2009 NHL Playoffs: Western Conference Quarterfinals Predictions

The Western Conference, a conference known for it's immense parity since the 2005-06 NHL season. This year, the West was dominated by Joe Thornton and the San Jose Sharks who were the true best of the West, and NHL as they captured their first Presidents Trophy in team history. This year also marked the fall of the Dallas Stars, who failed to make the playoffs for the first team since the NHL Lockout due to inconsistency and one disastrous Sean Avery signing. Now with just 8 teams left, it's time to get down to 4.

(1) San Jose Sharks vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks - Despite sputtering towards the end of the season, going just 5-4-1 in their final 10 games of the regular season the Sharks come into the 2009 NHL Playoffs as the top dog. The 2008-09 President Trophy winning Sharks are now up to health with the return of captain and 38-goal scorer Patrick Marleau along with capable winger Ryan Clowe to the line-up. In their way, are Jonas Hiller and the Anaheim Ducks. Hiller, a 27 year old Swiss goaltender has emerged as the superior starter to J.S Giguere. Hiller, has gone 1-3-0 against the Sharks with a 2.00 GAA. The stats for Hiller against the Sharks aren't too promising but keep in mind in two of those losses that the Ducks were shut-out. However, with the Sharks back to 100%, expect the battle of California to go to the Sharks. Prediction: Sharks win in 5.

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (7) Columbus Blue Jackets - The biggest concern for the Detroit Red Wings is who's going to show up in-between the pipes. The Wings have stated that Chris Osgood will be the starting goalie for the playoffs, but how much faith can the Wings put in Chris Osgood if he drops Game 1 or 2 before they turn to Ty Conklin? In Columbus, there is no goaltending competition as Steve Mason is looking to steal the series for the Jackets. With the recent awakening of the Red Wings offense, not even Steve Mason can pull this one off. Prediction: Red Wings win in 5.

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) St. Louis Blues - Incredible. That's the one word that can be used to describe the turn-around of the St. Louis Blues season. Just when the team seem destined for last place due to the loss of LW Paul Kariya and D Erik Johnson, the Blues have powered themselves into the 6th seed in the Western Conference. Now with the return of Paul Kariya to the line-up for the 1st round, they'll look for the upset against the Vancouver Canucks. Unfortunately for them, the Canucks are just too strong of an offensive team with the recent hot streaks of the Sedin twins, Ryan Kesler and the veteran poise of Mats Sundin. One can't forget the man between the iron, the captain and 4 time All-Star Roberto Luongo. Prediction: Canucks win in 6.

(4) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (5) Calgary Flames - Was the Olli Jokinen trade good for the Calgary Flames? One could make the case by looking at his point total that yes, it was a good trade but the overall record of the team has struggled since Olli's arrival. In Chicago, the Blackhawks have gone over the 100 point mark for the first time since the 1992-93 season. This will be a true test to the character of Olli Jokinen as this is his 1st playoff series in his entire career. In the end, I believe the strong defense of Chicago will extinguish the Flames. Prediction: Blackhawks win in 7.