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As promised, my predictions for the Western Conference. Buckle up.

1. San Jose Sharks

The addition of Dany Heatley makes this team dangerous. Will they flame out in the playoffs? Probably, but they will dominate the West again, and could win the Presidents trophy for the second year straight.

2. Detroit Red Wings

Despite losing alot of scoring and adding inferior players, the Wings are too good not to win their divison, even though it's alot better than it's been in years past. Of course, if Chris Osgood falters, the team might drop a few spots.

3. Vancouver

An impressive pre-season record (though it doesn't mean that much) has got the city of Vancouver excited. With Luongo in goal and a solid core of forwards, look for the Canucks to win their division. That is, unless Calgary becomes the powerhouse in real life that it's been on paper for the past few seasons.

4. Chicago Blackhawks

The only thing stopping the Hawks from being the class of the west is off ice distraction and question marks in goal. They could just as easily win the conference however. Can't wait to see what happens here.

5. Calgary Flames

I really think the Flames are legit cup contenders, but if Mikka Kiprusoff shows that he is in fact on the back end of his career, they'll have to shore up goaltending to go far.

6. Anaheim

This team has changed alot since they won the cup in 2007. But there is alot of talent and they have 2 legit number 1 goalies. Remember how they ousted the number one seed Sharks last year and almost eliminated the defending champ Red Wings.

7. St. Louis Blues

The Blues have got to be one of the most interesting teams in the league. I don't know why I root for them to succeed but I do. They have great defence and young talent. It seems they're not just a one season wonder.

8. Los Angeles Kings

Yes, I did just say that. There is an abundance of young talent all over this squad and they added just the right amount of veterns to get them over the hump.

9. Dallas Stars

They blamed Sean Avery for the disasterous year last season and fired the head coach. Other than Brendan Morrow coming back, I don't see anything different that says they'll make the playoffs.

10. Columbus Blue Jackets

It was fun to cheer for them last year, and it's not that they're not good enough. It's more that there is just too much talent in the West for them to break the top 8 this year. But they're on the way up for sure.

11. Edmonton Oilers

Too small, not enough firepower, and an aging goaltender. Pat Quinn will make a difference behind the bench, but not enough to sneak into the playoffs.

12. Minnesota Wild

It's a shame that a city who loves hockey as much as Minnesota hasn't put together an exciting team yet. Martin Havlat and Petr Sykora won't do enough. I really hope that some day these fans get to see a Stanley Cup winner. They deserve it.

13. Colorado Avalanche

I don't think they'll be as bad as people think, but they still won't be good. There is some good talent here, and if they keep building they should be amoung the class of the West again very soon.

14. Nashville Predators

Not much to say here. As with the Av's, there is some talent here, but they need to continue to build. It's going to be hard in a city that doesn't care about hockey.

15. Phoenix Coyotes

In spite of the emense talent brooding in the desert, it's going to be tough to overcome all the off ice issues. I would think that as soon as they move to a real hockey market, they'll be a serious threat.