Yesterday I gave you a rundown of how I thought the East would shake out. Now it is time for the West.1. San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are the best team in the NHL. Even better than the Red Wings, who are the defending champions. When I say best team, I mean in the regular season. They have a lot to prove in the postseason. Nevertheless, this team will wrap up the #1 seed and home ice throughout the playoffs.
2. Detroit Red Wings
! The defending Stanley Cup Champions are looking for a second straight title. They have pretty much the same roster from a year ago, plus Marian Hossa. They are only 4 points back of San Jose, but I think they will be fine with the 2-seed. Detroit could easily win it all again.
3. Vancouver Canucks
The Flames and Canucks are neck and neck for this division title. Both teams are equally matched overall, so my tiebreaker is the schedule. I have Vancouver at 4-2 and Calgary at 3-3. The Canucks win this division and the 3-seed by a hair.
4. Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago finally has a winning hockey team. It's been a while. This team is built on youth, which could hurt them in the playoffs, but not now. This team has been dominant all season and will lock up the #4 slot.
5. Calgary Flames
I gave you the rationale already for why Calgary is fifth. The loser of this division has a shot at the 4-seed, but I like Chicago to hold it down. Calgary shouldn't slide farther than fifth with Columbus being the only team in realistic reach.
6. Anaheim Ducks
Yesterday I talked about Pitt being scary in the East, well Anaheim is that team in the West. Full of experience and talent the Ducks can beat anyone in a series. They are 8-2 in their last 10, so look out. They will jump Columbus and nab this 6-seed.
7. Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus, barring a huge meltdown, should be safely into the postseason for the first time in their short history. The Blue Jackets have never had a netminder, but now they do in youngster Steve Mason. Bottom line, they are in.
8. Nashville Predators
And the final spot goes to...Nashville! Much like the Rangers, the Blues have a brutal schedule leftover. Four of their final five games are on the road. Nashville just needs to go .500 and they should slip in. I really like Minnesota, but there is simply not enough time left for them to catch up. Same goes for Edmonton. LA is days away from being eliminated. In the end, Nashville gets in and prepares for a tough first round matchup.
