Wild Wild West

Most experts agree the Western Conference is tougher than the East, and to a certain extent that is true. The teams are bigger, at least most of them, but most importantly, I think, the travel is longer. Anyway you look at it, the first round is really interesting. Eventhough the Red Wings once again took home the Presidents Trophy I see no clear cut favorite. I'm not sure what Maggie the monkey predicted, haven't had a chance to see any of the TSN experts picks yet, but here are mine for the first round of the Western Conference in the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs. By the way, why is Maggie spinning a wheel? That's not predicting at all. Just let her point to the team she likes, a monkey could do that for sure.

San Jose 4 - Calgary 3

Sure the Sharks are favorites, but Calgary is a tough team to play and the will make sure any opponent knows it. If they go down, they will go down fighting and the Sharks, should they get past them, will be pretty banged up for second round.

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Anaheim 4 - Dallas 2

When it counts, the champions will step it up a notch. If Sergei Zubov does not return to the Stars' lineup, fending off the Ducks will prove too big of a task. Marty Turco is also a key player, but he hasn't had much luck in the post season yet, though he was spectacular last year in the series against Vancouver, which the Stars lost.

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Detroit 4 - Nashville 1

This could be a sweep but I think the Predators will get one at home. There is a lot of pressure on the Red Wings to go all the way but they have a lot of power up front and are better equipped defensively than last year. The only thing that may be cause for concern is the two previous cup winning veterans sharing duties in the net. That really sounds better than it is.

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Colorado 4 - Minnesota 2

To most, the Minnesota Wild are favorites to advance victorious from this series, and they do have Colorado's numbers this season. But that means absolutely nothing in the playoffs, and if Peter Forsberg can stay healthy the Avs will not only get passed the Wild but will probably be an ugly surprise to a few other teams as well. Jose Theodore is also getting back to his old 2002 form and that will be crucial.

15 minutes before the playoffs begin. Ironically, after writing this, I am watching New Jersey - NY Rangers. Let's go!