Western Conference Playoff Predictions

When I decided to write this post, I consulted a few of my other hockey-attentive associates. After voicing their opinions to me, I realized that none of my friends know anything about hockey, and so I ventured out into the concrete jungle to kidnap a fortune teller. After searching through scattered piles of Gypsies for about a half hour, I finally found the ambiguously gendered mystic that I had been seeking. Once I was done feeding her and discussing politics with her for a good deal, she finally gave me this concrete picture of what the West will look like come playoff time, though she accompanied it with incredibly ambiguous explanations.

1. Vancouver Canucks

2 words: Ryan Kesler.




2. Detroit Red Wings

The veterans' legs have held up well thus far, and that won't change going down the stretch. With Pavel Datsyuk back, and Jimmy Howard regaining his Calder worthy form, expect nothing but good things from the Wings for the rest of the season.


3. San Jose Sharks

Their forwards are too capable and their momentum is too strong for the Phoenix Coyotes to catch them. Though they were seemingly too soft from October to January, the additions of Ian White and Ben Eager have helped the team's grit significantly. As long as Antti Niemi can keep up his play, they'll keep this spot- although who knows how long that will actually be.



4. Los Angeles Kings

Though they lack scoring punch, the Kings are very balanced, and they are back stopped by a good goaltender, and a deep defensive corps. Drew Doughty has recovered from his early season struggles, and a late deadline addition could help push them over the edge. Furthermore, they also have the best GF-GA in the division. By a lot.


5. Phoenix Coyotes

Team game is too strong. Bryzgalov is a solid netminder, and Keith Yandle is nuts. Dave Tippett always manages to get more out of his teams than should really be there, and that will hold true this year.


6. Nashville Predators

Great defensive corps and goaltending. Though the injury bug has hit them hard (hence their recent .500 level play) they will recover from the setbacks and will claim the sixth seed. The addition of Mike Fisher helps make up for the loss of Matthew Lombardi, and good coaching, teamplay, and defense, will make sure that the Preds stay in the playoffs.


7. Chicago Blackhawks

Games in hand on everyone, Duncan Keith, Patrick Kane, Brent Seabrook, Jon Toews. If they don't get in, it will be because of depth. Regardless, I think they'll get the spot.

8. Who Cares

This team will lose to the Canucks. Period. With that being said, it will be the Dallas Stars or Calgary Flames- but not because they deserve it.