The Western Conference is closer now then it has been for a long time at this point in the season. The difference between last place and a play-off spot is only four wins, and the difference from last place to first is only seven.
That's not to say that there are some good teams in the West, as well as bad teams. We all have our expectations of who's going to make the playoffs and who's going to miss. However, we have to agree that any of the 15 teams could make it.
We have seen plenty of teams rise from the cellar, to a play-off position this season, mainly the Nashville Predators who climbed from around 12th to seventh in a matter of a couple of weeks.
Edmonton is on the verge of doing the same thing. What these teams are showing us is that a couple weeks of solid play can launch you up a few positions in the standings. That has to give a lot of hope to "cellar" teams like the Blue Jackets and Wild.
That's also why you have to keep an eye on the Wings. Once they get healthy, they're going to be a much bigger threat, and with everything as close as it is, they could be in a position to make the biggest move of all.
Usuall ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Eric LaForge
Don’t Count Them Out Yet: Why We Can’t Predict the NHL’s Western Conference
December 14th, 2009 by Eric LaForge Leave a reply »
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