Mike Warren's NHL Preview (cont.)

If you thought that the Eastern Conference was a little shaky, the West is even worse by a long shot. Lets not waste anytime however and get into this.

Pacific Division

This division is without question going to be the 2 playoff bid team and it might shock you who are in and who are out. Anaheim under Bruce Boudreau is going to stride, but remember, the division as a whole was close and the LA Kings barely made the playoffs. San Jose should win the division as well as Phoenix just skirting into the playoffs. Also Dallas acquiring Jagr via free agency will not be enough to get in.

1. San Jose
2. Anaheim
3. Phoenix
4. Los Angeles
5. Dallas

Northwest Division

This division depends on how well the play of Cory Schneider will be for Vancouver as I believe Roberto Luongo is about to be traded once we get going to Toronto. I think this is a chance for Edmonton to shine as all of their young have been playing for AHL affiliate Oklahoma City. Also look for Minnesota, who was leading the conference at the all-star break last season with the additions of Zach Parise and Ryan Suter to get over that hump and reach the playoffs.

1. Minnesota
2. Edmonton
3. Vancouver
4. Calgary
5. Colorado

Central Division

This division is plagued with the loss of Ryan Suter and Nick Lidstrom via free agency and retirement respectively, and the loss of Lidstrom will be bigger now as the Red Wings will no longer have the nostalgic we are going to make the playoffs feel. The Blues should continue their run under Coach Ken Hitchcock and win the division. 3 teams should see the playoffs in the Central

1. St. Louis
2. Nashville
3. Chicago
4. Detroit
5. Columbus

Western Conference Playoffs Picks

1. St. Louis
2. San Jose
3. Minnesota
4. Nashville
5. Chicago
6. Edmonton
7. Vancouver
8. Anaheim

Now as last year proved the seeding mean about as much as that pop tart you ate this morning.

Here are my Stanley Cup Final Picks:

New York Rangers vs. Chicago Blackhawks in 6 games
Rangers win the Cup(Much to my dismay)

5 Bold Predictions:

1. This is Martin Brodeur’s Final Season.
2. Buffalo wins the Northeast Division
3. Tuka Raask is awesome in Boston.
4. Roberto Luongo gets traded.
5. The Red Wings fall without Lidstrom leadership.