NHL Western Conference Semi-finals Preview

The exciting conclusion of the Anaheim-Nashville series means that the playoff field is now narrowed down to eight teams. Because the NHL scheduling got weird, the Eastern Conference already got started while the Western Conference begins tonight. There isn't much time, so let's go:

Dallas Stars vs. St. Louis Blues

The Stars faced a fairly stiff challenge from the Minnesota Wild, nearly giving the game away in their series clincher. Their offense is running just fine; however, their two-headed goalie system is causing a few problems, as neither Kari Lehtonen nor Antti Niemi have truly seized the starting role. Meanwhile, the Blues fought off a 3-1 series lead loss to finally put away the Chicago Blackhawks. Brian Elliott may finally be the goalie that the Blues desperately needed in the playoffs, as he came up big in the series clincher. There will still be questions on the coaching end, as Ken Hitchcock still has something to prove.

Prediction: Stars in 6

San Jose Sharks vs. Nashville Predators

The Sharks are well-rested after disposing of their rival Los Angeles in five games. Martin Jones proved that he learned a few things in turning the tables on his former teacher in Jonathan Quick while the rest of the team just outplayed the Kings throughout the series, only losing one game in overtime. The Predators lost a 2-0 series lead, then came back from a 3-2 series deficit to put an end to the Anaheim Ducks' hopes for a deep playoff run. Pekka Rinne remains inconsistent, but he came up big when it mattered the most. Collin Wilson was a big part of the team's success up front, but it remains a team driven by Shea Weber and Roman Josi from the back end.

Prediction: Sharks in 6