The Western Conference seems to be the dominate of the two conferences, but also is the conference that has a bit clearer look of who will be in the playoffs. For the most part it looks as though seven of the eight playoff teams seem to be set.
There are four teams that have all but solidified their spots. Chicago (67), St. Louis (65), Anaheim (69), and San Jose (60) have pretty much punched their tickets. The battle amongst these top teams has been amazing during the first half of the season. I look for it to even intensify more in the second half, and hang on to your hats in the playoffs.
The second tier of teams has played very well and also looks to be pretty safe as far as making the playoffs. The Colorado Avalanche (56) has surprised many with their play this year, and look to be in a great spot at the midseason point. Los Angeles (57) and Vancouver (55) are also forces in the west and look to be in a good position at the mid-point.
The battle is for the seventh and final playoff spot. Minnesota (51), Dallas (47), and Phoenix (51) look to be in a huge dog fight for the final playoff spot in the west. Minnesota is battling goaltender injuries, but look to be surviving though that difficulty. The Dallas Stars have been a quiet team that continues to consistently pick up points, and stay in the mix. The Phoenix Coyotes have been a roller coaster of a team this year so far. Their good goaltending, and style of play will definitely keep them in the hunt. I also feel that Dave Tippett is one of the top coaches in the NHL.
There are four teams that are now fighting for a high draft pick spot. The Nashville Predators (44), Winnipeg Jets (43), Calgary Flames (36), and Edmonton Oilers (33) have all struggled this season, and now need to start making necessary changes to improve their club for next season. The biggest surprise in this group is the Edmonton Oilers. Many people thought that this was the year they would turn their play around, and contend for a playoff spot. The struggles continue, and if things stay the same this summer they will be standing in front of the podium on draft day selecting in the top three again.
The Western Conference is amazing this year. I can’t remember a season when so many teams have been so dominant. It is sure to be a wild second half of the season.
Brad Burud the owner/editor of the Inside Edge Hockey News. I am a huge fan of hockey, from youth hockey, to junior hockey, and of course professional hockey. I have played, coached, worked as statistician, and watched hockey all of my life. Hockey is not just a game, it is a lifestyle and family. The game of hockey is great! It can bring you nights of great enjoyment. It also brings nights where you feel like your team will never win. I am proud to be a journalist for the greatest game in the world. I have a degree in Business Administration, Psychology from Minot State University. I also have a Hockey General Manager and Scouting, and Sports Communications/Journalism degree from Sports Management Worldwide. I am also a member of the Sports Executives Association. Most of all I am a fan. Hockey is a huge part of my life and my families life.