NHL 2008 Stanley Cup Playoff Preview: Western Conference Playoff Preview
March 20th, 2008 | Posted by Wicked in NHLUpdated: Read 1st Round NHL Playoff Predictions on my Latest Playoff Post
The NHL 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs are rapidly approaching with less than 10 games remaining for every hockey team in the NHL. The 2008 NHL Playoffs are very tight this year in the Western Conference with 13 of the 15 teams fighting for a playoff spot in 2008. The only two Western Conference teams to have been eliminated are the LA Kings and the St. Louis Blues. Here is a 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff Preview for the 13 teams fighting to make the hockey playoffs in 2008:
NHL 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs Preview Western Conference
1. Detroit Red Wings – The Detroit Red Wings have been the most consistent team in the NHL for the 2007-2008 season. The Detroit Red Wings have locked a 2008 NHL Playoff spot and have clinched a Central Division championship. The Red Wings are the only Central team currently in the NHL playoffs.
2. San Jose Sharks – The San Jose Sharks have been on fire since trading for defenceman Brian Campbell. The Sharks head into the NHL 2008 playoffs going 11-0-1 since the trade deadline. The Sharks are the hottest team in the NHL and they have a complete package that looks to go deep into the playoffs this year.
3. Minnesota Wild – The Wild currently hold a slim lead in the Northwest Division only a couple of points ahead of the Canucks, Flames and Avs. The Wild will likely make the NHL 2008 Playoffs this year, but their depth could be a serious issue.
4. Anaheim Ducks – The Anaheim Ducks are many people’s favorite heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs this year. The Ducks are stacked from top to bottom and know how to win in pressure situations. Look for the Ducks to be a team that goes far this year in the playoffs.
5. Dallas Stars – The Dallas Stars have been one of the hottest teams since the All Star Break. They improved their offense by acquiring Brad Richards and they have Zubov and Niskanen returning from injuries to anchor their defense. They Stars could go deep into the playoffs this year.
6. Vancouver Canucks – The Canucks are led by 3 players in general. The Sedin twins and Roberto Luongo. The three of them give the Canucks a chance to win each game. The Canucks probably won’t go far in the playoffs.
7. Calgary Flames – The Flames biggest strength is goaltending and defense. The Flames have trouble scoring though, relying too much on Jarome Iginla. The Flames won’t make it far in the playoffs unless Kiprusoff stands on his head.
8. Colorado Avalanche – The Avalanche have been fighting injuries all year long to their star players. If the Avs can stay healthy they may surprise some teams come playoff time. With Sakic, Hejduk, Smyth, Stastny and Forsberg, the Avs have some potent scorers with good playoff experience.
9. Nashville Predators – The Predators are falling off at the wrong time as we approach the playoffs. The Predators are not playing their best hockey and sitting on the outside looking in. Even if the Pred make the playoffs, I don’t think they will make it far.
10. Edmonton Oilers – The Oilers are sitting just outside of the 2008 NHL Playoffs and realistically the Oilers are a year away from being a strong NHL team. They are young and lack experience and cohesion. One more year will make the Oilers a stronger team.
11. Phoenix Coyotes – The Coyotes are the surprise team in the NHL this season. The Coyotes are young, but very well coached by Wayne Gretzky and are getting stronger game by game. The Coyotes are also a year away from being a dangerous playoff team.
12. Chicago Blackhawks – The Chicago Blackhawks are much like the Oilers and Coyotes. They are young and are a year away from being a very good team. Young forwards, Kane and Toews will be great next year, as well as their young defense corps who will make the Blackhawks a playoff contender for years to come if they can keep their core together.
13. Columbus Blue Jackets – The Blue Jackets have had a disapointing season and wil lprobably miss the playoffs this year. Even if they were to make it they would not go deep into the playoffs.
Tomorrow I will release the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoff Preview for the Eastern Conference.
