NHL Western Conference Report - NHL Hockey News, Tips And Picks

NHL Western Conference Report
By Dan the Man Leach
Posted: 3:00 am PDT 2007-01-27

It has been a truly exciting season in the NHL so far, and as we enter the second half of the season, let's take a look top 5 teams in the Western Conference. These are the teams I feel will be there in the end fighting for Lord Stanley?s Cup, as well as couple of sleepers that could make a lot of noise come playoff time.

1. Nashville (71 points, 1st place Central Division): Could this be the Predators' year? Many people thinks so as the former late-1990s expansion team is fast becoming a power in the Western Conference. The leadership of Paul Kariya has been key as he has 53 points, most on the team heading into the second half. WagerWeb.com lists the Preds as +800 to win the Stanley Cup.

2. Anaheim Ducks (68 points, 1st place, Pacific Division): With some of the best goaltending in the league, the Ducks are a team that can shut an opponent down and in a hurry. The play of the forwards will be a key come playoff time. The Ducks know they can stay in games with their defense and goaltending, and that is truly dangerous in today?s NHL. WagerWeb.com lists the Ducks as the favorites to win the Cup at +350.

3. Calgary Flames (Co-1st place, 56 points, Northwest Division): The Stanley Cup finalists from a few years ago are catching fire, no pun intended, and have been playing great defense heading into the break. The second half will be key for the Flames to dominate more as a balanced team instead of one-dimensional at times. WagerWeb.com lists the Flames as +1500 to win the Cup.

4. Detroit Red Wings (65 points, 2nd place, Central Division): The Wings no longer have Steve Yzerman, but they have Nick Lidstrom and some of the best young talent in the league in Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg. Dominik Hasek is capable of winning a Cup by standing on his head, but has been inconsistent at times this year and will need to go into the second half confident and, most important, healthy. WagerWeb.com lists the Wings as +900 to win the Cup.

5. San Jose Sharks (64 points, 2nd place, Pacific Division): The Sharks have been too up and down for their liking, but when they are up they are a team that can control the blue line and shut the other team down with great defense. WagerWeb.com lists the Sharks as +800 to win the Cup.

SLEEPERS

Dallas Stars: This team has the depth and leadership to make a run.

Vancouver Canucks: One of the NHL?s best offensive teams can be very dangerous when it gets hot, plus the Canucks have Roberto Luongo in net.

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