Second Half Western Conference Playoff Predictions

What To Look For In The Western Conference

If the season ended today, the playoff seedings would look something like this:

Central:

1. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 8. Nashville Predators
2. Dallas Stars vs. 3. St. Louis Blues

Pacific:

1. Los Angeles Kings vs. 7. Colorado Avalanche
2. San Jose Shark vs. 3. Arizona Coyotes

A few interesting things. The Minnesota Wild’s recent downward spiral has allowed the Avalanche to jump into the conversation for a Wild Card spot, at the very least. If Minnesota wants to contend, they should address their anemic offense, which ranks dead last in the Central Division and 2nd worst in the entire Western Conference. Luckily, head coach Mike Yeo is prepared for slides like this:

The Wild will be right in the hunt when the schedule hits April.

Without a doubt the most surprising name on this list is the Arizona Coyotes. Although the Anaheim Ducks have a few games in hand over the Coyotes, their 53 points is currently good enough to hold 3rd place in the Pacific. The way it’s looking, the Central Division will get both Wild Card spots, which would mean bad news for the Coyotes, Ducks, or Canucks. To further exemplify the depth of the Central, the 3rd place St. Louis Blues would be in 1st in the Pacific, with the 5th place Wild threatening for 2nd place.

The time is now for the Winnipeg Jets to decide the fates of expiring stars Andrew Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien. A team like the Anaheim Ducks would pay a fair price for Andrew Ladd if it meant their offense could get a most desperate bolt of life. Just about any contender would be willing to part with a high pick/ top rated prospect to acquire a guy like Ladd, who brings veteran leadership and Stanley Cup experience. You can say Dustin Byfuglien looks like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man all you want, but he’s a top-15 defenseman in this league. For a big guy, Byfuglien has deceptive speed, nearly keeping stride with much smaller defensemen Kris Letang in the fastest skater competition.

Speaking of the Ducks, their recent surge has people believing in them once again, but there’s still a lot of work to be done. It’s all focused on the offense which has almost refused to score goals at times. With 6 teams currently jockeying for 2 Wild Card spots in the East, the trade market might not be as full as in previous seasons. I wouldn’t be surprised if Duck’s GM Bob Murray tries to acquire Cam Atkinson, if he can’t find another suitable deal. Atkinson is on pace to shatter his previous career highs, with 17 goals and 32 points through 50 games this season.

Are the Los Angeles Kings satisfied with their roster moving towards the postseason? Veteran adds Vincent Lecavalier and Luke Schenn have given the Kings a welcome boost, but they’re missing another scoring option. Salary Cap constraints may force the Kings to look at second tier options at this year’s trade deadline, unless they were willing to part ways with one of their bigger contracts. Sabre’s forward Jamie McGinn is no offensive superstar but he could provide the Kings with another scoring option and depth should the current top-6 suffer any injuries.

The Edmonton Oilers will look to get Connor McDavid back this week and will finally, hopefully, make a pertinent decision regarding the look of their roster going forward. Tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Toronto Maple Leafs for worst in total points, an optimist might point out that at least they have more wins than the woeful Maple Leafs. McDavid will be the spectacle that was promised and should more than likely take Edmonton out of the Auston Matthews sweepstakes, but crazier things have happened.

2nd Half Playoff Predictions:

Central:

1. Dallas Stars vs. 8. Minnesota Wild
2. Chicago Blackhawks vs. 3. St. Louis Blues

Pacific:

1. Los Angeles Kings vs. 7. Nashville Predators
2. San Jose Sharks vs. 3. Anaheim Ducks

Sorry, Colorado.