Western Conference Playoffs

Despite what it looks like, there is no alcohol in the pelican statue's mouth.  However, today is a look at the Western Conference playoffs that will be more fun than sticking your head in a pelican's mouth.

(1) VANCOUVER CANUCKS vs. (8) LOS ANGELES KINGS


As Jonathan Quick goes, so will go the Kings, especially since the status of Jeff Carter is up in the air.  Their offense has played well below expectations, and it took them 81 games to make the playoffs.  Vancouver has a lot to prove after coming within a win of the Stanley Cup, and every hope of that happening is on Roberto Luongo.  With Corey Schneider in the background, the Canucks will likely have a quick hook should Luongo falter.  Vancouver should advance, given their offensive strength and above average defense.

Prediction: Vancouver in 6

(2) ST. LOUIS BLUES vs. (7) SAN JOSE SHARKS


St. Louis had been faltering down the stretch, but given the tandem of Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak in goal, St. Louis should figure to advance.  They don't have one superstar scorer, but they play a team game that begins with captain David Backes and any offense is usually sparked by Alex Pietrangelo.  San Jose has played below expectations, partly because of injury, and like the Kings, they waited until the end to clinch.  Even with the seeding, expectations are still high for San Jose and with the talent assembled, anything less than a Stanley Cup Finals appearance will be considered a failure.

Prediction: St. Louis in 6

(3) PHOENIX COYOTES vs. (6) CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS


In their entire existence as the Winnipeg/Phoenix franchise, the team had never won a division title until this year.  Will this be the year they finally win a playoff series?  Mike Smith has experienced a career revival thanks to the Dave Tippett system that is defensive-oriented.  However, it will be the likes of Ray Whitney and Radim Vrbata that will ultimately decide the team's fate going forward.  Chicago has had an up and down year, and much of their playoff successes and failures this year rest on Corey Crawford.  If the Corey Crawford of last year doesn't show up, Chicago is in trouble, even if Jonathan Toews returns for the series.

Prediction: Phoenix in 7

(4) NASHVILLE PREDATORS vs. (5) DETROIT RED WINGS


The one playoff series in the Conference that could produce a Stanley Cup finalist either way, both teams want it badly.  For Nashville, they're all in, and given the uncertainty of the futures of Ryan Suter and Shea Weber, this is a Stanley Cup or bust proposition.  Nashville has always been a pain in the ass to face, and now, they just might be even more of a pain in the ass, with the Kostitsyn brothers providing some offense and Paul Gaustad (Winterhawk alumni) adding to an already strong defensive front line.  There is a reason Detroit is always being talked about in the Stanley Cup talks, and it begins with Nicklas Lidstrom.  Detroit's worries however, are on the blue line, and outside of Lidstrom, there hasn't been a defenseman who strikes fear in any opposition's hearts.  It's practically now or never for Jimmy Howard, as he has never seen the Conference Finals in his time as a starter for the Red Wings.

Prediction: Nashville in 7