Nik Lidstrom will lead the Red Wings in the pursuit of another Stanley Cup this spring.
Sometimes, this job really sucks.
Sure, the perks are great and there isn't a lot to whine about when writing hockey for a living.
But I'd have a better chance of having Jessica Biel and Jessica Alba cooking me breakfast — together —than trying to figure out the playoff scenario in the Western Conference with a few weeks to go.
If anyone else has an idea, throw me a bone.
OK, I'll put money on the Red Wings and the red-hot Sharks to finish 1-2. That's my way of going out on a limb.
Livin' on the edge, huh?
After that, I'm more confused than a woodpecker in a concrete forest. Four teams within two points in the Northwest prior to last night?
Oh well, in advance of the slew of "Hey idiot" emails headed my way, this is how I think it will all shake out in the West:
1. DETROIT RED WINGS
It seems like forever since the Red Wings have had nothing to play for and trust me, I'm not that far off. The Flying Wheel has blown a tire in recent weeks, but they will be ready once the post-season begins. It's just a matter of who draws the eighth seed and boards a flight for Motown.
2. SAN JOSE SHARKS
In case you forgot, since I called that the Sharks would make it to the Stanley Cup final, the teal, white and black are 8-0-0-1. They are smelling blood and are hitting stride just when they should. Brian Campbell should send a thank-you note to Buffalo. Come to think of it, so should the entire Sharks' organization.
3. MINNESOTA WILD
How about that Northwest Division race? With the top four teams separated by just two points, these outfits will also go head-to-head and kick the crap out of each other down the stretch. I'm taking Minnesota to come out on top because, well, I can.
4. ANAHEIM DUCKS
Dallas and Anaheim should scrap it out for home ice advantage and, with the Ducks and Stars having carbon copy schedules coming home, there is no reason to think the defending champions shouldn't win that battle. It's hit or miss, but I'm taking the Ducks.
5. DALLAS STARS
It seems like yesterday that the Stars were set for a division title and the second seed. Then the Sharks decided to get serious. Dallas picked the wrong time of year to flirt with mediocrity.
6. CALGARY FLAMES
Any one of Minnesota, Calgary, Vancouver or Colorado could win the Northwest and no one would be floored. Whoever takes the head-to-head games down the stretch will finish atop the division. It's that simple. The Flames were my pick for the Northwest until they blew a game in hand in Columbus last night.
7. VANCOUVER CANUCKS
As mentioned above, the Canucks could swoop in and take the division, but have struggled lately. Unless they find another gear, an opening-round date with the Sharks could be in the cards. Oh, and a quick exit.
8. COLORADO AVALANCHE
With long-term injuries to Joe Sakic, Paul Stastny and Ryan Smyth, it's a wonder the Avs are still in this thing. They just won't go away but, with only eight games to go, the boys from the Rockies may have to be content with the final seed in the West. Do the Avs want San Jose or Detroit? I know my answer....
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MISSING OUT
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
The Predators needed a final kick to make a run at the eighth seed but didn't get it, going 4-6 in their past ten prior to last night. Oh well, it's NASCAR season anyway.
EDMONTON OILERS
Despite being one of the hottest teams in hockey, the Oilers needed some help from the teams ahead of them. Losses would have been nice, but they didn't get it. In the end, the hole was just too deep for the Oilers to shovel out of.
PHOENIX COYOTES
They're getting close to seeing playoff hockey in the desert, but not quite yet. Four wins in ten starts prior to last night's visit to Edmonton didn't help.