First Round Western Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview

The NHL playoffs are about to begin, and the Western conference looks to be a very interesting one. Some expected top teams are still on top, while other usually low-seeded teams have risen to the top. How will it all play out? In the playoffs, one can never tell. But here are our predictions nonetheless.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings

On the surface you’d think this one would be an easy pick. The Canucks are a team that has a pretty good history over the past several years; while the Kings have suffered, either missing the playoffs entirely or not making it past the first round. The Kings have a terrible defense, relying almost solely on goaltender Jonathan Quick to get the job done. The good news is that so far, he has. And if star forward, Daniel Sedin, isn’t back in time from his current concussion injury, the fact that the Kings have no other line of defense might not matter that much. Strictly sticking with where the two fall in the rankings and their past history though, the Canucks will probably take this round, and they probably won’t need all seven to do it, either.

St. Louis Blues vs. San Jose Sharks

This round is a case of switch-a-roo. The Sharks are generally one of the best in the West, and have had multiple playoff runs in the last several years, each of which was a pretty good playoff performance. This year though, the Sharks had a very bad year and just barely missed the playoffs altogether. St. Louis on the other hand, is a team that’s generally thought by other teams to be an easy win. This year though, the Blues are ranked just under number one Vancouver and bring line after line of talent, tremendous speed, and discipline to the ice. That generally sounds like a winning playoff combination and against the Sharks, it’s nearly sure to be.

Phoenix Coyotes vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Here we have another round in which you’re best to go against your natural instinct when it comes to determining a winner. The Blackhawks have had their ups and downs in team history rising from greatness only to fall from it shortly after; but they have made it to the playoffs regularly over the past few years and they did win it just two years ago. But Jonathan Toews is likely to be out with a concussion for this round at least, and that is the best chance they had. The Coyotes on the other hand, have a somewhat tarnished history and have run the gamut on bad luck. They do sit just under Chicago in the standings, but goaltender Mike Smith might just be able to pull this one out for them. Without having to face Toews, they likely will, but it will take them all seven games in order to do it.

Nashville Predators vs. Detroit Red Wings

Nashville has one of the best power plays in the league; some of the top defense in Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, and goaltender Pekka Rinne; and an offense that can stand up to Detroit’s elite players. Much of the talk in the West this year has been about what an outstanding season the Preds are having, and that alone will get them past this round, despite the fact playing a team with such talent and experience.

Categorized in: NHL