Western Predictions

Well the NHL playoffs start tomorrow, so I thought it would be appropriate that I let everyone know who I think will move on to the next round. There are a lot of good teams playing in these years playoffs, but only one will be hoisting the greatest trophy in all sports and that is of course the Stanley Cup and if anyone doesn’t agree with me, then they aren’t a true Canadian. First I’m going to start in the West:

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs (8) Nashville Predators

Well Detroit has won the Presidents trophy yet again this year, and yet again I doubt them in the playoffs. Last year they did manage to make it to the Conference Finals before being knocked out by the Anaheim Ducks, but in other years after placing good in the conference they have been knocked out by Anaheim,2003,(7th seed),Calgary,2004(6th seed),and Edmonton,2006,(8th seed). So my question is will they choke again? With that all said it’s either going to be a short series for Detroit or Nashville will grind it out in a long series.

Prediction: Nashville in 6 games


(2) San Jose Sharks vs (7) Calgary Flames

Now I am a little bias in this series as I have always been a huge fan of Curtis Joseph (besides his Red Wing years, of course). It would be nice to see him win the Cup and then retire on a high note. Now Joe Thornton was tearing it up at the end of the season and is looking in fine form. That will have to continue if the Sharks hope to get anywhere in this year’s playoffs. I like Calgary’s gritty style and I think they will wear down the Sharks and take it in a long series.

Prediction: Calgary in 7 games


(3) Minnesota Wild vs (6) Colorado Avalanche

Well if these two teams didn’t see enough of each other during the regular season, now they are going to battle it out in what’s sure to be a fast paced series. The return of Peter Forsberg wasn’t looking too great until his last four games of the season where he amassed an amazing nine points, and if that means he is getting back into his groove that could mean a lot of trouble for teams in this years playoffs. Another great surprise for Colorado was the great play of Jose Theodore who looks to be coming out of his slump, which could also spell trouble for Minnesota. I think that the Avalanche will take this series rather easily, as I don’t think the Wild will be able to keep up to the quick Avalanche.

Prediction: Colorado in 5 games


(4) Anaheim Ducks vs (5) Dallas Stars

Last year’s Stanley Cup Champs have returned to this year’s playoffs and have a challenging first round opponent in the Dallas Stars. The Stars have lots of great players in Brad Richards, Stu Barnes and Marty Turco, but I don’t think they will be able to contain all the young stars the Ducks have especially with one of their top blue liners injured in Sergei Zubov. Also as much as it hurts me to say as a loyal Edmonton Oilers fan, the Ducks have a great defensman of their own in Chris Pronger. I think the Ducks will be able to control the play very easily and should move on to the next round without any problem.

Prediction: Anaheim in 5 games


Well coming up soon I’ll have my Eastern predictions. I'm not sure maybe no one out there agrees with me and I'm just being an idiot, let me know.