Yesterday I posted my playoff predictions for the Eastern Conference and posted a few reasons why I selected each team that I did. Today I will do the same, but for the Western Conference. If you want to read my Eastern Conference preview,
you can do so here.
1. Vancouver Canucks vs. 8. Los Angeles Kings
Prediction: Kings in seven.
In the playoffs, quality goaltending is more important than anything else, and Los Angeles has the better goaltender. I've never been sold on Roberto Luongo, and I don't think it's a stretch to ask Jonathan Quick to out-duel Luongo one more time than not. Vancouver is a great team, don't get me wrong, but we all know how emotionally draining a weak goal against can be for a team, and Luongo seems to make a habit of it at times; especially on the road during the playoffs. If the Kings can get any sort of offense (two or three goals a game), I think Quick can steal them the series.
2. St. Louis Blues vs. 7. San Jose Sharks
Prediction: St. Louis in six.
I like the Sharks team and think they'll put up a pretty good fight, but I just can't see them beating the Blues in this series. The Blues have two goaltenders playing extremely well in Jaroslav Halak and Brian Elliott, and a ton of depth up front and on defense. They're young, fresh and hungry to make the most of the opportunity presented. I think they'll take advantage of it.
3. Phoenix Coyotes vs. 6. Chicago Blackhawks
Prediction: Chicago in seven.
As much respect as I have for the Coyotes and their organization, I'm going to have to go with the Blackhawks in a hard fought series. Phoenix is very good at getting the most of their players, but I think the talent and playoff experience Chicago has will take them to the next round in the end. The fact that Chicago's Captain, Jonathan Toews, should be ready to go for this series only hurts Phoenix even more.
4. Nashville Predators vs. 5. Detroit Red Wings
Prediction: Detroit in seven.
I love everything about this Predators team, but for some reason I just can't pick them. They're deep, well coached and thanks to Alexander Radulov returning they now have a star forward to help put the puck in the net. There is nothing not to like about them, but I'm going with Detroit in this one.
I just have a feeling that Pavel Datsyuk is going to be magical in this series and come up with big plays when Detroit needs them the most. It will be a close, hard fought series regardless of who wins, I just think that team will be the Red Wings.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Follow me on twitter @ToddCordell.
TheHockeyGuys.net
Email: [email protected]
New Jersey Devils Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»