The 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs began Wednesday night, starting the chase for the Stanley Cup, which will be awarded to the NHL champion in June.

The Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers are the top seeds in their respective conferences after having the best records during the regular season.

The Eastern Conference from first to eighth consists of the Rangers, Bruins, Panthers, Penguins, Flyers, Devils, Capitals and Senators.

The Western Conference from first to eighth is made up of the Canucks, Blues, Coyotes, Predators, Red Wings, Blackhawks, Sharks and Kings.