Western Predictions

(1) Vancouver vs. (8) Chicago

This clearly wasn't the most ideal matchup for the Canucks in the first round, but they also have an opportunity to get revenge on the defending champs and build some momentum going into the second round.  Last year, Chicago's depth proved to be too much for the Canucks and they bowed out in 6 games.  This year, the roles are reversed.  Gone from last year's Hawks are Byfuglien, Versteeg, Ladd, Eager, Burish, and Niemi.  The Canucks have added depth on the blue line, and fans in VanCity can rest assured that Shane O'Brien will not be killing penalties in the playoffs this time around.  For Chicago, the X factor in this series is Marian Hossa.  If he can play the way he is capable of playing and provide the Hawks with some secondary scoring, Van could be in trouble.  All eyes are on Roberto Luongo as he looks to rebound from the last 2 playoff series against the Hawks.  I think he is going to have a big series, as he is rested, and currently at the top of his game.  This going to be a tight, hard fought series, but in the end Vancouver's depth will prove too much for the Hawks.

Prediction: Canucks in 6

(2) San Jose vs. (7) Los Angeles

The Kings are banged up coming into this series, as they are missing leading scorer Anze Kopitar and second leading scorer Justin Williams.  A team that is already offensively challenged, they will need a lot out of guys like Penner, Smyth, and Brown to have any chance in this series.  No one wants to face the Sharks right now, as Heatley, Pavelski, Thornton, and Marleau are all capable of taking a game over.  I dont think LA stands a chance, but I would like them to prove me wrong.

Prediction: Sharks in 5

(3) Detroit vs. (6) Phoenix

The Phoenix Coyotes never really seem to get the respect they deserve.  In the ultra competitive Western Conference they are always in contention, yet they never have anyone in the top 30 of scoring and play in front of 5,000 fans a night.  They took Detroit to 7 games in the first round last year, and I think this series will be a lot closer than some people expect.  In the end, I think Detroit's playoff experience will be the deciding factor. More than any other team, the Wings know how to get it done in the playoffs.  Lidstrom, Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Kronwall, Franzen, etc. always raise their level of play in the postseason, and the Coyotes will have their hands full defensively trying to stop these guys.  Bryzgalov will have to be huge for the Coyotes to have a chance, but Detroit is just too good.

Prediction: Red Wings in 6

(4) Anahiem vs. (5) Nashville

I think this will be one of the best series of the opening round.  The higher seeds in the West are happy these two are playing each other, because both of these teams will be dangerous to face in the playoffs.  Anahiem has arguably the best top line in the league right now, as Getzlaf, Perry, and Ryan have been lighting it up lately.  Selanne has had a huge year at age 40, and is still very dangerous on the powerplay.  The deciding factor for the Ducks will be their play in net.  Jonas Hiller has been out since for the majority of the second half of the season, and if he remains out the Ducks will rotate between Dan Ellis and Ray Emery.  In the other crease, Pekka Rinne has been one of the best goalies in the league this year.  Nashville plays a very defensive style, and rely heavily on their Vezina candidate.  On the blue line they also have a Norris favorite in Shea Weber, and he will see lots of ice time against the Ducks top line.  This will be a very physical series, and I expect it to go the distance.

Prediction: Ducks in 7