8 Looming Questions For The Western Conference Playoffs
Apr 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; St. Louis Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo (27) is checked by Chicago Blackhawks left wing Bryan Bickell (29) during the second period at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier I looked at the field in the Eastern Conference playoffs and identified a key question for each team that qualified for the postseason. Here I will do the same for the 8 teams that have assured a spot in the Western Conference.
Has the St. Louis Blues late season slide cost them?
Jan 25, 2014; Uniondale, NY, USA; St Louis Blues goalie
Jaroslav Halak(41) fails to make a save on a shot by New York Islanders left wing
Matt Martin(17) (not pictured) during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
The Blues have lost 5 games in a row, and what looked like a sure first place spot in the Central division has evaporated and it is no longer in their control as they have been caught by the Avalanche. The reward for the late season blues of St. Louis could just be the defending Stanley Cup champs, the Chicago Blackhawks, instead of the wild card Dallas Stars or Minnesota Wild. Injuries are also a concern heading into the postseason.
Do the Blackhawks have enough left in the tank for a repeat?
Mar 6, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center
Jonathan Toews(19) reacts with right wing
Patrick Kane(88), defenseman
Duncan Keith(2), and center
Andrew Shaw(65) after scoring a goal during the third period at the United Center. Chicago defeats Columbus 6-1. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Chicago Blackhawks just muddled along this season, but they played a lot of hockey in the past year and some of their key players have the Olympic trip also weighing on their shoulders. The blessing in disguise could be that Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews have been out with injury but should be a little more rested when the playoffs start.
Does Teemu have another run in him?
Mar 28, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Anaheim Ducks forward
Teemu Selanne(8) is stopped by Edmonton Oilers goaltender
Ben Scrivens(30) during the first period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Teemu Selanne is 43 years old and for him this was a very sub-par season offensively. However, he showed at the Olympics that he can step it up in the moment. If this is Selanne’s swan song, you can bet he wants to go out of the league the way he came in, with a bang.
Is this finally the Sharks’ year to get over the hump?
Jan 25, 2014; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Sharks players from left including center
Bracken Kearns(38), center
Joe Pavelski(8), center
Joe Thornton(19), center
Patrick Marleau(12) on the bench during the third period against the Minnesota Wild at SAP Center at San Jose. Sharks won 3 to 2 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
It seems like every year the Sharks have a playoff exit earlier than expected. The core has been the same for many of those years, and with the re-signing of Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau it isn’t changing any time soon. They drew a tough first round matchup with the Kings, so it is going to be a tough row to hoe if they are going to get farther than normal.
Can the Kings score enough to go deep?
Apr 2, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center
Jeff Carter(77) goes by the bench after a goal in the third period of the game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Staples Center. Kings won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles has the defense and goaltending to get the job done, but the question remains – where will the goals come from. It might be more system than style, but the Kings play a playoff style game all year under Darryl Sutter.
Can the Cinderella season of Patrick Roy continue?
Mar 18, 2014; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Colorado Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy reacts during the third period and left wing Patrick Bordeleau (58) and center Matt Duchene (9) at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
The rookie Colorado Avalanche coach has guided his team from worst to what could be the first seed in the West. That has virtually assured him of coach of the year honors, but you can bet he will not be happy unless he gets his team deep in the playoffs.
Can Ryan Suter keep it up?
Apr 5, 2014; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Ryan Suter (20) passes at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Wild have relied so much on Ryan Suter on their blue line, you have to wonder whether he can withstand the grind of the playoffs. He has played more than 300 minutes more than any other player who is post-season bound, and even at just under 30 minutes per game that is about 6 extra games. He will be an obvious target in the playoffs and the Wild have little margin for error. He might be the most important player to any team in the playoffs.
Can Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn continue to carry the Stars in the playoffs?
Jan 4, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) and center Tyler Seguin (91) wait for play to begin against the Detroit Red Wings during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Red Wings defeated the Stars 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Stars were the last team to punch their ticket to the dance, and they did so on the backs of Seguin and Benn. The dynamic duo both will both finish in the top 10 in league scoring, one of only 2 sets of teammates to do so. Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf of Anaheim, a possible first round opponent, is the other.