Western Conference Semifinals

While the east is currently wrapping up in dramatic fashion, the West is ready to go so let's take a look at the match up for the Western Conference Semifinals. just a note. I was 3 for 4 with western conference picks. Not bad for my first "official" predictions.

#1 Vancouver Canucks vs #5 Nashville Predators
Regular season results, series split 2-2

The Canucks barely escaped a monumental collapse against the 8th seeded Chicago Blackhawks, while the defensive minded, disciplined Nashville Predators moved past the Anaheim Ducks for their first ever playoff series win.

Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks blew a 3-0 series lead against the banged up Chicago Blackhawks and also lost their 1-0 lead in game seven with less than 2 minutes to go. While they did manage to win in OT, the Canucks have to be shaken. GM Mike Gillis was fined by the NHL after voicing his displeasure with the officiating in the series, and some of the Canucks players have had less than complimentary things to say about letting Chicago comeback. Luongo will still be this team's question mark, and going up against a Vezina candidate in Pekka Rinne, the pressure will be on to perform.

Nashville Predators: Finally over the hump! After numerous appearances in the playoffs, the Predators have finally won a playoff series. They did it the way they have always won, with a solid team effort on defense and taking advantage of their chances. Look for the trend to continue. The Canucks are a deeper team, but still rely heavily on their top 6, well the Sedins +4. Expect to see a lot of Weber and Suter this series as they will be tasked with stopping the twins.

Breakdown: Another David and Goliath match up for the Predators. It is clear that Barry Trotz has the faith of his players, and they believe in each other and the system. Vancouver has the deeper line up, but Nashville played them tight all year, and I expect the confidence they have from dismissing the Ducks to give them some swagger coming into this round.

Bottom Line: Nashville in 7. Yeah, I said it. The Vancouver coaching staff is lacking confidence in Luongo, despite what they might say publicly. Pekka will need to step up his game, as he will be facing the majority of the shots this series, but at the end of the day I think the confidence and belief in themselves that the Predators have will get them over the hump.

#2 San Jose Sharks vs #3 Detroit Redwings
Regular season results, San Jose won 3-1

Detroit comes in with the longest break between rounds after the sweep of the Phoenix Coyotes, while San Jose comes off the hard fought series win against the Los Angeles Kings. The rest will do Detroit wonders as they've had time to rest key players and nurse injuries. San Jose comes off a gutsy win in game six against the Kings and look to build on their momentum.

San Jose Sharks: Another year, another playoff series. A rematch of last year's semifinals where they easily defeated the Detroit Redwings. This isn't last year though. As cliche as it is, their best players will need to be their best players. Marleau, Heatley and Thorton will have to play hard as will Clowe, Couture and Setoguchi. If they can get secondary scoring from players like Wellwood, the Sharks will be tough to beat. Also Niemi will need to put the doubters to rest and return to Cup winning form and not give up three goals on four shots again.

Detroit Redwings: The Redwings easily defeated the Phoenix Coyotes without one of their best players in Henrik Zetterberg. Look for Hank's return to start the series as well as well rested Lidstom and Datsyuk. Franzen will also be rested, and hopefully looking a little less like Franzenstein. The biggest question mark for the Wings, as it has been all season will be the play of Jimmy Howard. He will need to play his best hockey of the year against a team with the scoring talent of San Jose.

Breakdown: This will be one of the more intense match ups of the playoffs. Detroit showed that even without their best player, they're still one of the best teams in the league. The addition of Zetterberg will be huge for the Wings. The Sharks have the edge in goal, but the Wings are an entirely different animal come playoff time, and they will be incredibly tough to beat.

Bottom Line: Detroit in 6. No need to explain any further. They're the Wings. you can't spell wings without win. holy puck, did I really just say that?