The new NHL is back and heating up the ice for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. It has been a great end of season run for teams like the Devils, the Sharks and Red Wings. While the Western Conference was set relatively early, the Eastern Conference came down to the last day. Friday starts the new season for the NHL – the playoff season – and if the regular season is any indication, it should be one of the most exciting in the last couple of decades. Here is a preview for each of the series in the Western Conference.
Detroit Red Wings vs Edmonton Oilers -- Prediction: Detroit in 6
The Red Wings have been hot all season, running away with the President’s Trophy and becoming the odds on favorite to win the Cup. They are riding an 8 game winning streak and have been consistent whether they are playing at home or on the road, allowing 2.5 and 2.6 goals per game respectively. Shanahan is coming off of his SIXTH 40 goal season and has always been a factor and a leader in the playoffs. Two things that may prove to be factors for Detroit: 1. Manny Legace has been solid in goal all season but is still un proven in the playoffs, and 2. Datsuyk is out for at least the first couple of games after leading the team in points this season. One note: While the Red Wings have the best record in the NHL, they are coming from one of if not the weakest divisions in the NHL. Watch this come into play as they match up with the Northwest Division opponents, who come from the toughest division in the NHL.
Edmonton may not be as big of a slouch as the public is thinking. The addition of Pronger and Roloson have been a huge boost to the Oilers’ defense and their GAA is proof. They have taken Detroit to OT in three of their four meetings this year and have consistently posed problems for higher ranked teams in the playoffs. Roloson provides depth in the net and the ability to play great hockey while rotating games. Remember the Wild’s run to the conference championship? Be wary of Edmonton here.
Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche – Prediction: Colorado in 7
This may prove to be the toughest match up in the Western Conference first round. Dallas has won the season series against Colorado, going 3 – 1. Over the past 15 games in Dallas, the Stars have the edge on Colorado by a margin of 10 – 4 – 1. The Stars win with their physical defensive play and have received great netminding by Turco in the regular season. While Dallas is a favorite for the series, Turco may be the wild card in the big games; he tends to struggle.
The Avalanche heads into the playoffs on a 3 game losing streak after giving up the Northwest Conference title to Calgary. If you listen to the coaches and players, you will hear that the Avs are testing new schemes and styles. Are you serious? At the end of the season? Not caring where you are seeded? Maybe there is a method to the madness, but entering the playoffs on a losing streak has not proven profitable for the Avs. Nonetheless, Jose Theodore may be the X factor in this series. Dallas has not faced him as of late. Remember the last time the Avs made a big deal with Montreal for their star goaltender? That’s right, Patrick Roy. While Theodore is no Roy, he moves quick and has the trust of his teammates. One other note. Since coming to Colorado, the Avalanche has won the Cup every 5 years – 1996 and 2001. This year is the next in that series. Should be fun.
Calgary Flames vs Anaheim Mighty Ducks – Prediction: Calgary in 5
The Calgary Flames have a very hot goaltender in Kippersoff, racking up a 92.3 save percentage and a league best 2.07 GAA. Look for him to continue that streak into the playoffs and shut down Anaheim’s scoring machine. While the two teams split their series this year (the home team winning every game), Calgary heats up the ice with both speed as well as their physical play. Rookie blueliner Phaneuf will continue to excel by launching his amazing shot from the point in addition to hitting anything that moves in his zone. Wingers beware.
Anaheim, on the other hand, is coming off a season that boasts the most points in team history. Selane has made the difference for the Ducks with 90 points and his linemate Andy McDonald is having his best year. The addition of Neidermyer on the blueline has added more physical presence for the Ducks and has helped Guigere have another great season. Remember, he was the Con Smythe winner in 2003. This will be a tough one for the Ducks in scoring. They posted 4 of their 9 goals against the Flames in the last game, when Kippersoff was not in goal. This should be a fast series, but the Flames will come out of it hungry to get back to the Finals.
Nashville Predators vs San Jose Sharks – Prediction: San Jose in 6
Nashville is coming off the best performance in franchise history led by veterans Karyia, Witt, Perreault and Sillinger. Nashville has struggled against the Pacific Division this year. On the Pred’s side is a streak of 7 – 2 in the last 9, 1.4 goals against in the last 5, and the fact that the home team has won 9 of the last 10 between the two teams. The test for Nashville will be in the net. Newcomer Chris Mason will have to prove he is playoff worthy and will have to do it against the highest scoring duo in the NHL. Will he be a Cinderella story? Not this year.
The Sharks are coming off a HUGE trade boost when Joe Thorton was added to their lineup. The Art Ross trophy winner (most points in the NHL) has a great linemate in Cheechoo – creating a revival of Cheech and Chong? No dope here, these two have been almost unstoppable and will be the cinch pin for the Sharks if they continue through the playoffs. The Sharks carry an 8 – 1 streak into the Music city and with their physical play should hand it to Nashville and their unproven goalie.
And that wraps up the Western Conference. Look for a Conference Final that features Detroit and Calgary with special teams playing a HUGE role in the run for the Cup.