Post by Eklund on Feb 25, 2013 16:07:52 GMT -8
The Calgary Flames have been one of the most consistent teams in the Western Conference. Sitting at 52 points in sole possession of 4th place, they are separated by a mere 6 points to 10th place Chicago. The biggest question for this team is if young James Reimer can carry the Flames to a playoff berth and beyond. Recently acquired Daniel Briere looked good with his new team registering a goal and an assist and adds to an already solid forward group. This is a team that looks to be deep enough to hold on to one of the coveted spots out west.
The Edmonton Oilers are one point back of division and cross province rival Calgary at 51 points. Despite a slow start the Oilers have ramped up their play and find themselves in a 2 way tie with St. Louis with identical records. GM Kruze has elected to stay passive and has not made any significant changes to the lineup halfway through the season. The Oilers trade block is unknown halfway through the season which is suspicious as the team was one of the most active last year. Will this change with the weeks to come as the Oilers look to win the battle of Alberta? We’ll see.
The Colorado Avalanche find themselves 11 points behind 8th place Los Angeles. After moving their best offensive defenseman in Jack Johnson, will the Avalanche try and win the lottery pick and get the chance to draft top prospect Aaron Ekblad? And with trade deadline a few weeks away, Colorado GM has been actively shopping 23 year old Ryan O’Reilly. With a team so deep down the middle and with 5 solid roster ready right wingers, can the Avalanche find a suitor to provide them with a better 2nd line centre or left winger? I believe so.
The Minnesota Wild are right in the midst of battling with 2 other teams with 49 points and look to have a tough task ahead of them. The team does boast a dangerous first line and a proven tender in Backstrom. After sending Pierre Marc Bouchard and Morgan Rielly to the Ducks, they acquired one of the best TWF in Jordan Staal and Francois Beauchemin among other depth players. Is this depth enough to keep pace with the ever so competitive Western Conference? I think so.
The Vancouver Canucks have been the juggernauts of the league. With an astonishing record of 35-10-1, this team shows no signs of slowing down. Even when Vezina trophy winner Cory Schneider went down for a couple of weeks, the team was able to put teams away with young Eddie Lack in net. This comes to show how deep the team is on defense and on offence and how they have the tools to beat teams in many different ways. After critics questioned the Canucks’ depth on right wing, those questions have definitely been put away and I expect the Canucks to challenge for the President’s Trophy and be in the running for the teams’ first Stanley Cup.
vs 
Live , Detroit looks to end things and take their 2nd Cup in 3 seasons 
Live now 
vs 
Live now