Playoffs Baby...Western Conference Predictions

It's playoff time boys and girls. The best time of year for any hockey fan. Be prepared for some old time hockey. There are no more shootouts if a game goes to overtime, its back to 5 on 5, until a team scores. Here are my predictions for the Western Conference. These teams are going to beat each other s


#1. Detroit vs. #8. Nashville

Give Nashville credit for somehow making the playoffs after the fire sale they had this offseason. They have had quite the season, but Detroit looks focused this year. Too much fire power in the motor city for the Predators.

Detroit in 5.


#2. San Jose vs. #7. Calgary

Is this the year San Jose finally gets out of the second round? In order to make it to the second round, they need to beat the Flames. San Jose was experts pick at the beginning of the season to win the Stanely Cup, but do not count off Iginla and co. With Kipper in net and Iron Mike Keenan behind the bench, expect a hard fought series. The Flames will make it a series, but San Jose will come out of this one.

San Jose in 6.


#3. Minnesota vs. #6. Colorado

This is one of the more interesting matchups in the West. Minnesota seems poised to go deep into the playoffs, but Colorado has veteran leadership. Joe Sakic, Ryan Smyth, and Peter Forsberg know what it takes for a long playoff run. On top of that, Jose Theodore has revived his play. I am a huge fan of the Wild, but for some reason I can not turn my back on Sakic.

Colorado in 7.

#4. Anaheim vs. #5. Dallas

Just like Minnesota and Colorado, I feel this is going to be great matchup as well. Anaheim is looking to defend it's title and have the players to do so. Selanne, Niedermeyer, Pronger, Getzlaf, Perr, and many others. Not to mention, they have Jiggy playing his best hockey of his career. However, the Stars aren't going to be pushed around. The stars aquired clutch playoff performer Brad Richards at the trade deadline. He just seems to step up his game when the spotlight is on him. Marty Turco exorcised his demons last season with a spectacular playoff performance. I feel his confidence level will be through the roof. I am going again with the lower seed here.

Dallas in 6.


These are my Western Conference predictions and I am sticking to them. If they are all off, feel free to call me VQUZESHUF. Tomorrow I will have my Eastern Conference predictions.

As always, LETS GO RANGERS!!!!