NHL Western Conference: Midseason Rankings

1. Detroit Red Wings

Since the start of this season, the Wings have shown that they are a dominant team. They provide much offense in Zetterberg, Datsyuk, and Holmstrom. Detroit even has production from the quiet players like Cleary and Flippula. The defense can't get much stronger. Detroit also has the best one-two punch in goaltending in the league with Hasek and Osgood. Look for the Wings to make it far. 

Player to Watch: Pavel Datsyuk

2. San Jose Sharks

The Sharks have had some struggles over the course of the year; especially with Marleau and Cheechoo not producing. San Jose still comes out every game and plays it knowing they need the W. They’ve shown how powerful of a squad they can really be on the road going 16-4-3 thus far in away games.

Player to Watch: Joe Thornton

3. Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim might have gotten off to the slowest start of these top contenders, but they have once again found their way to the top. With youngsters like Getzlaf, Kunitz, and Perry and veterans such as Pronger, Niedermayer, Weight, Bertuzzi, and Schneider, the Ducks will be a fearsome team come playoff time.

Player to Watch: Ryan Getzlaf

4. Minnesota Wild

The Wild, unlike the Ducks, got out to the best start in hockey going 7-0-1 until losing to the Calgary Flames 20 days into the season. Minnesota has been a team that falls to the bottom of their division then come back up to the top. The Wild, arguably in the best division in hockey, needs to keep up with the pace of their division rivals Vancouver and Colorado if they want to remain in the hunt. The Wild are one of the teams to beat at home attaining a 15-7 record in the Xcel Energy Center.

Player to Watch: Marian Gaborik

5. Columbus Blue Jackets

After several years of missing the playoffs since they joined the league, the Blue Jackets are headed in the right direction this year. Columbus is becoming a hockey city and recognizing their Jackets as a playoff team. Without many big named players, the Blue Jackets still find a way to get the job done, especially at home. Columbus has hung around the playoff picture all year, and trust me, they aren’t done yet. Expect to see the Blue Jackets fighting for 5-7 spot in the playoffs.

Player to Watch: Rick Nash 

6. St. Louis Blues

The Blues have completely turned their team around from last year with solid additions. Brad Boyes, Paul Kariya, and their teammates are getting the jobs done and it shows in the standings. Other than the Red Wings, the Blues are a team to beat in the Central division. St. Louis have proved themselves this year that they are capable of a respectful season and are hopefully they’ll end up in the playoffs.

Player to Watch: Brad Boyes

7. Vancouver Canucks

Once again the Canucks are inching their way into the playoffs this year. Like I’ve said before, the Northwest division is one of the toughest one to compete in and Vancouver have found themselves in all over the standings so far this season. If the Canucks want to continue their success they must have to learn to be more consistent. In their last 10 games, the Canucks put up a 5-5-0 record, not good if enough if they want to make the playoffs.

Player to Watch: Daniel Sedin

8. Nashville Predators - Nashville is another team that got off to a slow start. But they have picked it up lately going 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. Despite having an average of 14,000 fans per game, the Preds still shine at home. Nashville fans, get up and support your team, they are in the hunt.

Player to Watch: J.P. Dumont

9. Dallas Stars

The Stars have fallen in their division in the past few weeks as a result of losing seven of their last nine. Dallas is a team that can easily, with a boost from their offense, be a threat to the top contending teams. If Dallas can once again find their strengths and eliminate their weakness they will be among the top come playoff time.

Player to Watch: Brendan Morrow

10. Phoenix Coyotes

The Coyotes are easily the biggest surprise of the year so far. They showed nothing at all last year and have fought their way back in the playoff hunt this season. In their last 10 games, they post a 7-3-0 record. If they keep up this solid work they can find themselves fighting for the 7th or 8th spot in April. Phoenix have found a goaltender in Ilya Bryzgalov but they need to keep up the offensive streak. The Coyotes also found major potential in youngsters such as Peter Mueller and Matrin Hanzal.

Player to Watch: Shane Doan

11. Colorado Avalanche - The Avalanche have been in a major slump lately which is why they are ranked among the bottom in the Western Coference. We all know what the Avalanche can do, but without Joe Sakic and Ryan Smyth can they succeed? The answer is yes. Colorado has two goalies that can get the job done and an offense with scoring from Paul Stastny, Marek Svatos, and Wojtek Wolski. Don’t let the young ones get to you, because the Av's have plenty of other that can lead them to yet another successful season.

Player to Watch: Paul Stastny

12. Calgary Flames

The Flames are also among the teams with a lot of potential, but can’t finish. Calgary has so much offensive power, strong defense, and goaltending that we might still find them sitting atop the Northwest division at the end of the season. All they need to do is keep fighting and find their way back in it.

Player to Watch: Jarome Iginla

13. Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton is a team that will most likely be watching the playoffs this year. Although they almost have a .500 record, they won’t be able to last. Playing as many games as they do against Northwest division rivals, they won’t be able to handle it. All five teams in that division are looking toward the playoffs, but in reality, only three, at most four will make it.  Unfortunately, the Oilers will not be among them.

Player to Watch: Shawn Horcoff

14. Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles has been the only team in the Western Conference to continually to lose. The Kings currently have a three game winning streak, but remain dead last in the NHL in the standings. Short of winning 20 games this season, the Kings will for sure be sitting out of the chase for the Stanley Cup. They have so much young talent, but they continue to let fans down by having a 11-15-1 record at home. Los Angeles will hopefully get a good draft pick and be a contender in next year’s run. Most Los Angeles fans have already given up hope, but this is also why they aren’t so hot—they have no support. The Kings weakness for the past three years has been goaltending. If the Kings can find a goalie, look for them to be a solid team next year.

Player to Watch: Anze Kopitar 

15. Chicago Blackhawks

The Hawks are almost .500 as well, but continue to struggle in the season. The further they go, the worse they get. Just coming of an eight-game losing streak, do the Hawks have what it takes to get back in the playoff hunt? With and unhealthy lineup, who knows? With a healthy team and everyone playing like they are expected to, the Blackhawks could be sitting in St. Louis or Columbus spot, which is where they were earlier this season. If they can get healthy once again, watch out for these young guns.

Player to Watch: Patrick Kane