The West could get crazy, eh?
The Kings usually finish strong when they win the Cup, so watch them put a streak together, or maybe I was wrong calling them Stanley Cup Champs before the season. Marian Gaborik RW has been missed. He is one of those guys that can make something out of nothing.
The Blackhawks are looking as tough as ever. Can any beat them in a best of seven series?
Those are the reigning powers of the West. Every year there are others that seem ready to unseat these two, but they never can. Anaheim has been the only team to really challenge. The way things started this year, Dallas was the only real threat. But lately, Anaheim has recovered form and two other teams have shown they might be worthy of the crown.
Dallas's offense is still strong two-lines deep. Come playoff time, their own-zone play better tighten up. But really, this will be a fun playoff team to watch - that offense playing intensely will be zipping.
Anaheim is as hot as any team has been in the league. I'm suspect of their defense, but hard to argue with results. 14-2-1 in their last 17.
St. Louis has been in the conversation the last few seasons and when they get to the playoffs, they drop out early. This year is a much deeper team. The defense with Shattenkirk healthy is very solid. The offense is pushing three dangerous lines and they play own-zone aware as well.
San Jose is the surprise team to me. Adding Joel Ward and a healthy Logan Couture is having an impact. The past seasons this team would always play soft. Marleau and Thornton are talents, no doubt, but they are easy to bang around. They don't have to carry it all now. And Joe Pavelski is doing great as Captain.
Crazy to think both Chicago and Los Angeles may finish 3rd in their divisions. Don't doubt them though. They have shown, they are made for the playoffs.
I'm excited to see this last 20 or so games play out. The West will be won by one of these.
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