Who Will Win The Pacific Division?

Times are changing in the National Hockey League.  A few years ago many considered the Northwest Division to be the most competitive in the West.  Now the most competitive (without a doubt) is the Central Division.  Having 5 incredibly competitive teams in one division has its pros, but it also has its cons. 

On the other hand, the Pacific Division is the most intriguing division in hockey.  It is the one division in the conference where there really isn't a clear leader.  One could make an argument that there is a Chicago/Detroit coin flip, but with Chicago's off season and a healthy Detroit team, there really isn't much competition.  So who will win the Pacific Division? 

Most people agree that either the San Jose Sharks or the Los Angeles Kings are going to win the Pacific.  The Kings are younger, faster and better defensively (on paper) than the Sharks, yet the Sharks have more firepower up front. 

Why the Sharks win:

The San Jose Sharks have so much firepower.  Names like Thornton, Heatley, Marleau, Pavelski and Setoguchi, really make NHL goaltenders shiver.  These are the players that continue to score and put up points.  There are very few teams in the league that have the ability to match the firepower of the Sharks.  With shaky goaltending, and a thinner than average blue line, look for the Sharks' offense to carry them through the season.

Why the Kings win:

The Kings are a year older and have a lot more experience under them.  Losing in the first round to Vancouver was a learning process.  With the addition of Willie Mitchell the Kings shored up one of their major holes on the blue line.  They are one of the most well rounded teams in the league.  There will be competition in the crease which will only drive both tenders to be better.  Look for experience to drive Los Angeles to the division title.

While these aren't the only teams in the division, most agree that they will be the contenders.  So who do you think will win the division?  The Sharks?  The Kings?  Someone else? 

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