Western Conference NHL Playoff Predictions

(1) San Jose Sharks vs (8) Anaheim Ducks - Sharks in seven. I really don’t like the way the Sharks finished off the season. They have been absolute shit in the second half. Thanks to Marleau’s, Thornton’s and Setoguchi’s major drop off after the All-Star break, my fantasy team dropped from first to fourth.

That being said, I hate the Ducks, more specifically, Corey Perry. I hope Rob Blake or Ryan Clowe or Travis Moen blows him up. There is nothing more I would like to see than the Sharks sweep of the Ducks and Perry get PWNed by Jumbo Joe.

Essential info: President’s Trophy doesn’t mean anything in the playoffs.

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs (7) Columbus Blue Jackets - Wings in five. The Jackets are happy to finally to be playing in April. They have the edge in goaltending, but their team is majorly inexperienced compared to the Red Wings. The Wings will overwhelm the BJ’s with their playoff brand of hockey. However, the BJ’s ignorance of the platform of the playoffs may work to their advantage. The power of young, inexperienced teams is their ability not to over think and let the situation overwhelm them.

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs (6) St Louis Blues - Blues in six. UPSET ALERT. The Blues are not as inexperienced as you think. They may be fueled by young stars, but are led by wily veterans who have been to the playoffs before. The Blues won the season series with the Nucks and like the Jackets’, the ignorance of the younger players will prevent the overwhelming playoff experience affect them. T.J. Oshie and Patrik Berglund will emerge as elite emerging player in the league.

(4) Calgary Flames vs (5) Chicago Blackhawks - Hawks in six. Much like the Sharks, I really didn’t like how the Flames finished off the season. They also have injuries that they will have to play through.