Yesterday I gave you my picks for who would win the four series in the Eastern Conference and as promised, the Western Conference picks are here today. The West is the stronger of the two conferences and any team has a chance of going all the way. So here we go.
Vancouver (1) VS Chicago (8)
Vancouver has been the team to beat for the entire season led by the Sedin twins and Roberto Luongo in net. But facing the Blackhawks is probably the scariest thought in the back of Canuck fans minds as the Hawks have eliminated the Canucks twice in the last two years. It is hard to think this powerful Canuck team can't get past the first round but I think Chicago will give them a run for their money.
Prediction Vancouver in 7
San Jose (2) VS Los Angeles (7)
The Sharks have flown under the radar and have emerged in second place in the strong Western Conference. The Kings have been a bubble team the last couple of years and look like they could be a contender. However this year, the Kings are missing top scorers Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams due to injuries and though Williams may be back, the Sharks are just a better team.
Prediction San Jose in 5
Detroit (3) VS Phoniex (6)
The Red Wings have always been a contender with this year being the 20th in a row that they make the playoffs. The reason they dropped down to third place was due to the injuries that happened to all of their stars throughout the season and top scorer Henrik Zetterberg will miss the first games of this series. These two teams met in the first round last year and the Coyotes are an improved team this year. But unfortunately they lack the experience the Wngs have and won't be able to come through with an upset.
Prediction Detroit in 6
Anahiem (4) VS Nashville (5)
The Ducks, led by top goal scorer Correy Perry were not supposed to be a contender this season. However, they would not go away and now are a serious contending team. The Predators also have been a team that has surprisingly hung around all season and this series will be very balanced because of how close the two teams are. However, I believe the Ducks have more offense that even star goalie Pekka Rinne can handle so the Ducks will be the team that advances.
Prediction Anahiem in 7
So there you have it, my entire first round predictions. The games begin tomorrow and the excitement of this years playoffs looks to be greater than most in recent years. As further proof of how exciting the playoffs are, the Canadian election is moving their French debate due to a conflict with the Montreal Canadians first game. Hockey is sure a crazy sport and on that note, let's watch some playoff games.
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