Western Conference Playoff Outlook (1st Round)

So, now that i got that other conference out of the way, it's time to get down to business. The Western Conference, much like in the NBA, is the powerhouse of the NHL. With the two most talented teams in the NHL, an 8 seed that has a legit shot at an upset, and supporting teams that will knock your teeth out, the Western Conference is primed for another Stanley Cup Champion.

1) San Jose Sharks vs 8) Anaheim Ducks

Preview - The President trophy winners of 2009, the San Jose Sharks. Although they have been extremely talented for the last 3 seasons or so, the Sharks have always flopped in the playoffs. I am not convinced that this year will be any different. This season has been an amazing season for the Sharks behind all star forward Joe Thornton and his impressive 61 assist. The biggest key to this team has to be the goalie Evgeni Nabakov. Nabakov went 41-12-8 with a 2.44 GAA. His play will have to stay high for the Sharks to win a cup. The Ducks on the other hand are a talented team that has had troubles for almost the entire season....until the end that is. The Ducks were one of the hottest teams in the last couple months of the season going 11-5-2 in the last 2 months. With a young team it will be hard for the Ducks to make a serious run, but if they catch fire early, watch out.

Prediction - Sharks in 5. I think the Ducks have a chance here, but i believe the Sharks will win 2 at home and rattle the youthful Ducks. This could be a sweep, or a seven game series.

2) Detroit Red Wings vs 7) Columbus Blue Jackets

Preview - The Columbus Blue Jackets have made their first playoff appearance in franchise history, the bad news is that they are stuck against the Red Wings. Detroit seemed uninspired at the end of the regular season, but experience will be key here in the first round. With the best offensive team in the league this against a rookie goalie (albeit a stud rookie goalie) The Red Wings may make short work of the Blue Jackets. Expect the Red Wings to start with a bang Thursday night and not look back.

Prediction - Wings in 5. While I am expecting the Jackets to be outmatched, expect Rick Nash to light us up in at least one game. Other than that one game expect to hear Johan Franzen's name a lot as he will frustrate the rookie goalie with his big body in front of the net.

3) Vancouver Canucks vs 6) St. Louis Blues

Preview - Well I never thought that the Blues would be in the playoffs, let alone the 6 seed. The Blues obtained the best record in the NHL post All Star Game and have surprised many. While many were surprised with the Blues success, none were too surprised with Vancouver's success. With the acquisition of Mats Sundin and one of the most talented goalies Roberto Luongo (2nd best goalie in NHL) the Canucks have stars in their eyes. They better not overlook the Blues though, with Brad Boyes, David Backes, and the ever crafty veteran Keith Tkachuk the Blues want to be the cinderella of the NHL Playoffs.

Prediction Upset Alert, Blues in 7. While this scenario seems unlikely to many, i believe as long as Luongo doesn't stand on his head the entire series that the Blues will just be more hungry for the win. Expect the Blues to play the Sedin twins extremely physical and just wear out the 'Nucks. Sorry Mats, try again.

4) Chicago Blackhawks vs 5) Calgary Flames

Preview - Well here is the final matchup of the Western Conference, and it's a good one. The Blackhawks have surprised many and actually had the 3rd best record in the Western Conference. The Flames were picked to win their division, but lost it due to a lackluster March and April. Calgary is still the most physical team in the NHL and picked up some great goal scorers in Mike Cammalleri and newly acquired Olli Jokinen. The Blackhawks have a very young talented team anchored by Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The Hawks defense has stifled many though and is relatively unknown anchored by Duncan Keith and Brian Campbell. Both teams' goalies have been amazing down the stretch, so expect this series to be tough for both teams.

Prediction - Blackhawks in 7. I like the Hawks because their defense can score points and will have a little more firepower than the Flames. Expect a tough physical series.