The NHL has sent out a release announcing that the 2012 playoff schedule will be made public on Sunday afternoon. Specifically, the schedule will be announced on NHL Network and NHL.com at 1 p.m. ET. The announcement will let fans know the dates, start times and TV schedule for the first round of the playoffs.

For the Detroit Red Wings' series against the Nashville Predators, there are rumors that it could start on Wednesday.

This is pure rumor but hearing that the Wings will play Wednesday/Friday.The WED game will make Bruce fans in DET happy as he plays Thurs!

— Jeff Riger (@riger1984) April 7, 2012

If the first two games of the series are indeed on Wednesday and Friday, then Game 3 -- the first game in Detroit -- would likely be set for Sunday or Monday.

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