-team format, with the top eight teams from each conference qualifying. The playoffs were played in a best-of-seven format, with the higher-seeded team hosting the first two and potentially fifth and seventh games.

Key Moments

Some of the key moments of the playoffs included:

• The Los Angeles Kings' upset of the Vancouver Canucks in the first round. The Canucks were the defending Presidents' Trophy winners, but the Kings swept them in four games.
• The New York Rangers' comeback from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Washington Capitals in the second round. The Rangers won Game 7 in overtime to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.
• The Los Angeles Kings' victory over the Phoenix Coyotes in the Western Conference Finals. The Coyotes were the Cinderella team of the playoffs, but the Kings defeated them in five games.
• The Los Angeles Kings' Stanley Cup victory over the New Jersey Devils. The Kings won Game 6 in overtime to clinch the series and win their first Stanley Cup championship.

Statistical Leaders

The following players led the playoffs in various statistical categories:

• Goals: Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins), 10
• Assists: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), 19
• Points: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), 28
• Goals-against average: Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings), 1.41
• Save percentage: Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings), .946