Western Conference Playoff Predictions Reviewed

The final seeding in the west looked a little different than I had predicted, but overall teams finished in similar positions to those that I expected. However, there were two big differences, Nashville finished much higher in the race than I thought, ending up with the fifth seed, and the LA Kings finished lower than expected at the seventh seed. Regardless, the points were so tight that mistakes like that are to be expected. Still, there was one glaring omission from my predictions that deserves address, and that is the Anaheim Ducks. They deserved to be omitted at the time- they were six points out, had their Vezina caliber goalie out indefinitely, and had a seemingly soft defense. As it turns out, their defense turned out to be much stronger than expected, as Lubomir Visnovsky has carried out an absolutely Norris worthy campaign. Their goaltending situation also seemed to get shored up with the acquisitions of veteran Dan Ellis, and feel good story Ray Emery, who turned out to be incredibly clutch down the stretch. Add in the absolute scoring might of their top line, and the utter dominance of Corey Perry (who in my opinion is the MVP hands down this season), and it makes sense that they now sit at the fourth seed.

With that being said, here are my playoff predictions now that the seeding has been decided.

1. Blackhawks versus Canucks

Canucks in Six:

The Blackhawks don't have the same physical presence in front of the net that they had last season. Guys like Stalberg, Bickell, and Dowell could help turn up the physicality, but unless Chicago really gets in Luongo's face (and really learns how to play tighter defense quickly), they're going to fall to the juggernaut that is the Canucks. Still, a Blackhawks upset isn't out of the question- their core is full of Stanley Cup winners, and they may be able to get into the heads of the Canucks fairly easily. Nevertheless, I think that the newly revamped Vancouver blue line will hold off the Blackhawk onslaught to win the day.

2. San Jose Sharks versus Los Angeles Kings

Sharks in Five:

The sharks will win because they're on fire, they're tougher, and the Kings are missing their two leading scorers. If the Kings had Kopitar and Williams, I'd consider picking them as an upset. Nevertheless, I just don't think that the Kings can muster the kind of offensive punch that will be needed to counter the dominant Sharks.


3. Detroit Red Wings versus Phoenix Coyotes

Red Wings in Seven:

The Red Wings are experienced and balanced. Though the Coyotes are well coached and desperate for respect and recognition, the Red Wings' level headed approach to the game will carry them through the first round. The Coyotes will play stringent defense, but will lack the scoring punch to counter the productivity of Zetterberg, Franzen, and Datsyuk.

4. Anaheim Ducks versus Nashville Predators

Nashville in Six:

Nashville will win this series because Anaheim has their seeding due to swagger, scoring ability, and clutch goaltending. These seem like things that should help a team in the playoffs, however, I'm doubtful of how long it will last. This Nashville team knows how to play defense, has an excellent coach, and is dying to make it past the first round for once. They made a big move symbolically in acquiring Mike Fisher, Pekka Rinne is a monster who will steal at least one game in this series. At the end of the day, defense and goaltending beats scoring punch. Anaheim just doesn't have the base to go far. Don't be surprised if the swagger lasts, but I don't think it will.