The Western Conference has been exceptionally good this
season. California teams have dominated, and every team was nervous going into
their California road trips. Chicago has shown no signs of having a Stanley Cup
hangover. Colorado has had a huge turnaround season under Patrick Roy. St.
Louis, Minnesota, and Dallas all had exceptional years. So there is no wonder
why the West holds several favourites for the Cup this year. It could literally
go anywhere.
WEST Match-ups
Anaheim VS. Dallas
Anaheim finished the season with 114 points, second in the
race for the Presidents Trophy. They have had stellar goaltending, and their
offense has been nothing short of excellent with 266 goals for on the season.
They have proven to be a dominating force, and will continue this image through
the playoffs.
Dallas squeaked into the playoffs with 91 points (one of two
western teams under 100), the lowest of all teams in the playoffs. I don’t
think they are a true competitor or threat for the cup this season, especially
considering who they have to get through.
I am taking Anaheim in
five. They are just all-around a better team, and I don’t see Dallas being
a threat to them this season. But, Dallas has potential in the upcoming years.
San Jose VS. Los Angeles
Both of teams are truly superb. It’s a shame they play in
the first round as it would certainly be an entertaining conference final. They both have the talent and the ability to
make a deep run, but in this scenario only one will prevail. Both have the
depth, elite calibre goaltending, speed, scoring, and defense to be cup
contenders.
On gut feeling I am taking San Jose in seven, because I can’t logically pick one or the other
based on statistics/line-up. This could go either way. Watch this series for
probably some of the best hockey these playoffs have to offer.
Colorado VS. Minnesota
Colorado has had a huge year when looking at where they were
last year. With Patrick Roy (my Jack Adams nominee, hands down) at the helm,
this team is as determined as ever, and are confident this is their year. They
have everything it takes to win a cup.
Minnesota is the second western team to make the playoffs under 100 points. They have a good line-up, and their goaltending has been playing well. With guys like Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, it’s hard to argue that they don’t deserve to move on. They are a good team, but Colorado is simply better.
I am taking Colorado
in six. They have a good team, and a great coach. They are convinced that
they have what it takes, and this confidence will help carry them to the next
level.
St. Louis VS. Chicago
St. Louis has a good team, and managed to bring in a great
goaltender in Ryan Miller to prepare for the playoffs. They believe they have a
team capable of winning a cup. Top-end talent such as TJ Oshie, and Alex Pietrangelo
can carry a team very far. They are certainly going to give the defending
champs a run for their money.
Chicago has not slowed down at all coming off of their
Stanley Cup championship one year ago.
They have continued their winning ways this season and proved they are
ready to take it again. They are looking to continue their trend by winning a
third cup in a span of four years which is quite remarkable.
I am taking Chicago in
seven. St. Louis will leave everything on the ice and this one will go right
down to the wire. Chicago will ultimately take it as they have the experience and
knowledge on what it takes to win a cup in today’s NHL.
Summary
The West is just as wide open as the East in the sense that
there are so many elite hockey teams in this bunch. Any team that is determined
enough, and showcases their talent can go all the way this year. There are some excellent match-ups on this
side of the league, so get ready for some great hockey, and some surprises en
route to a Stanley cup final.
Thanks for reading! Feel free to give your input below.
Follow me @darrinharmy
