With the season basically over and the Western Conference standings firmly established, I figured a "play-off round 1 preview" was in order. Here are the western match-ups and how I see them playing out:
Detroit (1) vs Edmonton (8):
As much as I admire our Northern rivals for finally sewing up that last play-off spot ahead of Vancouver, I can't say I like their chances in this series. The Red Wings finished nearly a full 30 points ahead of the Oilers and were easily the best team in the league during the second half of the year. Statistically speaking, the Red Wings are the superior club pretty much across the board. However, one should keep in mind that these two teams split the season series, 2-2.
Prediction: Red Wings in 6
Dallas (2) vs Colorado (7):
Im personally rather fearful of the Dallas Stars (thanks to their consistant domination over the Flames the last couple of seasons) so naturally I consider them to be favorites in this series. That, and they had 16 more points than the Avalanche. Oh, and they have more depth on the blueline, a comparable set of skilled forwards, a Selke nominee with 33 goals and a superior goalie. Advantage: Dallas.
Prediction: Dallas in 7
Calgary (3) vs Anaheim (6):
As mentioned in yesterday's post, I like this match-up for the Flames. Anaheim's thin blueline after Neidermayer and relative lack of experience at forward should give Calgary the advantage. A longer, more in-depth analysis of this series will be forth-coming...
Prediction: Calgary in 7
Nashville (4) vs San Jose (5):
Hard to say if Nashville should be counted out now that their secondary puckstopper, Mason, is starting to a lot like their primary puckstopper, Vokoun. It's also hard to say if Cheechoo and Thornton will carry their "dynamic duo" act into the post-season. However, should Nasvhille continue to be one of the most penalized teams in the league, I can see the Sharks PP featuring Thornton, Cheechoo and Marleau having a field day.
Prediction: San Jose in 6
Next up...Calgary vs. Anaheim analysis + Eastern Conference Preview!
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