How the West was won

This is one of my favourite nights of the year - the last day of the NHL regular season. Hopes are still high for the pool, dreams of a record number of entries dance in my head. It's the time of year when fans from San Jose to Montreal can steal dream of a Stanley Cup parade rolling through their town (or in the case of New Jersey their arena parking lot).

In the first part of a two part series, I will break down the first round match-ups. Some of may chose to use this as advice. Be my guest, but remember I haven't won this pool since Dolly) was born.

I'll start with the Western Conference

(1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton

The Red Wings won the Presidents Trophy for having the best record in the National Hockey League, but they did play in the weakest division in the league beating up on St. Louis, Chicago and Columbus on a regular basis. But don't be fooled, they are still one tough hockey team. The Oilers have played them tough this year, but I don't think they have the horses to knock off the Wings in a best-of-seven series.

Prediction: Detroit in five

(2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado

This match-up really intrigues me. Both teams are proven play-off contenders and either of them can go a long way if things break in their favour. A lot is being made about the Avs goaltending situation. They picked up an injured Jose Theodore at the deadline. He healed in time for the playoffs, but hasn't proven anything in the last week of the regular season. Dallas has been the more consistent team game in and game out this year and that will translate into a first round win.

Prediction: Dallas in six

(3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim

This is the simplest series to breakdown in the entire playoffs. If Kipper plays like he has all season the Flames will win, if he falters the Ducks will upset. Since I've seen nothing to suggest his play has fallen off I will take the Flames.

Prediction: Calgary in six

(4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose

Don't let the seedings or their point totals deceive you, the Sharks are the favourites in this series in my books. They have been on a tear since the Olympics. Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo are downright scary. The Preds benefited from playing in the same division as the Wings and like the Flames relied on a hot goalie at times. Unfortunately Thomas Vokoun is done for the year with a blood disorder. So far Red Deer's own Chris Mason has filled in admirably but he'll be in tough against the powerful Sharks attack.

Prediction: Sharks in five