Pricey's Western Conference Playoff picture
Posted 7:17 PM ET | Comments 1
So so early, but I'm givin' it a shot
1. Detroit 119 pts - Wings are just to strong and to deep to deny them of this spot. i also say they win the Presidents Trophy as well. Every year brings another breakout out of this organization and this season I think it's going to be Valterri Filppula. As to how far they go in the playoffs? that's up to Ozzie. If he didnt play as well as he did this past year then they may have been knocked off in the first round.
2. San Jose 116 pts - With the addition of Boyle and Blake the Defense gets a huge upgrade. The subtraction of Ron Wilson will do this team wonders. If they are let loose to play offense it could be a huge year for alot of players and the resurgence of Patrick Marleau.
3. Calgary 97 pts - Keenan's second year in the "new" NHL should give this team alittle more gusto. Camellerri will be a great linemate for Iginla and Bertuzzi is looking for a comeback season lossing 15 lbs in the summer. Phaneuf will score 20 goals.
4. Dallas 102 pts - Alot of experiance, some great leadership and alittle bit of youth will help the Stars this season. I feel a breakout year is in the mix for Loui Erikson. The Stars are streaky team and that is the only reason I dont have them taking the division over San Jose.
5. Anaheim 98 pts - They are always in the mix. They had a terrible start to last season but I blame that on the "hang over" and the fact that they started across the pond and then came back to North America on a 10 day roadtrip. The Ducks are just to deep to finish any lower then this spot.
6. Chicago 95 pts - Mix of speed and high offense with a solid defense core and solid goaltending will finally put the hawks back in the playoffs. Alot of talk about Kane and Toews but I believe the guy to watch this season will be Martin Havlat. Back and 100% from the long needed shoulder surgeory, also in a contract year. I say he gets 90 points.
7. Edmonton 94 pts - So much young fire-power. Adding Erik Cole is a great move. With Horcoff healthy the only question is the defense and weather or not Garon is indeed a #1.
8. Phoenix 94 pts - Bryzgalov will have a career season, Kyle Turris is my pick for the Calder, and Marty Hanzal will be a standout. With the addition of Joikinen this team has a future is pretty well set.
My overall thoughts on the west are varied at best. In my opinion this conference is stronger then the East. However, in the next 3 years I suspect a shift that will see my bottom 3 picks elevate to the top along with St. Louis as they are a bubble team to me. I didn't include Nashville, Minnesota or Columbus because I don't believe they are as deep as the last 3 teams with youth. I'm a huge Rick Nash fan but I still don't think with the additions of Huselius and Umberger that they are there yet, plus I see Nash going to the Leafs in 2 years when his contract is up. Nashville over-acheived last season and the Wild's system is fading quickly, especially with no Rolston and Demitra. Colorado's goaltending situation is horrid. Ned Flanders is going to have to come up huge cuz Raycroft is gonna find it even harder in the West then in the East.
1. Detroit 119 pts - Wings are just to strong and to deep to deny them of this spot. i also say they win the Presidents Trophy as well. Every year brings another breakout out of this organization and this season I think it's going to be Valterri Filppula. As to how far they go in the playoffs? that's up to Ozzie. If he didnt play as well as he did this past year then they may have been knocked off in the first round.
2. San Jose 116 pts - With the addition of Boyle and Blake the Defense gets a huge upgrade. The subtraction of Ron Wilson will do this team wonders. If they are let loose to play offense it could be a huge year for alot of players and the resurgence of Patrick Marleau.
3. Calgary 97 pts - Keenan's second year in the "new" NHL should give this team alittle more gusto. Camellerri will be a great linemate for Iginla and Bertuzzi is looking for a comeback season lossing 15 lbs in the summer. Phaneuf will score 20 goals.
4. Dallas 102 pts - Alot of experiance, some great leadership and alittle bit of youth will help the Stars this season. I feel a breakout year is in the mix for Loui Erikson. The Stars are streaky team and that is the only reason I dont have them taking the division over San Jose.
5. Anaheim 98 pts - They are always in the mix. They had a terrible start to last season but I blame that on the "hang over" and the fact that they started across the pond and then came back to North America on a 10 day roadtrip. The Ducks are just to deep to finish any lower then this spot.
6. Chicago 95 pts - Mix of speed and high offense with a solid defense core and solid goaltending will finally put the hawks back in the playoffs. Alot of talk about Kane and Toews but I believe the guy to watch this season will be Martin Havlat. Back and 100% from the long needed shoulder surgeory, also in a contract year. I say he gets 90 points.
7. Edmonton 94 pts - So much young fire-power. Adding Erik Cole is a great move. With Horcoff healthy the only question is the defense and weather or not Garon is indeed a #1.
8. Phoenix 94 pts - Bryzgalov will have a career season, Kyle Turris is my pick for the Calder, and Marty Hanzal will be a standout. With the addition of Joikinen this team has a future is pretty well set.
My overall thoughts on the west are varied at best. In my opinion this conference is stronger then the East. However, in the next 3 years I suspect a shift that will see my bottom 3 picks elevate to the top along with St. Louis as they are a bubble team to me. I didn't include Nashville, Minnesota or Columbus because I don't believe they are as deep as the last 3 teams with youth. I'm a huge Rick Nash fan but I still don't think with the additions of Huselius and Umberger that they are there yet, plus I see Nash going to the Leafs in 2 years when his contract is up. Nashville over-acheived last season and the Wild's system is fading quickly, especially with no Rolston and Demitra. Colorado's goaltending situation is horrid. Ned Flanders is going to have to come up huge cuz Raycroft is gonna find it even harder in the West then in the East.
1. x-Detroit 74 107 2. y-San Jose 74 107 3. * Calgary 74 90 4. Chicago 72 89 5. Vancouver 73 87 6. Columbus 74 85 7. Anaheim 74 80 8. Nashville 74 80 9. Edmonton 74 79 10. St. Louis 74 79 11. Minnesota 74 78 12. Dallas 74 75 13.Los Angeles 74 72 14. Phoenix 74 69 15. Colorado 74 64