The 2010 NHL Western Conference playoffs start this Wednesday, April 14th with two of the four first round best-out-of-seven series getting underway. #4 seed Phoenix hosts #5 seed Detroit in a 10:00 P.M. start and #1 seed San Jose hosts #8 seed Colorado in a 10:30 P.M. start. On Thursday, April 15th #3 seed Vancouver hosts #6 seed Los Angeles in a 10:00 P.M start and on Friday, April 16th the final series gets underway with #2 Chicago hosting #7 Nashville in an 8:30 P.M. start. The following is a brief preview of each team along with their current odds to represent the Western Conference in this year’s Stanley Cup Finals.
The Blackhawks finished the regular season with a record of 52-22-8 and a total of 112 points. This team will have no problem putting the puck in the net as they scored 271 goals in the regular season led by Patrick Kane’s 30 goals and 88 total points. Their only weak point could be their goaltending as the pressure will be on Cristobal Huet to come up big if Antti Neimi falters.
The Sharks finished the regular season with a record of 51-20-11 and a total of 113 points. If they have any hope of advancing to the NHL finals, they will need to put the memory of their past early round exits from the playoffs behind them. They need to carry the momentum of going 8-1-1 in their last 10 games into a crucial opening round series against the Avalanche to avoid falling behind early.
The Red Wings finished the regular season with a record of 44-24-14 and a total of 102 points. After being given up for dead at mid season, last year’s Western Conference champions made a tremendous run to the playoffs. Since the Olympic break they have gone 16-5 and with their extensive playoff experience have to be considered a legitimate threat to make it to the finals.
The Canucks finished the regular season with a record of 49-28-5 and a total of 103 points. With possibly the best player in the league, Henrik Sedin leading their offense and Roberto Luongo in goal, Vancouver leads the West in goals scored and was one of the best in goals allowed; a very dangerous combination heading into the postseason.
The Coyotes finished the regular season with a record of 50-25-7 and a total of 107 points. Their lack of playoff experience has not earned them any points with the odds makers, but do not be fooled as this is a very good team. If their younger players can quickly adapt to the upbeat pace of postseason play, they could surprise a few teams in this tournament in they get past the Red Wings in the first round.
The Kings finished the regular season with a record of 46-27-9 and a total of 101 points. This is their first trip to the playoffs since 2002 and most of their roster has never played in a postseason game. There is a solid nucleus of talent led by their leading scorer, Anze Kopitar but they could be in over their heads against the Canucks in the first round.
The Predators finished the regular season with a record of 47-29-6 and a total of 100 points. GM David Poile and Coach Barry Trotz have done a great job building this franchise over the years as the fruits of their labor are finally starting to pay off. While they will most likely not get past Chicago in the first round, do not be surprised if they push the Blackhawks to their limit and give them a scare.
The Avalanche finished the regular season with a record of 43-30-9 and a total of 95 points. Led by four 20+ goal scorers, this team can beat you in a number of ways. The main question mark will be how well will G Craig Anderson hold up to the pressures of playing in his first ever postseason after making a career high 70 appearances in the regular season.
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