The 2012 NHL playoff schedule was just announced by the league. We now know that the first-round series in the Western Conference between the Detroit Red Wings and Nashville Predators will start on Wednesday, as rumors previously suggested. Game 2 of the series will take place on Friday before the series shifts to Detroit for the third and fourth games on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. If necessary, Game 5 will be held on April 20, while Game 6 will be on April 22 and Game 7 is scheduled for April 24.

Here's a look at the full schedule (all times Eastern):

Game 1: Red Wings at Predators - Wednesday, April 11, 8 p.m. (FS Detroit, CNBC, CBC)

Game 2: Red Wings at Predators - Friday, April 13, 7:30 p.m. (FS Detroit, CNBC, CBC)

Game 3: Predators at Red Wings - Sunday, April 15, 12 p.m. (NBC, CBC)

Game 4: Predators at Red Wings - Tuesday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. (FS Detroit, NBC Sports Network, CBC)

*Game 5: Red Wings at Predators - Friday, April 20, 8 p.m. (FS Detroit, CNBC, CBC)

*Game 6: Predators at Red Wings - Sunday, April 22, TBD

*Game 7: Red Wings at Predators - Tuesday, April 24, TBD

*If necessary

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