It's that time of year again, hockey fans. The 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs are just days away from opening, so that means it's time for playoff predictions.
We'll start with the Western Conference where it is literally wide-open. Any of the eight teams (maybe with the exception of Nashville) have a legitimate shot at winning the West and representing the conference in the Stanley Cup Final.
So, without further ado, here are my picks for the 2008 Western Conference.
1 Detroit Red Wings vs. 8 Nashville Predators
Season Series: Detroit: 5-3-0.
Goaltending: Dominik Hasek (27-10-3) vs. Dan Ellis (23-10-3)
The Red Wings didn't completely manhandle the Predators this season, which will gave the Preds hope as they enter the first round as heavy underdogs.
This will be the third time these Central Division rivals have clashed in the opening round of the playoffs, and this time around it doesn't look as if Nashville will be able to match Detroit's fire power.
The Wings have gotten some of their key players back from injury, and have two playoff proven goaltenders with Stanley Cup rings.
Prediction: Red Wings in six.
2 San Jose Sharks vs. 7 Calgary Flames
Season Series: Calgary: 3-1-0.
Goaltending: Evgeni Nabokov (46-21-8) vs. Miikka Kiprusoff (39-26-10)
The Sharks enter the post-season as the hottest team in the Western Conference, having lost just two regulation games in the last month. The addition of Brian Campbell has paid off huge, as he has provided improved defensive play and sparked an offense that was dormant for much of the season.
The Flames struggled down the stretch, but are still built for playoff success and coach Mike Keenan knows what it takes to win in the playoffs. Goaltending will be extremely even and the series may be decided by who can get more out of there secondary scoring. Calgary has a balanced attack, but it's hard to pick against the wave San Jose has been riding.
Prediction: San Jose in seven.
3 Minnesota Wild vs. 6 Colorado Avalanche
Season Series: Minnesota: 5-2-1.
Goaltending: Niklas Backstrom (33-13-8) vs. Jose Theodore (28-21-3)
Is there any team structured better to win playoff hockey than the Minnesota Wild? With their potent combination of goaltending, checking and team defense, it doesn't appear that they will go down easily.
However, the Avalanche finished the season strong, winning four of their last five games and gaining points in all five. When healthy, the Avalanche have one of the most potent offenses in the game, and the trade deadline acquisition of Adam Foote will bolster the defensive corps.
The biggest question mark remains in net, where fans will wonder whether they can get the Jose Theodore who stole playoff series for the Canadiens in 2002 and 2004, or the Jose Theodore who performed miserably last season causing the Avalanche to miss the playoffs.
Prediction: Avalanche in seven.
4 Anaheim Ducks vs. 5 Dallas Stars
Season Series: Dallas: 5-3-0.
Goaltending: J-S Giguere (35-17-6) vs. Marty Turco (32-21-6)
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7 months ago
I also beleive the ducks are stronger than last year, but I really don't think they have realized it yet. Also, I think you are neglecting the fact that the red wings are also stronger than they were last year, so if the ducks and the wings were to meet in the playoffs, I would have doubts about the ducks winning.
7 months ago
Ducks will be too tired after 2 rounds. Fatigue plays a huge roll for "defending" stanley cup champs. Wings 1 and Sharks 2 in the final...
7 months ago
IF YOUR PREDICTIONS ARE RIGHT WOULDN'T THE SECOND ROUND LOOK MORE LIKE
DETRIOT(1) VS ANAHEIM(4)
AND
COLORADO(6) VS SAN JOSE(2)?
WAS LOOKING AT MY BRACKET SETUP AND THIS IS WHAT I GOT? LETME KNOW IF IM WRONG
from 7 months ago
No, the NHL playoffs don't work by brackets. After each round the teams are re-seeded so that the highest rank plays the lowest rank, this 1 vs. 6 and 2 vs. 4.
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