This is the NHL’s Western Conference first round playoff matchups and predictions. The games are all best of seven game series.
#1: San Jose Sharks (113 pts) vs. #8: Colorado Avalanche (95 pts)
Regular Season Record: 51-20-11 Regular Season Record: 43-30-9
Over the past few years the Sharks have been one of the top teams in the Western Conference. They have the best special teams in the NHL, ranking in the top five in power play and penalty kill percentages. Colorado has been a pleasant surprise thanks to their off-season acquisition of goaltender Craig Anderson. In his first season as a starter Anderson posted 38 wins with a 2.64 goals against average. San Jose has preformed poorly during post-season play in recent years, and could face a tough time against a young Colorado team led by Paul Stastny (79 pts).
Prediction: Sharks in 6 games
#2 Chicago Blackhawks (112 pts) vs. #7 Nashville Predators (100 pts)
Regular Season Record: 52-22-8 Regular Season Record: 47-29-6
Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks might have their hands full with the Nashville Predators. The Preds are one of the least penalties teams in the NHL and are hungry for their first playoff series win in franchise history. Nashville finished the regular season with the fourth best road record (23-15-3). The Blackhawks have six players with 20 or more goals and have one of the most complete defensive units led by Duncan Keith (69 points). Both teams have goaltenders that have zero NHL playoff experience, making this series interesting.
Prediction: Blackhawks in 5 games
#3 Vancouver Canucks (103 pts) vs. #6 Los Angeles Kings (101 pts)
Regular Season Record: 49-28-5 Regular Season Record: 46-27-9
The Vancouver Canucks won the Northwest Division with relative ease for the second straight season. The Sedin twins (Daniel and Henrik) bring their balanced attack into postseason play. Canucks goaltender Roberto Loungo would love to get the monkey off his back by bringing a championship to the West Coast. The Kings finally were able to finally put it all together, thanks to the emergence of second year defenseman Drew Doughty’s 59 points from the blue line. This series will be the first step to greatness for the Kings. Don’t expect them to win series against a more veteran Vancouver club, but this added experience will be valuable in the future.
Prediction: Canucks in 5 games
#4 Phoenix Coyotes (107 pts) vs. #5 Detroit Red Wings (102 pts)
Regular Season Record: 50-25-7 Regular Season Record: 44-24-14,
The one team that no one wants to face is the Detroit Red Wings. The Wings hit their stride in mid-season after early injuries and goaltending problems were resolved. The Phoenix Coyotes have been one of the biggest surprises of the NHL and have played well under head coach Dave Tippett. Detroit should have no problem upsetting the Coyotes because virtually everyone on their roster has a Stanley Cup ring. Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard took the starting reigns and never looked back. He has a great chance at winning his first series against a young Coyotes team.
Prediction: Red Wings in 5 games
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