First Round NHL Playoff Predictions – Western Conference
With the Western Conference regular season done and dusted, George Royle has taken a look at the first round playoff matches and predict the outcome of each.
Eastern Conference predictions
Chicago Blackhawks (1st) vs Minnesota Wild (8th)
It has been a phenomenal season for the Chicago Blackhawks, started by that record-breaking streak of not losing in regulation time for 24 games. Minnesota, on the other hand, scraped into eighth place last night. They qualify for the post-season for the first time in five seasons.
The Hawks have possibly the most dangerous line in the NHL in their armoury, consisting of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa. They have combined for 134 points. Chicago has a lot of depth in talent, and beating them over a seven-game series is going to be a stiff task for any team.
Zach Parise, the off-season recruit for the Wild, had a great debut campaign for his new team. He recorded 38 points and played a pivotal role in the destructive line along with Mikko Koivu and Dany Heatley.
Prediction: Chicago Blackhawks win in five games.
Anaheim Ducks (2nd) vs Detroit Red Wings (7th)
This is a match up I am very much looking forward to. The Ducks have been an exciting team to watch this season, and the Wings have hit the playoffs in a great bit of form.
A crucial aspect of this series will be special teams. The Ducks rank fourth and thirteenth on the PP and PK respectively, whilst the Wings are fifteenth and twelfth.
There is going to be some serious offense on show in this series. The likes of Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry will provide some great battles going forward.
Prediction: Detroit Red Wings win in seven games.
Vancouver Canucks (3rd) vs San Jose Sharks (6th)
This is a battle of two teams who seem to make the playoffs on a consistent basis yet fail to cause any trouble. Just two points separate these teams in the conference standings. Both teams also go into the series on the back of two losses.
During the regular season, the Sharks won all three of the meetings between the two sides. However, with home advantage, the Canucks will definitely be backing themselves for a series win. When playoff hockey comes to Rogers Arena, you won’t find a louder arena.
Prediction: Vancouver Canucks win in six games.
St Louis Blues (4th) vs Los Angeles Kings (5th)
The reigning champions haven’t played their best hockey this season, but they have done the required job and have a shot at retaining their title. These two met last season in the second round, with the Kings advancing 4-0. Expect the Blues to put up more of a fight this time around.
Goaltending could play a pivotal role in the outcome of this series. In the shortened season, the Blues have used three goalies, all of which have a save percentage below .910. On the other hand, the Kings’ backup Jonathan Bernier has had a solid season whilst last seasons’ MVP, Jonathan Quick has struggled. Who will they go for?
I am expecting this one to be a high-scoring and close series.
Prediction: Los Angeles Kings win in 6 games.
