Looking at the teams that made it out west, and looking at the potential matchups, I feel like this year all 8 teams could very easily end up in the conference finals.
I think the problem is that the 6-8 seeds will either be a stingy, playoff style team (Coyotes) or teams that underperformed or were affected by injury (Kings, Sharks, Blackhawks). These are teams thought by many to be cup contenders at the beginning of the year.
I could very easily see Vancouver losing to a stingy Coyotes team or teams that underperformed like LA or SJ. Same could be said for a young Blues team who may have overperformed.
Then you'll have Chicago vs the top team in the pacific, which may well likely be a toss up. And my 2 favorites to win out west will be playing in the 4 and 5 seeds.
Even out East, there are really only 2 or 3 teams which don't have a reasonable chance at going all the way. But out west, that number approaches zero.
Makes me pumped for some PLAYOFFS! I may have to start racking up sleep now to account for western conference triple overtimes.
I certainly agree. It seems that this year, many of the "favorites" went through poor periods during the season and may have placed them in a seeding that doesn't necessarily reflect their overall level of talent. In fact, many of the playoff teams in the West were either first in the conference or first in their division at some point during the season.
I certainly agree. It seems that this year, many of the "favorites" went through poor periods during the season and may have placed them in a seeding that doesn't necessarily reflect their overall level of talent. In fact, many of the playoff teams in the West were either first in the conference or first in their division at some point during the season.
Exactly. Its really crazy how much parity there is in the league now.
I agree, I feel like in the East it could be the Rangers or either PA team, but in the West, anyone really. I can't even pick a couple I could confidently say WILL at least make the WCF.
Haha you are crazy. There is not a single team in the Western Conference that I "want" to play. After watching the war that was the LA / SJ game last night and seeing Mike Smith post a 50+ shutout a few days ago, I think it is foolish for any top seed to get overconfident.
I want the Hawks to beat DET in regulation on Saturday only because 2009/10's series was heartbreaking and it would be a fantastic rematch.
Whatch out for LA. They are eerily similar to last years Bruins.
3rd seed, terrible PP, insane goalie who might be taking home the Vezina.
They are in my final 4.
LA - STL and Bos - NYR
LA's issue will Quick doing it in the Playoffs. Too many goalies have done it in the regular season, and then failed to deliver on that level in the Playoffs.
I'm not saying he won't or he can't, but that will be the challenge for him.
Why was it heartbreaking? They made the playoffs despite not achieving it themselves.
The most gutwrenching on ice moment for Preds fans. Short handed goal with less than 30 seconds left in the game to force overtime... Then lose. I want to throw up just thinking about it.
Its clear that no one wants to play St Louis, but I really think there's a team in the west right now that is going to fold easily in the 1st round. It may happen, sure. But there's no team I can look at right now and say "yeah they'll get swept."
The great thing about the races this year in the west is that its forcing everyone to play at an elevated level. While certain teams are coasting into playoff spots, they are still fighting for positioning.
Honestly, I've never seen anything like this in the west. I've been a fan of the game for 20 years. This is going to be an amazing playoff year.
The most gutwrenching on ice moment for Preds fans. Short handed goal with less than 30 seconds left in the game to force overtime... Then lose. I want to throw up just thinking about it.
Literally stood up and yelled "Mrtin Erat, WHY would you throw that puck out into the slot?" when it happened...I could jut sense they were going to blow that lead when he did that.
I look for the Blues to win the conference finals. Their team is built for the playoffs and they are steady. Should be an awesome playoff season this year.
I do feel like anyone can take the West. As for the East, I'd be prepared to bet my life savings that the Champion will be Boston, NYR, Pitts, or Philly.
The most gutwrenching on ice moment for Preds fans. Short handed goal with less than 30 seconds left in the game to force overtime... Then lose. I want to throw up just thinking about it.
Whatch out for LA. They are eerily similar to last years Bruins.
3rd seed, terrible PP, insane goalie who might be taking home the Vezina.
They are in my final 4.
LA - STL and Bos - NYR
Not quite the same - Kings are 29th in goals for this season. Last season the B's were like, 8th (but had a +49 goal differential).
I'll give you Quick, the guy is the real deal (though he gets rattled pretty easily). He's all personality too.
But anyway, that all doesn't take away from the fact that they're going to be a tough team to play in these playoffs. Actually, any of the 3 Pac teams are going to be tough.
Why was it heartbreaking? They made the playoffs despite not achieving it themselves.
Wrong year friend; that was 2010/11. My fellow comrade, PredsChik20, has it right. Most CHI fans acknowledge that it was actually the most challenging series during their entire path to the Cup that year given if we had held on for 30 more seconds, we were going back to Nashville up 3-2.
