2010-11 Preseason NHL Predictions, Western Conference: Northwest Division

In previewing the other two divisions of the Western Conference on this site, I admitted that as a fan of the San Jose Sharks, I know it better than the East.

Check out this link for a recap of the matchup between the Pacific's Sharks and the Central's Blue Jackets in Sweden, and the this link to see how each Western Conference team is predicted to perform in the post-season.

I now turn my attention to the Northwest. This division features an elite team, another two that will have to fight for a playoff spot, and another two that are unlikely to see post-season play unless their rebuilding is ahead of schedule.

Vancouver Canucks

Between the upgrades they made to their roster this offseason and their status last season as the division's best team. They are the single most likely division winner in the conference, if not the league. 

They now are in the top five in the league in net and among their forwards, plus have a blueline that is at least average. They will ride the relatively weak division to the best record in the conference.

Colorado Avalanche

A team that has good forwards with a mix of veterans and young talent plus is solid in net is going to be formidable. They do not possess a very good blueline, but they do have guys who are good at their roles: Adam Foote and Scott Hannan play well in their own end, while John Michael-Liles is a good offensive threat, and they have four other guys who are not liabilities.

Calgary Flames

The window of opportunity for this team is shutting. Calgary has never had the forward depth it takes to beat great teams, even with outstanding goaltending. Miikka Kiprusoff is generally so worn down by the end of the season that he becomes average, and he will have to play a lot for this team to be in the running in April.

While Calgary still has a solid blueline, it is not as strong as it was a couple years ago because of age and personnel moves.

Minnesota Wild

Great goaltending but mediocre defence and thin on forwards, this team cannot even rely on one of the greatest coaches of all-time or a system that enables lesser teams to win anymore. They are capable of beating anyone, but will not do it with enough frequency to be in the playoff picture.

Edmonton Oilers

When you give up a first-round pick for a 38-year old goalie and do not win the Stanley Cup, then lose your best defenceman in the offseason, you should know enough not to re-sign that goalie (indeed, increasing the value lost in the trade).

However, Edmonton not only re-signed Dwayne Roloson, they made the same mistake again by signing Nikolai Khabibulin. Hence, they are now without a true franchise goaltender or enough pieces in front of him to be more than an occasional upset threat.