Here is a look at the four first round series in the NHL Western Conference. Who holds the edge? Will there be upsets?
Vancouver Canucks (1) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (8)
Season series: Split 2 wins each
This is the matchup everyone wanted to see, everyone except the Canucks that is. The Blackhawks ousted Vancouver the past two postseasons, and last year the Hawks went on to win the Cup. This year, however, the defending champs limped into the playoffs, while the Canucks have been totally dominant all season winning the Western Conference and the President's Trophy. They are the favorites to take home the Cup, but they're going to have to slay their playoff demons and get past Chicago if they want a shot at Lord Stanley's prize. Roberto Luongo will have another chance to prove he can win in the playoffs, while Chicago's net is minded by rookie Corey Crawford. That's nothing new for the Hawks, who won with virtually unknown goalie Antti Niemi last season. The Hawks had quite a roster makeover in the summer, giving Vancouver the slight edge in forward depth. But with Toews, Kane, Hossa, Sharp, Keith and Seabrook still intact, Chicago can easily be a force in this series. The Canucks are the best team in the NHL. But now they have to win when it really matters. Can they do it?
Prediction: Canucks in 5
San Jose Sharks (2) vs. Los Angeles Kings (7)
Season series: Split 3 wins each
For the first time in NHL history, all three California based teams are in the playoffs, and two of them will face-off in the first round. The first half of the season was forgettable for the Sharks, but they came alive in the home stretch, and captured the Pacific Division title. The Sharks have yet to win a Stanley Cup despite always finishing near the top of the league in points, but they haven't been mentioned among true Cup contenders as often this season. They have a very talented forward corps and their net is manned by last seasons Cup winner, Antti Niemi. The Kings will have to play without their best centerman, as Anze Kopitar was felled by a late season injury. Can the young Kings overcome adversity and overtake the more experienced Sharks?
Prediction: Sharks in 5
Detroit Red Wings (3) vs. Phoenix Coyotes (6)
Season series: Split 2 wins each
In last season's playoffs, the surprising Coyotes took the Red Wings to 7 games before Detroit ultimately prevailed. This season, Phoenix proved they weren't a one-hit wonder, advancing to the playoffs for the second season in a row, and earning a date with the Detroit Red Wings once again. Even though the Wings are perennial contenders, they have struggled at times this season, having to get through injuries to key players like Pavel Datsyuk. Jimmy Howard had some games where he looked far from the Calder candidate he was last year, and the Wings will need him to step up his game. In the other net, Ilya Byrzgalov had another great year, helping lead a Coyotes team without much star power. Defenseman Keith Yandle had a breakout season in the desert, and the Coyotes strong team defense could be what puts them over the edge in this series.
Prediction: Coyotes in 6
Anaheim Ducks (4) vs. Nashville Predators (5)
Season series: Anaheim 3-1-0
It wasn't that long ago that the Anaheim Ducks were in danger of missing the playoffs, yet here they are, with home ice advantage no less. The play of forward Corey Perry has helped spur this team on despite injuries to Ryan Getzlaf and starting goalie Jonas Hiller. Ray Emery made a remarkable comeback and has performed well in the Anaheim goal. The ageless wonder Teemu Selanne has had an incredible year, including his first ever fight. But can the Ducks overcome the wall in Nashville's net known as Pekka Rinne? The Predators have never won a playoff series despite making it to the dance many times. Could this finally be the year? They don't have a ton of firepower up front, but they have timely scoring and an excellent defense led by captain Shea Weber.
Prediction: Ducks in 7
Marcia Di Michele - In addition to Suite101, Marcy is also a writer for TheHockeyWriters.com and blogs for Sports Illustrated's Fannation page. Marcy has been ...
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