Playoff Predictions - Western Conference

The Western Conference is just as, if not more, competitive than the East.  There are some clear cut teams ready to make a run for the cup, but there are also a couple of teams that make an impact that some may not have expected at the beginning of the season.  Without further adieu, here's the predictions:

Western Conference

The Central division is having a very similar season to the Atlantic division.  This division holds four teams in playoff position with neither of these teams near elimination.  The Detroit Red Wings easily hold the division, or do they?  The Wings deserve credit where credit is due, they have a remarkable 23 home game winning streak currently in progress, but there is one other team with a home record that comes close to the Wings, and that same team is pushing the Wings for the division and the conference, the St. Louis Blues.  Who would have thought Ken Hitchcock could turn around a team so well?  The Blues are five points back of the Wings, however they have also played four less games, giving them a decent chance of overtaking the Wings at some point.  The Nashville Predators are another strong team, holding their own at fifth in the West, while the Chicago Blackhawks are coming back strong from a 9 game losing skid, holding the sixth spot.

The Northwest division has a strong team in the Vancouver Canucks, holding top spot in the division and second in the conference.  The Calgary Flames are currently holding the eighth and final spot in the West after having strong play as of late.  The question is, can they hold it?  The Colorado Avalanche are also in the fight for the final playoff spot, however they are still three points back.


The Pacific division is another interesting division with San Jose currently holding the lead.  The Phoenix Coyotes have made a great run of recent to jump them to seventh in the West, and only two points behind division leading San Jose.  The Los Angeles Kings are currently tied with the Flames for eighth in the West, trying to creep their way into the playoffs.  The Dallas Stars aren't too far behind as well, but how about those Ducks?  They've made a huge run to bring them five points back of a playoff spot.


This one is tough to judge from the bubble teams but this is the outcome I predict:


#1 Vancouver Canucks
#2 Detroit Red Wings
#3 San Jose Sharks
#4 St. Louis Blues
#5 Chicago Blackhawks
#6 Nashville Predators
#7 Phoenix Coyotes
#8 Los Angeles Kings


Most notable is the #8 spot where I think the Kings will surpass the Flames.  I just don't think the Flames will continue their strong play and I'm expecting a move to better the Kings come trade deadline.