This report for the Western Conference only discusses the games from Feb 6 to Feb 12. I’ll get to projecting the results for the week starting Feb 28 after next weekend when we know how things have gone in Turin.
Period of Analysis 06-Feb-06 to 12-Feb-06 - Olympic Break
| Seed | Team | Current Points | Last 10 Points | Predicted Points |
|---|
| 1 | Detroit | 83 | 16 | tba |
Detroit continues to beat everyone in sight. They’ve picked up all six points that were available this past week. I’ve heard the argument “are Detroit that good or is the Central Division that bad?” Given this week’s six points came off wins over Nashville ( 6-0 at home and 3-2 on the road) and Colorado (6-3), I’ve have to suggest “yup the Wings are that good!”
Dallas played 500 hockey this week. They were not as good as I had expected. They won two games early then lost in the Shark Tank and LA. They gave up four goals in the third period to LA to lose 6-5. I thought they’d lose one game on their western tour. They lost two.
I predicted the Flames were going to be hungry. Sure enough they picked up all six points including an OT win over St Louis. Their results coupled with the Nucks' poor Lotus Land homestand resulted in the Flames and Canucks swapping seeds this week
Nashville had a tough week. They did manage a win against CBJ but lost twice to Detroit and once to Dallas.
There was no reason why the Nucks shouldn’t have sweep into the break with four home ice wins against four weaker opponents. But as the Canucks tend to do they under achieved. Embarrassing no shows with St Louis and Anaheim were bookended by less than convincing wins over Columbus and Minny. Injuries have been hurting the Canucks core players. This Olympic break may be just what the Doctor ordered.
Colorado beat Edmonton, Minny, and Columbus to leapfrog over both Edmonton and LA into sixth seed. At one point the Av’s were 5th seed also ahead of Vancouver.
As expected LA picked up points from Columbus and Minny. They continue to struggle with only three wins in their last ten games. I expect Anaheim who are just four points back to start to put some more pressure on LA.
The Oil did not fair too well this week. The managed to beat Anaheim and got a OTL point from St Louis for a total of only three for the week. A lost to Minnesota and a single point from St Louis is unacceptable. However, I do not foresee any problems for the Oilers to remain around as the seventh seed.
Outside looking in.The remainder of the west with a chance of making it to the Stanley Cup Tournament are Anaheim, Minnesota and Phoenix. Anaheim is still the best of the bunch and is showing some pluck. Ducks started and ended the week four points out of a playoff spot. The mix changed slightly in that the target is now LA or Edmonton. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Bruke’s Ducks better LA in the coming month. The Sharks also still have four games in hand on LA. Potentially eight points available that would certainly draw the Wilson’s (Coach Ron n GM Doug) into the playoff picture.
The antics in Scottsdale with Mr. Tochett and the fall out for Mr. and Mrs. Gretzki has likely, and sadly, placed the playoff picture on hold for the team from the valley of the sun.
Current Dance Partners.If the playoff were to start today the match ups are as follows:
Detroit – Edmonton
Dallas – Los Angles
Calgary – Colorado
Nashville – Vancouver
Ciao,
Tags:
hockey;
Detroit+Red+Wings;
Dallas+Stars;
Calgary+Flames;
Nashville+Predators;
Vancouver+Canucks;
Los+Angles+Kings;
Edmonton+Oilers;
Colorado+Avalanche
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