Western Conference Playoff Predictions

For the first year in a quite a while, the Western Conference as a whole looks weaker than the Eastern Conference which is why the Stanley Cup winner will likely come from the East this year. There are simply too many question marks in the West and too many teams who have unproven players in key positions. Let’s take a look at this year’s first round playoffs match ups with conference seeding in brackets.

Detroit Red Wings (1) vs. Nashville Predators (8)
After last season’s humiliating loss to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks, the Red Wings will certainly not be taking the Nashville Predators lightly. Detroit has been guaranteed a playoff position for quite a while and have not played too many important games in the last two months. This is probably the only thing the Nashville Predators have going for them as they have been in a dog fight all year for a playoff position. Detroit’s only question mark (and it’s a big one) is in goal. With Dominek Hasek long gone, Curtis Joseph with a wonky ankle and Manny Legace coming off a few shaky starts, it will be interesting to see who Coach Dave Lewis will start in game one. Look for Detroit to win in five games.

San Jose Sharks (2) vs. St. Louis Blues (7)
This could be one of the best series in the first round of the playoffs. The Sharks have exceeded all expectations this season by winning the Pacific Division after missing the playoffs last season. The St. Louis Blues have underachieved all year but seem to be coming together at just the right time. The Sharks’ overachieving and the Blues’ underachieving should average out to a hard fought series between two very solid hockey teams. Look for this series to go seven games with the Blues winning it.

Vancouver Canucks (3) vs. Calgary Flames (6)
Here are two teams that both want it really bad. Vancouver wants to redeem themselves after a humiliating collapse in last year’s playoffs which saw them surrender a three to one series lead to the Minnesota Wild. They also want to show the rest of the hockey world that they did not fall apart after the Todd Bertuzzi incident. The Calgary Flames have not been in the playoffs since 1995. In a hockey city like Calgary, it was nine years of agony for the fans. Goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff is a big reason why the Flames qualified for this season’s playoffs. Jarome Iginla finished in a three way tie for the Rocket Richard Trophy and he will be counted on to do the bulk of the scoring. As Iginla goes so do the Flames. The Canucks have much more depth up front with players like Markus Naslund, Brendan Morrison, Geoff Sanderson, Martin Rucinsky and the Sedin twins. Look for Vancouver to win this series in six games.

Colorado Avalanche (4) vs. Dallas Stars (5)
This is another series where one really good team will have their season cut short. Both teams are candidates to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup final. The Avalanche have underachieved this season and have a big question mark in goal. The Stars have struggled as well but have played much better of late and have arguably the better goalie. Look for this series to go seven games with the Stars winning it.