Round 2 Western Conference Predictions

With San Jose's elimination, the path to the cup out west will run through Detroit, once again. Here's who I like to advance to the Western Conference Finals...

(2) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Anaheim Ducks

This re-match of the 2007 Western Conference Finals features two very different teams. While the Ducks rely heavily on one line offensively and two go-to guys on the blue-line, the Wings rely on a consistent puck possession game that sees their whole team get involved...not that their lacking in star power.

Pavel Datsyuk is a nominee for the Hart, the Selke, and the Lady Byng. Henrik Zetterberg is last season's Conn Smythe Winner. Nicklas Lidstrom has won six Norris Trophies, including the last three. They also picked up a guy named Marian Hossa in the off-season.

For the Ducks to win, they will need to play with the same mind-set they had versus the Sharks in the first round. Getzlaf will need to be the best forward in the series. They will need some timely scoring from players not named Getzlaf, Perry, or Ryan. They must receive solid defensive contributions from all six defensemen. Hiller needs to outplay Osgood.

I cannot envision each and everyone of these things happening.

While the Ducks have a great make-up for a playoff team, Detroit is simply better. They cannot be pushed around. They are deeper. They are faster. They are more talented.

It just does't add up for the Ducks.

Barring out-of-this-world performances from their top line, top two d-men, and goaltender, you have to like Detroit in this one.

Prediction: Red Wings in five.

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (4) Chicago Blackhawks

Doesn't it feel like the Canucks haven't played for a month?

After quickly disposing of the Blues in an exciting but short-lived four game series, the Canucks will now face a young, upstart Chicago team. The Hawks showed some spunk, getting past a physical, though injury riddled, Calgary squad.

The most important player in this series is undoubtedly Roberto Luongo. Although the Canucks are far from a one person team, they will go as far as "Bobby Lu" can take 'em. If he plays like he did in the first round, it's hard to see this team losing anytime soon.

I said in my original playoff predictions that the Sedins would need to fire at or near a point per game pace. They did just that in the first round, registering three goals and six assists between the two of them.

For Chicago to come out ahead, they will need to first and foremost find a way to get to Luongo early. It sounds redundant, but it's worth noting. If Luongo settles in nicely, Chicago will find themselves golfing much sooner than they wish.

If the first round was a sign of things to come in Chicago, Jonathon Toews is destined for playoff stardom. He was a stud at both ends of the ice, and was clearly the leader of this young, but composed, Chicago team.

I'm going with Vancouver here. Their defense is very physical, and will continue to wear down guys like Patrick Kane and Martin Havlat. Let's not forget, teams that face Calgary early in the playoffs don't advance far afterwards (i.e. San Jose last year, Detroit the year before). Calgary put a beating on Kane and Havlat, and I expect the Canucks to follow suit.

The play of Kesler and Burrows will continue to be excellent. Chicago's role players, guys like Versteeg, Byfuglien, and Pahlsson, will need to answer the bell.

When it's all said and done, Luongo and the Vancouver defense will loom large.

Prediction: Vancouver in six.