In the Western Conference, the Detroit Red Wings and San Jose Sharks have already clinched playoff spots and are certain to have the 1 and 2 seeds. This leaves 6 playoff spots remaining for essentially 10 teams in the mix. Consider Chicago and Vancouver locked in for spots, leaving 4 spots to 8 teams. Here's my ideal match ups for the West Conference.
Detroit Red Wings (1 seed) vs. St. Louis Blues (8 seed) - This has been a very one-sided rivalry as of late with the Red Wings dominance over the Central Division along with the rest of the NHL. However, the Blues have been playing great after standing pat at the trading deadline. The history of these teams provide a great stories for a great match-up as the Blues and Red Wings have faced off in the past 28 years more than any other teams besides the Bruins vs. Habs (go figure, right?). Prediction: Red Wings win in 7.
San Jose Sharks (2 seed) vs. Dallas Stars (7 seed) - Another battle of division rivals. The Stars got off to a disastrous start, Marty Turco especially, but has turned back into All-Star form. The absence of Brendan Morrow, Brad Richards and Sergei Zubov could prove too much for the Stars too handle when it comes down to facing off against the San Jose Sharks strong defense. Prediction: Sharks win in 5.
Calgary Flames (3 seed) vs. Vancouver Canucks (6 seed) - Yet another divisional match-up in the West. The Canucks have been nearly untouchable at home and Mats Sundin is starting to play like the guy they payed 5 million dollars for. For the Flames, Olli Jokinen has been
on fire since his trade to the Flames but he still has yet to play in a playoff game. Prediction: Canucks win in 7.
Chicago Blackhawks (4 seed) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (5 seed) - The hell with it, let's have 4 divisional match-ups! The battle of the emerging youth. Steve Mason and the Blue Jackets have been on fire in Columbus. Unfortunately for them, the Blackhawks are good on the road and at the United Center. Prediction: Blackhawks win in 6.
Detroit Red Wings (1 seed) vs. St. Louis Blues (8 seed) - This has been a very one-sided rivalry as of late with the Red Wings dominance over the Central Division along with the rest of the NHL. However, the Blues have been playing great after standing pat at the trading deadline. The history of these teams provide a great stories for a great match-up as the Blues and Red Wings have faced off in the past 28 years more than any other teams besides the Bruins vs. Habs (go figure, right?). Prediction: Red Wings win in 7.
San Jose Sharks (2 seed) vs. Dallas Stars (7 seed) - Another battle of division rivals. The Stars got off to a disastrous start, Marty Turco especially, but has turned back into All-Star form. The absence of Brendan Morrow, Brad Richards and Sergei Zubov could prove too much for the Stars too handle when it comes down to facing off against the San Jose Sharks strong defense. Prediction: Sharks win in 5.
Calgary Flames (3 seed) vs. Vancouver Canucks (6 seed) - Yet another divisional match-up in the West. The Canucks have been nearly untouchable at home and Mats Sundin is starting to play like the guy they payed 5 million dollars for. For the Flames, Olli Jokinen has been
on fire since his trade to the Flames but he still has yet to play in a playoff game. Prediction: Canucks win in 7.Chicago Blackhawks (4 seed) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (5 seed) - The hell with it, let's have 4 divisional match-ups! The battle of the emerging youth. Steve Mason and the Blue Jackets have been on fire in Columbus. Unfortunately for them, the Blackhawks are good on the road and at the United Center. Prediction: Blackhawks win in 6.
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