Western Conference
1) San Jose Sharks vs. 8) Anaheim Ducks
Despite winning the Stanley Cup only two years ago, the Ducks find themselves in a vulnerable position facing what has been far and away the best team in the league this season. The Sharks have been contenders for the past few years but the firing of Head Coach Ron Wilson over the summer and the acquisition of Dan Boyle seems to have put them in a better position than ever before. The Sharks have the best defense in the Western Conference and the best record at home in the league. Meanwhile the Ducks, while talented and dangerous, always find themselves a man short, which might define the series considering the Sharks have the 3rd best power-play in the league and the Ducks have the 8th worst penalty kill. Don't be surprised if the Ducks win a few games but the Sharks did not play this well in the regular season to lose in the first round, especially to a division and in-state rival.
Sharks in 6
2) Detroit Red Wings vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
The only similarity these two teams may have is that they both play in the Central Division. After that fact, these two teams may have the most different histories in any series this year. The Red Wings are 11-time Stanley Cup Champions (including last year), have made the playoffs for 19 straight years, and have finished in the top two spots in their division for 17. The Blue Jackets historical records look like this: 9 years of existence, 1 playoff appearance. The Blue Jackets are the last time in the NHL to make the playoffs but they've finally done it lead by amazing goaltending from rookie Steve Mason and strong offensive play from the 2004 NHL leading goal scorer and captain Rick Nash. Unfortunately, this may be the first and only series for the Blue Jackets this year. The Red Wings only got better from last year, benefitting from strong goalie play from Chris Osgood and Ty Conklin and career seasons from many role players. The only way the Blue Jackets pull out the victory is if Mason plays better than he already has the whole season. Expect very dominating games on the Red Wings part but closer scores than the games indicate.
Red Wings in 5
3) Vancouver Canucks vs. 6) St Louis Blues
The percentage of hockey experts who predicted the Blues to be in playoffs as the 6th seed might be lower than the seed itself. The Blues seemingly came out of nowhere to nab a playoff spot after missing the big dance for the last three years. Many thought they would be playing for a good draft position and they were until the second half of the season when something clicked. It may have been the organization's refusal to participate in the yearly fire sale at the trade deadline, but whatever it was, it has worked the Blues get to play past mid-April again. Unfortunately, they must get past the also red hot Canucks in the first round. After starting the season well, the Canucks seemed to have lost their magic after signing former Leafs captain Mats Sundin half way through the season. They lost a franchise record 10 straight at home and seemed to be in free fall. However, as quickly as they fell they seemed to get right back up, going on a strong run the finish the season as the Northwest Division Champions, an achievement that seemed impossible two months ago. The Blues have a good young team but will probably not have enough for the fired up Canucks.
Canucks in 5
4) Chicago Blackhawks vs. 5) Calgary Flames
The once great Blackhawks are finally back in the playoffs and in serious contention to make some noise. In what has been a three year process, the Blackhawks regained their lost fanbase, drafted young skilled players, and played their way into the playoffs for the first time since 2002. This year has been a great story for Chicago and they hope they can continue against the sinking Flames. The Flames main problem has been inconsistency, lack of chemistry, and injuries. After making a splash at the trade deadline that seemed to cement them as NW Champions and Stanley Cup contenders, they lost their division lead and their seemingly invincibility. Even stalwart goalie Miikka Kiprusoff seems to have lost his touch. If the Flames want to win this series, they will have to find their pre-March magic and step up to a determined Blackhawks team.
Blackhawks in 7
-A.S.
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