Back in October, I posted a prediction of how the Western Conference standings would look come Playoff time. I added some notes on a few teams in particular.

Detroit Red Wings: The addition of Ian White from San Jose was to be a huge gift in replacing Brian Rafalski. The Wings success would also hinge upon Valtteri Filppula, Jiri Hudler, and Johan Franzen elevating their games. Ty Conklin was to be the ideal choice for backup goaltender. As long as everyone stays healthy, they’d do well.

San Jose Sharks: Staying strong and finishing high in the West, although I thought the trading of Setoguchi and Heatley for Burns and Havlat was a lousy move.

Los Angeles Kings: The team to watch out for. Adding Mike Richards gave a lot more scoring power to the team, and as long as Jonathan Quick played well, the Kings would find themselves in a very deep playoff run.

Vancouver Canucks: Losing Christian Ehrhoff to Buffalo wouldn’t phase the ‘Nucks one bit…finishing at the top of the mountain again.

Chicago Blackhawks: For my opinion, dumb move bringing on Carcillo; he doesn’t belong there. Sami Lepisto does. Hawks had a bunch of injuries last season, so as long as they stay healthy, they’d do well.

St. Louis Blues: Impressed at all the star power they brought in, but thought it would take more than one season to “gel” into an elite team.

Halfway through (thereabouts), here’s how I did.

How I Predicted ...................................Actual Standings

Vancouver Canucks ..............................Detroit Red Wings

Los Angeles Kings .................................Vancouver Canucks

Detroit Red Wings .................................San Jose Sharks

San Jose Sharks ...................................St. Louis Blues

Chicago Blackhawks............................. Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators ...............................Chicago Blackhawks

Phoenix Coyotes ...................................Los Angeles Kings

Calgary Flames..................................... Minnesota Wild

Dallas Stars ...........................................Colorado Avalanche

Anaheim Ducks..................................... Dallas Stars

Columbus Blue Jackets .........................Calgary Flames

Minnesota Wild ......................................Phoenix Coyotes

St. Louis Blues .......................................Anaheim Ducks

Edmonton Oilers ....................................Edmonton Oilers

Colorado Avalanche.............................. Columbus Blue Jackets

I did get the better part of the Top 8 correct, just in the wrong order. There were a lot of surprises this season so far. Minnesota coming out to a huge start, but Columbus tanking the first half of the season. Chicago is still dealing with injuries and Patrick Kane is not playing well. The Red Wings have stayed healthy and are rolling with all their depth, which has propelled them to the top. The Sharks are seriously lurking with 3 games in hand on the rest of the Conference. That will be interesting. On St. Louis…okay, okay, I was wrong, and you were right…

I was off, but not enough to stop me from predicting this year’s Playoff Matchups. I won’t talk about the winners, though. That will come later.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Dallas Stars

Detroit Red Wings vs. Los Angeles Kings

St. Louis Blues vs. Nashville Predators

San Jose Sharks vs. Chicago Blackhawks

Tomorrow, I’ll look at the Eastern Conference.