NHL Preview '08-09: Western Conference

The Detroit Red Wings won the Stanley Cup last season putting icing on top of their dominating cake. The Wings added Hossa this offseason and looked poised to repeat. Well, the rest of the Western Conference may have something to say about that. Here is all you need to know.

Central Division
1. Detroit Red Wings- Home Ice Throughout Playoffs
2. St. Louis Blues- Playoff Spot
3. Nashville Predators
4. Chicago Blackhawks
5. Columbus Blue Jackets

The Wings are still the best team in the NHL and should easily clinch the #1 overall seed and home ice throughout the playoffs. Adding Hossa just makes them even better. The playoffs is where Detroit could have problems, but not the regular season. The Blues are my sleeper team in this conference this season. This division does not look too strong, but I think St. Louis sneaks in the 7th or 8th playoff spot.

Northwest Division
1. Colorado Avalanche- Northwest Division! Champions
2. Calgary Flames- Playoff Spot
3. Edmonton Oilers- Playoff Spot
4. Minnesota Wild
5. Vancouver Canucks

You may a bit surprised by this division. I see no clear cut winner, it is anybodys to win. I gave the edge to the Aves because of experience. This divisional race will be the tightest all season and expect all five teams to contend.

Pacific Division
1. Dallas Stars- Pacific Division Champions
2. San Jose Sharks- Playoff Spot
3. Anaheim Ducks- Playoff Spot
4. Phoenix Coyotes
5. Los Angeles Kings

The Stars looked equipped to win the cup this season after their overhaul this offseason. All this added to an already fantastic team. The two through four teams in this conference are in this division behind Detroit. The Coyotes will be much improved, but this division is much too stacked for them to be successful quite yet.