Halfway Home - The Western Conference Review

Mark Weddington
Feb 7, 2001

The All-Star break is over and that means it's time to separate the men from the boys. In the Western Conference, the elite four is slowly becoming the elite seven and the players available to pad the playoff run are going to spell the difference.

This column will review the Western Conference and assess each team; it's status at the midpoint and what each team needs to claim the conference flag.

1. Colorado Avalanche
   The Avs have it all. They can roll four lines that can role-play anything they have to. They have lost only three of 27 games at the Pepsi Center and have a 15 point lead over Vancouver in the Northwest.
   
   The only thing the Avs have hanging over their heads is the back-to-back conference final losses to Dallas. This has to be crawling in the gut of every Av as well as their fans. They have basically the same team as last year, but have the experience of gelling together. Ray Borque has a solid understanding of exactly how this team works, which is something I do not think he had last year. Joe Sacic is back and may be the most improved player in the league, if not the MVP of the league. He is ready to prove his worth in the playoffs to both his fans and the other teams chomping at the bit to get his service next year. Look for the Avs to go deep in the playoffs and make no big moves before the trade deadline other than some depth in defense or an extra checking forward.
   
   
2. St Louis Blues
   The Blues disappointed everyone in hockey last season with a seven game choke against San Jose. The entire face of the western conference playoffs would have been changed had the Blues won that disastrous game seven. But the glass slipper is off and the Blues are for real. The slumps that come with losing Chris Pronger for a spell will wear off, but Blues management will make the moves to solidify the team. Look for the big name (Rob Blake, Temmu Selanne, etc) to join the Blues before March. They may even be willing to let Roman Turek go to facilitate getting Rob Blake. Brent Johnson has shown his ability to win, while Turek hasn't provided the spark, especially in the playoffs last year (you heard it here first).
   
   
3. San Jose Sharks
   Is the house falling or is it ready to expand? The loss of Vinny Damphousse hurts the Sharks even though they say they can pick it up without him. The force of the most pestering team in hockey can still play and contend with the elite. They proved that in the playoffs last year when they sent St. Louis packing. The cards are a little harder to read as far as trading this year, but I think San Jose would rather go with what they have instead of giving up some of their young talent.
   
   As far as the playoffs go, the Sharks are like your prom date. Everyone is staring, everything looks good and you can't wait to get her in the car. But somehow you know that no matter how bad you want it, that dress ain't coming off.
   
   
4. Detroit Red Wings
   Is an end of an era coming soon? How many years have we said even if the Wings seem done, they just keep coming at you. This always-exciting team can play with anyone and that isn't going away anytime soon. Federov seems to have found new life and Yzerman is still Yzerman. The defense is solid and the goaltending will stay strong enough to win and take the Wings into the playoffs.
   
   I do not think the Wings can catch the Blues, but they will get that all-important fourth spot in the playoffs and win a first round fight. I almost wish they would trade Osgood for a first rate goalie, but they won't. They can go with what they have and still play to win.
   
   
5. Dallas Stars
   The two time defending conference champs, once again, leave us with more questions than answers at the All Star break. Can they put the adversity behind them? Will Belfour carry the team just enough to win? Will there be any Bourque-like moves before the deadline? I think Yes-Yes-No. GM Bob Gainey has said they will make some moves to make up for the lack of expected youth production, but there will be no big moves. They have a knack for getting underrated talent (Benoit Hogue and Scott Thornton) and getting solid stats, so I think they will do it again.
   
   I think the Stars will easily take the Pacific Division and go deep into the playoffs.
   
   
6. Vancouver Canucks
   The future of this team puts its current situation into a tailspin. They are the team of the future. They have speed, toughness and the ability to play with anyone. I can not see them going far with Potvin/Essensa in goal, but a good young, first or second year goaltender that can grow with this team may make Vancouver this year's upset specials.

7. Edmonton Oilers
   Will make the playoffs again, but should see limited success since the 1997 season. The loss of Bill Guerin has really devastated this team. Anson Carter has filled in nicely, but he is not ready to carry a team the way Guerin did.
   
   
8. Phoenix Coyotes
   Fire sale starts on February 15. Say adios to Tkachuk, Burke, et al. This should drop the team to rebuild mode and keep them from the playoffs.
   
   
9. Los Angeles Kings
   If Rob Blake goes for a goalie, the Kings could get the final playoff spot. The offensive power could make up for the lack of defense, which will be awful without Blake.
   
   
10. Chicago Blackhawks
    Darkhorse of the West, the Hawks have been coming around of late. There may not be any post-season appearance, but respect goes a long way toward next season.

Your own opinions can be expressed in the message forums.

Editorials are opinions of the author, not this website, the owner of this website or any of its members.