NHL Playoff Predictions 2012: Power Ranking West Favorites' Chances of Glory

The Stanley Cup is going to the loaded Western Conference this year. The question is which team will represent the West? 

There are sure to be a few upsets in these playoffs, but it will be one of the four top seeds in the West that wins it all. Here are the chances each of those four teams has at taking home the Stanley Cup. 

Vancouver Canucks

Chances of Winning Stanley Cup: 45 percent

Vancouver was not as exciting—or as effective—in the 2012 regular season as they were last season when they advanced to the Stanley Cup. They won more games and scored more goals last year. 

However, this team is deeper, stronger and in a better position for playoff success than last year's squad. 

The Canucks have a tremendous amount of depth along their front line. This allows them to keep the pressure on opponents for the entire game, and they will not be as prone to scoring droughts as last year's team. 

St. Louis Blues

Chances of Winning Stanley Cup: 30 percent

The young Blues exceeded their expectations this year, and they did that by playing a blue-collar style that is custom made for the playoffs. 

This is a team that fights hard for the puck in all three zones. This makes life difficult for their opponents and it leads to them controlling possession. 

This team will have to battle inexperience, but that effort and style will help them out of many a tough spot in this year's playoffs. 

Phoenix Coyotes

Chances of Winning Stanley Cup: 15 percent

The Coyotes have been on a three-season progression that has led to them being in the position they are now. 

They have taken their lumps along the path and they are better off for it. This is now a battle-tested squad with an excellent defense. And anchoring that defense is a superb goaltender in Mike Smith. 

Smith has emerged as one of the league's best keepers, and with goalie play and defense like that, this team has an excellent shot in any series they play. 

Nashville Predators

Chances of Winning Stanley Cup: 10 percent

The Predators are one of the most balanced teams in the playoffs. They feature an excellent defense that is anchored by a superb goaltender. 

Pekka Rinne led the NHL with 43 wins this season, and did that on the strength of a .923 save percentage.

The defense won't have to carry this team on their own. The offense is greatly improved from last season. They finished ninth in scoring and had 10 players cross the double-digit plateau in goals. 

This team has the talent, but they will be hurt by their relative playoff inexperience.