Stanley Cup and Cheesecake, Take Two

As promised, the Western Conference preview! I can count the Western Conference games I've watched this year on one-and-a-half hands, so be prepared for a lot of bullshit as you read the capsules!


WESTERN CONFERENCE

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (8) Calgary Flames

This might just be wishful thinking, but I feel like the Flames have a chance against the high-powered Red Wings, especially if they can take them beyond four or five games. Much like the Senators in the East, the Red Wings often seem to falter in the first round as a high-seeded favorite...but unlike the Sens, in the years they don't falter, they win the Cup. Not this year. Calgary in seven.



(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (7) Minnesota Wild

I know next to nothing about the Ducks, except that even though the stink of Disney is finally off them, I still don't want to see them make it to the finals. I also know that their jerseys are just about the most boring thing I've ever seen, which is why I didn't do a drawing! I still have to pick them, though. Anaheim in six.


(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) Dallas Stars

Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo is having a monster year...if he can remain true to regular season form, there's no way the Stars will be able to score enough goals to keep the result from being Vancouver in six.


(4) Nashville Predators vs. (5) San Jose Sharks

The Predators have been excellent all season, but the Sharks have been better lately. I think the Sharks will eventually represent the Western Conference in the Finals...no one on the left coast has been better for longer without winning a Cup than San Jose. They're due. Also, the Preds have no plans to wear their mustard yellow alternate jerseys during the series, which will cost them.

UPDATE: I can't believe I forgot to mention this before, but this series will feature one of the most hilarious combinations of names in recorded sports history, when Nashville's Jordin Tootoo takes the ice against San Jose's Jonathan Cheechoo. Tootoo versus Cheechoo. That's awesome. San Jose in seven.