FanNation - The Republic of Sport

I went 6/8 after a minor change to see who would get into the playoffs in the West..., screwed up on Dallas, St. Louis got in and I changed Minnesota and Colorado to Columbus and Vancouver. So technically, I was 4/8 but, whatever. This is how I see the West shake down in the first round.

1) San Jose vs 8) Anaheim - Looks like a decent matchup in the battle of California..., Giguere vs Nabakov, Blake and Boyle vs Whitney and Pronger? I see this series going the distance..., I think Anaheim's still got something left and San Jose has a lot to prove finishing first. But this series comes down to, as it always does, goaltending and I see Nabokov winning this one. It'll be a tight series but, San Jose's a team on a mission and should win this one.

        San Jose in 7

2) Detroit vs 7) Columbus - This series worries me. I took Detroit to win the West and matchup with Boston but, I was hoping that any other team other than the Jackets got them in round one. I like this Columbus team though..., ROY Mason has been lights out lately, Nash and Company have been scoring and playing well. I only see one sore spot for the Wings..., Osgood. He hasn't been as sharp lately and if CBJ can bring it to him on every shift, Detroit could be in trouble. But their big three of Hossa, Datsyuk and Zetterberg will come through and Detroit wins the series..., another close one.

        Detroit in 6

 3) Vancouver vs 6) St.Louis - This has the makings of being one of the best series in the West. A good, young and solid St. Louis team vs a team everyone, including me, thought were done like the Leafs at the All Star break, only to make up a 14 point deficit on Calgary and win the division. Vancouver wins this series..., Sundin, Sedin and Sedin make sure of that and Luongo has his best playoff series ever.

        Vancouver in 6

4) Chicago vs 5) Calgary - I got into a 'debate' on the weekend with another fannation member about this series and, first off, if you're reading this Santo..., you are right. Just wanted to get that off my chest, sorry. I still see Calgary winning this series though..., they're more experienced than the Hawks come this time of year and Kipper, in my mind, is a better goaltender than Bulin. I know Bulin's got a Cup but that was before the lockout and he beat Kipper in the Finals but, this is a different scenario. And yes, Chicago owned Calgary but this is the postseason..., it's all about momentum and experience and Calgary has it. Half of the Hawks lineup hasn't been to the playoffs before and that alone will make a difference in this series..., it'll be the best of the first round on either side and one I am looking forward to.

          Calgary in 7

That's how I think the West will be won in the first round. I expect great games and long series'..., hopefully!