WESTERN CONFERENCE
(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (8) Minnesota Wild
The Blackhawks were the best team from start to finish in the regular season. Patrick Kane is the team's best option on offense, but don't count out the likes of Marian Hossa or Jonathan Toews. The second ranked offense (behind only Pittsburgh) is complimented by the best defense in the league, and it begins with the blue line. Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook are a top flight duo and are backed by the likes of Niklas Hjalmarsson, who is quietly becoming a premier stay-at-home defenseman. The question mark at the beginning of the season was goaltending, and it remains a question, though Corey Crawford continues to silence critics with his bounce-back year and Ray Emery ensures that the Blackhawks don't miss a beat.
The Wild had high expectations, with Zach Parise and Ryan Suter coming over in the off-season. The offense didn't quite get the spaek that the Wild were hoping for, and at times, team chemistry was an issue, as the team struggled to make the playoffs in a season where they were expected to win the Northwest Division. Still, the Wild will have the backing of the home fans for a couple of games, which should count for a win or two simply because of the energy.
Prediction: Blackhawks in 6
(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings
Anaheim has had a year to adjust to coach Bruce Boudreau's style, and it has paid off, as Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf, the oft maligned duo, have had great years. The real story is the goaltending of Jonas Hiller and Victor Fasth, who have turned a question mark into a period. Depth is still an issue, as the team is still relatively top heavy, but they won't be pushed around with a rock solid blue line.
Detroit had to win on the last day to get in, and with blue line questions lingering, there is no reason for Detroit to advance out of the first round. Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk are still there on offense, but goaltender Jimmy Howard will have to steal some games for Detroit to have a chance.
Prediction: Anaheim in 5
(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) San Jose Sharks
Vancouver struggled for most of the season, as they bounced back between Cory Schneider and Roberto Luongo, but Schneider has seized the starting role lately, and with the team getting healthy again (outside of David Booth), the Canucks are looking more like their 2011 team.
The Sharks also struggled for much of the season, but Antti Niemi has been the reason for the team getting into the playoffs. He's often overlooked, due to the fact that he just isn't spectacular, but when he's on, he provides the Sharks a peace of mind, even when the team struggles to score (paging Patrick Marleau).
Prediction: Vancouver in 5
(4) St. Louis Blues vs. (5) Los Angeles Kings
The Blues had issues in the early going, with Jake Allen at one point being the starting goaltender. Brian Elliot seems to have turned it around, regaining the starting goaltender spot, though, and the Blues will undoubtedly have revenge on their mind from last year's sweep at the hand of the Kings. Alex Pietrangelo will need to step it up if he is to become an elite D-man.
Los Angeles had their consistency issues, especially with goaltending. However, they are also finding their groove at the right time, and that begins with Jonathan Quick. Remember, the Kings did not have home ice advantage at all last year, and they start without that home ice advantage. Jeff Carter will be counted upon to provide clutch goals once again.
Prediction: Los Angeles in 6
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