Round One: Western Conference Predictions

I did the East last night, so here are my Western Predictions.

(1) Vancouver Canucks vs (8) Chicago Blackhawks

All I have to say is the team the Canucks least want to face in round 1 is the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks eliminated the Canucks from the playoffs the last two years and could the third time be the charm for Vancouver. Teams who have won the Presidents Trophy and the league's best record have been known to have a let down in Round 1. Examples: 2000 St. Louis Blues, 2006 Detroit Red Wings, 2009 San Jose Sharks, 2010 Washington Capitals. All years correspond to the playoff numbered years. This series however in my opinion will be long, but I think Luongo is on a mission this year. Canucks have to win the first two though. Here is my breakdown:

Offense: Vancouver

Defense: Chicago

Goaltending: Vancouver

Intangibles: Vancouver

X-Factors: Hjalmarsson for Chicago, Raymond for Vancouver.

Prediction: Canucks in 6

(2) San Jose Sharks vs (7) Los Angeles Kings

The last time the Sharks faced a California team in round 1 was the Anaheim Ducks in 2009, and they had a major letdown losing to the Ducks and a hot Jonas Hiller in 6 games. This time the Kings are the challenge. However, the Kings still have a lot to learn and therefore in my opinion San Jose has been on a roll this past week and I expect that the Sharks will go far into the playoffs.

Offense: San Jose

Defense: Even

Goaltending: San Jose

Intangibles: Los Angeles

X-Factors: Justin Williams for Kings, Devin Setoguchi for Sharks.

Prediction: Sharks in 6

(3) Detroit Red Wings vs (6) Phoenix Coyotes

This is another rematch from the 2010 playoffs, where the Red Wings defeated the Coyotes in 7 games. However, I think despite the injuries to Detroit, I think they will continue to roll in Round 1.


Offense: Detroit

Defense: Detroit

Goaltending: Detroit

Intangibles: Detroit

X-Factors: Darren Helm for Red Wings, Lee Stempniak for Coyotes

Prediction: Red Wings in 6

(4) Anaheim Ducks vs (5) Nashville Predators

This will be a long series in my mind, so I will make it short, it will come down to goaltending and mistakes.

Offense: Even

Defense: Nashville

Goaltending: Nashville

Intangibles: Anaheim

X-Factors: Bobby Ryan for Ducks, Mike Fisher for Predators.

Prediction: Ducks in 7