Who is the scariest contender in the West?

[Stelmacki]

If the Predators play like they played tonight in the 2nd and 3rd periods (albeit against Vancouver), they will be very tough to beat.

However, I wouldn’t be surprised if Nashville, Winnipeg, St. Louis, Calgary, Vegas, or San Jose came out of the West. Can’t wait for the playoffs.

So you’re betting on one of the top 6 in the west to make it to the finals over the two wild card teams. Bold. Very bold.

 

[Trap Jesus]

I think Winnipeg has the best team on paper. They've been sleepwalking a bit but I feel like they can turn it on at any time. There really isn't a team that jumps out though. I could see any one of the non-wild card teams winning the West.

 

[DrMartinVanNostrand]

Still think Nashville has the right components in place. They won the West two years ago, and lost in a Game 7 last year against a team who was more-or-less their equal last season (117 points vs. 114; that's the difference of a few shootout results). Have a top-level coach and the best defense corps in the conference. Their biggest bugaboo always seems to be the Sharks; if they avoid them, I think I'd peg them as the favorite against anyone else they face.

 

[Rometiklan]

Blues. Some really good hockey since January, which is a really long stretch of solid hockey. That's much more appealing to me than any team riding a 10 game hot streak heading into the playoffs.

 

[WesMcCauley]

Nashville looks good. Vegas is scary, they are so deep at forward now.

 

[SirClintonPortis]

Every one of them have grotesque flaws. But, whoever comes out of SJ/VGK and the Blues are the least ugly of the bunch.

 

[Trade]

Vegas
St Louis

 

[34]

Blues

 

[Bookie21]

Vegas large

 

[Pastor Of Muppetz]

Vegas for me...team has no obvious weaknesses..Great goaltending, great coach..Could possibly win it all this year.

 

[fasterthanlight]

I don't think Vegas is a good as the Sharks make them look. They're just one of those teams that have our number entirely --- the lineup extremely well against us specifically. On paper, I think their D is not amazing, but against us it's turning out fine. I think they beat us in round 1, but don't make it to the finals again.

 

[Duffalufagus]

I think Colorado handles Vegas pretty easily.

 

[JetsWillFly4Ever]

Every one of them have grotesque flaws. But, whoever comes out of SJ/VGK and the Blues are the least ugly of the bunch.

Ya the East is waaay better, their top team looks unbeatable!

 

[Jixer19]

I think Colorado handles Vegas pretty easily.

As much as I love the confidence from a Flames fan for the Avs, let's remember the Flames are not out of it yet, still a series to be played

 

[SirClintonPortis]

Ya the East is waaay better, their top team looks unbeatable!

The wretched Capitals look like they at least belong. But yes, the East is also weak.

 

[Icebreakers]

Blues and Knights

 

[Duffalufagus]

As much as I love the confidence from a Flames fan for the Avs, let's remember the Flames are not out of it yet, still a series to be played

true. But this Avs team has all the ingredients (and the best player in the playoffs). They look dynamic. The Flames aren't winning this series. They've never really been in the series. Let's get real here.

 

[Community]

The wretched Capitals look like they at least belong. But yes, the East is also weak.

You do realize that every team cant be weak... Thats like saying all teams in the playoffs are below average.



Also, if all of the west (and it sounds like you have a similar opinion about the east) have "grotesque flaws", how would you describe the teams that didnt make the playoffs?

 

[NeverBeNormal]

Avs. Mack is on his own level right now and Makar looks legit. Gru's hot at the right time too.

 

[joestevens29]

Going into the playoffs SJ and STL were the two teams that if things clicked I would've been concerned about.

They were two teams that weren't being overly talked about, but if healthy and solid goaltending they could go deep

 

[IafrateOvie34]

After that performance last night, the Avs made a statement.

 

[John Eichel da GOAT]

LOL at 125 votes for the Flames.

Its honestly a rock, paper, scissors in the West. Outside of Dallas, I would not be shocked at anyone winning the West. And now with Tampa out, any could realistically win the Cup as well.

 

[DitchMarner]

LOL at 125 votes for the Flames.

Well, it's scary how bad Calgary was last night.

 

[c9777666]

LOL at 125 votes for the Flames.

Its honestly a rock, paper, scissors in the West. Outside of Dallas, I would not be shocked at anyone winning the West. And now with Tampa out, any could realistically win the Cup as well.

And DAL is far from done, that series could go the other way

 

[John Eichel da GOAT]

And DAL is far from done, that series could go the other way

I agree they could still win. They are just the only team out of the West I'm not scared of at all for any team remaining that has a shot at moving on currently.