For the Eastern Conference picks click here.
Be sure to check out JMG's 1st round predictions as well, for the East, and the West.
Western (Campbell) Conference
1- Vancouver Canucks vs. 8- Chicago Blackhawks
Quick Summary: The Canucks were far and away the best team in hockey during the regular season. They won the President’s Trophy for most total points, had the most goals scored of any team, and the least goals allowed in the same season. They are headlined by the Sedin twins, Daniel and Henrik on offense, and have perennial all-star Roberto Luongo in net. The Chicago Blackhawks are the defending Stanley Cup champions, but struggled mightily this year after cap issues forced them to jettison quite a few of their role-players from their championship club. They backed into the playoffs on the last day of the regular season after the Dallas Stars failed to beat the Minnesota Wild. It has set up an intriguing 1st round matchup between the former Champs trying to regain form and the team that has absolutely been dominate thus far in 2011.
Canucks Assets vs. Liabilities
Assets: Luongo won the gold medal for Canada last year so he can pull off the big games, Awesome combination of size and skill up front, Most talented top to bottom roster in the league
Liabilities: The President’s Trophy Curse, Recent history of losing to Chicago in the Playoffs the last two years, Some injuries on a banged up blueline are a concern.
Blackhawks Assets vs. Liabilities
Assets: Skilled forwards and lots of them, The swagger of being the defending champs and owning the Canucks, A very good group of defensemen
Liabilities: Corey Crawford is a rookie goalie going up against a juggernaut, lack of depth guys who carried them to last year’s title, offensive has sputtered a bit down the stretch.
Prediction: Canucks in 7
2- San Jose Sharks vs. 7- Los Angeles Kings
Quick Summary: San Jose Won the Pacific division crown and as always brings a solid squad into the playoffs. It is matter of whether or not they can finally play up to their talent level when it matter most. The Kings are still a young and talented squad, but are reeling from the late season loss to injury of superstar Anze Kopitar.
Sharks Assets vs. Liabilities
Assets: Great talent top to bottom, last year’s cup winning goaltender in Antti Niemi, Logan Couture is quite an impressive young forward.
Liabilities: History of choking in the playoffs, Ryan Clowe is banged up, Lack of shutdown defensemen
Kings Assets vs. Liabilities
Assets: Jon Quick is a fabulous young goalie is the only hope for the Kings to steal the upset, decent group of forwards even without Kopitar led by Dustin Brown’s in your face attitude, Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty give them two legit playoff pairings on D
Liabilities: Did I mention Kopitar is out?, So is winger Justin Williams who is their 3rd leading scorer, Quick was shelled in the final 3 games after going up 2-1 on the Canucks last year
Prediction: Sharks in 4
3- Detroit Redwings vs. 6- Phoenix Coyotes
Quick Summary: The always contending Redwings got back to form this season after a disappointing 2010 by their lofty standards. They have a 1st round rematch with the Phoenix Coyotes, who may not know where they are playing next season, but have been very focused on the ice under Coach Dave Tippet for the 2010/11 campaign.
Redwings Assets vs. Liabilities
Assets: Tons of experience and a rock solid system, Tons of firepower up front, The ageless wonder Nick Lidstrom leading a very good d core.
Liabilities: Age and injury concerns abound, Jimmy Howard has never backstopped an NHL team to a long playoff run, Do they still have the burning desire to get through 4 grueling rounds?
Coyotes Assets vs. Liabilities
Assets: Shane Doan is a lifelong Coyote and fiery leader on and off the ice, Ilya Bryzgalov can play lights out in net, Good group of 6 defensemen.
Liabilities: Lack of talent up front at forward, no real gamebreakers beyond Doan and Bryzgalov, Very little playoff experience in this squad against a team who knows exactly what needs to be done this time of year.
Prediction: Redwings in 5
4- Anaheim Ducks vs. 5- Nashville Predators
Quick Summary: The Ducks have successfully rebuilt from their 2007 Cup team with a solid core of young forwards including Rocket Richard winner Corey Perry. They are a tough, physical team who can score goals in bunches. The Nashville Predators field their annual playoff squad of young guys almost nobody has heard of. They do this every year with a great team defense and all for one concept instilled by longtime coach Barry Trotz.
Ducks Assets vs. Liabilities
Assets: Their forwards can both score goals and punch you in the mouth, Teemu Selanne’s fountain of youth, Ray Emery’s reemergence as a legit star goalie.
Liabilities: Blueline and goaltending is a little suspect, Emery’s health/mental approach, May take a few too many dumb penalties and pay for it
Predators Assets vs. Liabilities
Assets: Pekka Rinne seems like a goalie who steals playoff series, no prima donnas or head-cases just a solid top to bottom team, Shea Weber’s shot.
Liabilities: Lack of offensive firepower/skill, Have never got over 1st round hurdle, Questionable blueline after Weber and Ryan Suter.
Prediction: Predators in 7
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