2019 Stanley Cup predictions: Western Conference

It's this time of the year again!

As I have mentioned earlier, my favourite teams haven't qualified for the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs. My favourite team in the Western Conference, the Arizona Coyotes, have however had the best season since 2012-2013 and I admired the team's resilience despite numerous injured players. The team was actually quite close to make the playoffs and only missed it by four points. This team has never given up, the veterans have shown great leadership and the young guns have been clawing and scratching. The future looks bright. Once the team makes the playoffs, I'm planning on traveling there and attending a few home games.

Anyway, here are my predictions for the Western Conference playoffs.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Calgary Flames (1st in Pacific Division) vs. Colorado Avalance (2nd Western Conference wild card)

This series isn't as easy to predict as it seems. The Calgary Flames have had some goaltending issues. Mike Smith isn't as great as he used to be seven to five years ago and David Rittich is rather a good average back-up goaltender. The question is whether the Flames' offense is strong enough to score more goals than its average defense and at times poor goaltenders concede. As for the Colorado Avalanche, they have had an overall underwhelming season but managed to make the playoffs thanks to an impressive late season push with eight victories in the last eleven games. The team has momentum and its offensive qualities shouldn't be underestimated. I could imagine Colorado create a big surprise in this tight series.

Prediction: Colorado in seven games.

Nashville Predators (1st in Central Division) vs. Dallas Stars (1st Western Conference wild card)

The Nashville Predators have been playing great hockey over the past few years and their window for a Stanley Cup win is still open as we speak. The team has one of the greatest starting goaltenders and one of the best back-up goaltenders. Their defense might be the strongest in the entire league. The attacking players aren't as spectacular but still above average. Dallas has had a season with ups and downs and only the team's sharp offense can compete with Nashville. The Predators are simply the more complete team.

Prediction: Nashville in five games.

Winnipeg Jets (2nd in Central Division) vs. St. Louis Blues (3rd in Central Division)

The Winnipeg Jets have some of the league's most impressive offensive players and even though some of them had draughts throughout the season, one must expect these players to be ready for the playoffs. The St. Louis Blues have had a horrible beginning of the season but somehow managed to improve and make the playoffs thanks to an outstanding rookie goaltender. That won't be enough to compete with the strong Winnipeg Jets.

Prediction: Winnipeg in six games.

San Jose Sharks (2nd in Pacific Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (3rd in Pacific Division)

I expected the San Jose Sharks to be a contender for winning the Western Conference with a team consisting of outstanding veterans and the addition of star defender Erik Karlsson before the season. However, the team's performances haven't quite lived up to the potential. The Vegas Golden Knights have also had an average start of the season but managed to improve step by step and have added an outstanding leader with Mark Stone before the trade deadline. Even though the Sharks have more experience, I believe the Golden Knights have a tighter team spirit. This is why I believe them to beat the San Jose Sharks again like last year.

Prediction: Vegas in six games.