Playoff Predictions - Western Conference

[pilldoc]

Here are the matchups. Again feel free to comment / discuss.

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

#1 Vancouver Canucks vs. #8 LA Kings (Season Series Tied at 2-2)

The mighty Caucks vs the ex-Flyers! Lets see how the party boys handle the Sedin twins. Vancouver out to avenge last years defeat in the Finals.

Canucks in 5

#2 St. Louis Blues vs. # 7 SJ Sharks (Season Series Blues 4-0 over Sharks)

Though the Blues don't score much, they have good goaltending. The win the award for least amount of goals scored this season. I think the Blues are for real.

Blues in 5

#3 Phoenix Coyotes vs. # 6 Chicago Blackhawks (Season Series Coyotes 3-1 over Blackhawks)

Not how sure how good the Coyotes really are. Could be a very interesting series. Chicago IMO, is still better despite what the regular season recoord vs. the Coyotes was. The key factor is Toes playing?? However the Hawks still have Sharp and Kane.

Blackhawks in 6

# 4 Nashville Predators vs. # 5 Detroit Red Wings (Season Series Tied at 3-3)

The other marquee match-up in the first round. The Red Wings have been banged up all season. Time for the changing of the guard. I think it is Nashville's time. This series is gonna 7 game.

Predators in 7

[HansonBros17]

@pilldoc

The mighty Caucks vs the ex-Flyers! Lets see how the party boys handle the Sedin twins.

That is, if Carter can return from his ankle injury in time for the series. He missed the last five games of the season with a "deep bone bruise". Richards may have to check both Sedins by himself. That said:

Canucks in 5

Blues in 5

Coyotes in 7

Predators in 6 <~~can't wait for this one, should be as entertaining as Pens-Flyers without the ojida

[pilldoc]

@HansonBros17

Must have missed the injury to Carter. Thanks for the update......

[JUNGJAMS]

@ HansonBros17 im with you on your picks, except im going with Kings in 7. i think Quick being in LA has less pressure on him to play well then luongo has in a big canadian market. i think with a fresh start LA will get more scoring as a result and being a philly fan i know Richards will help that group and they have a very strong defense. canucks tho are good enough to win in 5 if they get off to a good start at home.

Kings in 7

Blues in 5

Coyotes in 6

Predators in 6

[HansonBros17]

@pilldoc

I don't think a healthy Carter would make much of a difference in that series anyway. Carter continually surprises me with how little he can impact a game. Holmgren is a wizard.

[HansonBros17]

@JUNGJAMS

Quick was fairly strong to close out the regular season and LA does have a solid defense, ranked 2nd in the NHL in Goals Against behind only STL. But LA's had a tough time scoring all year and Vancouver was ranked 4th in the NHL in Goals Against to end the regular season. The Kings picked up a couple players with playoff experience in the offseason that should help against VAN. It's a shame that Gagne's likely out the rest of the season with a concussion, LA could really use him.

I'm gonna stick with my pick, but you never know we could see Cory Schneider in net for VAN in game 3 as the panicking Canucks do anything and everything to get themselves back into the series.

[Dynamo 47]

I don't have any real shockers as here's how I see it:

#1 Vancouver Canucks vs. #8 LA Kings

Canucks in 6 -

This is probably my favorite series (other then the Flyers) to watch in the first round.

#2 St. Louis Blues vs. # 7 SJ Sharks (Season Series Blues 4-0 over Sharks)

Blues in 6 -

Goaltending and defense win in the playoffs and the Blues have used that all season

#3 Phoenix Coyotes vs. # 6 Chicago Blackhawks (Season Series Coyotes 3-1 over Blackhawks)

Blackhawks in 6 -

I think the Blackhawks win this series; possibly in 5.

# 4 Nashville Predators vs. # 5 Detroit Red Wings (Season Series Tied at 3-3)

Red Wings in 6 -

I still think the Wings are a good team and capable of a long playoff run