Stanley Cup Playoff Preview Western Conference

(1) Detroit (54-21-7, 115 pts)

(8) Nashville (41-32-9, 91 pts)

REGULAR SEASON SERIES Red Wings lead 5-3 Nov. 7: at Red Wings 3, Predators 2 (SO) Nov. 22: at Predators 3, Red Wings 2 Dec. 10: Red Wings 2 at Predators 1 Feb. 12: at Predators 4, Red Wings 2 Mar. 9: at Red Wings 4, Predators 3 Mar. 15: Predators 3 at Red Wings 1 Mar. 20: Red Wings 6 at Predators 3 Mar. 30: at Red Wings 1, Predators 0 (OT) Despite their league best record, Detroit won't win the Stanley Cup. But Nashville won't be the team to knock them off. The Predators inclusion in the playoffs is an amazing story, but the clock strikes 12 on this Cinderella team early this year. Red Wings in 6. (2) San Jose (49-23-10, 108 pts) (7) Calgary (42-30-10, 94 pts) REGULAR SEASON SERIES Flames win 3-1 Oct. 22: Sharks 4 at Flames 1 Jan. 3: Flames 3 at Sharks 2 (OT) Jan. 30: at Flames 5, Sharks 4 Feb. 12: Flames 4 at Sharks 3 (OT) Will San Jose finally lose their playoff failures label? They're the hottest team heading into the playoffs, and they're special teams are stronger than Calgary's. Joe Thornton really needs to step up, finally, as Dion Phaneuf will be all over them. Calgary is built for playoff hockey, and there's nothing Jody Shelley can do about all the Flames kamikaze pests. I'm going to go against my instinct and suggest the Sharks will finally make some noise this year, and they'll start by knocking off the enigmatic Flames. This series will be nasty. Sharks in 6. (3) Minnesota (44-28-10, 98 pts) (6) Colorado (44-31-7, 95 pts) REGULAR SEASON SERIES Wild lead 5-3 Oct. 21: at Wild 3, Avalanche 2 Oct. 28: at Avalanche 3, Wild 1 Nov. 11: at Avalanche 4, Wild 2 Nov. 18: at Wild 4, Avalanche 1 Jan. 24: Wild 3 at Avalanche 2 Mar. 17: at Wild 3, Avalanche 1 Mar. 30: at Wild 3, Avalanche 2 (OT) Apr. 6: at Avalanche 4, Wild 3 (SO) Oh man, this one is too tough to call. Minnesota holds a large edge on the specialty teams. These two teams finished with near identical records, although Colorado somehow did it despite long stretches without the likes of Joe Sakic, Paul Stastny, Ryan Smyth, Adam Foote and Peter Forsberg. Minnesota didn't show me greatness in the regular season. I think Joel Quenneville's presence will eliminate any tactical coaching advantages Jacques Lemaire almost always has, and the getting-healthier Avs will knock off the Wild. I don't like their special teams, but Avalanche in 7. (4) Anaheim (47-27-8, 102 pts) (5) Dallas (45-30-7, 97 pts) REGULAR SEASON SERIES Stars lead 5-3 Oct. 20: at Stars 3, Ducks 1 Nov. 5: Stars 5 at Ducks 0 Nov. 21: at Stars 2, Ducks 1 Jan. 15: at Ducks 4, Stars 2 Jan. 20: at Stars 5, Ducks 2 Feb. 15: Stars 4 at Ducks 2 Mar. 19: Ducks 2 at Stars 1 Mar. 30: at Ducks 3, Stars 2 (SO) The Stars have really struggled since acquiring Brad Richards at the trading deadline. Anaheim should be hitting their stride, with the well rested Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne in mid-season form. Dallas does have a narrow specialty teams advantage, but I think Anaheim will open defence of their championship by knocking off the Stars. Ducks in 6. Tell me you're playoff predictions! Post it in the comments!