Posted on 4/8/2008 4:03:32 PM

NHL Furious Preview 2008 Western Conference Outlook

By Tim Furious

The Western Conference dust has finally settled, leaving us sports betting faithful with the eight teams that will battle for a chance to win the Stanley Cup. The sports book playoff picture is similar to years gone by, with Detroit sitting square at the top and San Jose getting everyone’s betting juices flowing with their superior team play.

But the Ducks are still the team to beat in the playoffs. How will it pan out, and where is your money going to be when the puck drops tomorrow night? Let’s take a look.

#1 Detroit Red Wings (54-21-7)

The Red Wings are easy favorites in our sportsbook because of their record, their reputation, and their ability to absolutely destroy jokers on the ice. Detroit hasn’t won the Cup since 2002, but they certailny have the pieces in place. At home, they went 29-9-3 SU this season, and are a strong bet because it’l lbe tough for anyone to steal a game in Hockeytown. Still, I’m worried about Dominik Hasek and Nicklas Lidstrom’s injuries. I don’t really have any counter argument to the Wings. They have superior coaching, warriors with experience, two legitimate goal tenders and a fierce fan base.

BetUS.com Western Conference Odds: +125

#2 San Jose Sharks (49-23-10)

In the regular season, I love the Sharks. In the post season…. Not so much. Joe Thornton was great this season as always. With 29 goals, 67 assists and that huge frame parked in the crease, what Joe brings to the table isn’t in question. It’s what he doesn’t bring to the table that is the bigger concern. Sure, he’s surrounded by an enormous amount of talent, but I’m not ready to anoint the Sharks until Thornton proves that he can be an absolute force. You’ve been warned, betting investors.

BetUS.com Western Conference Odds: +350

#3 Minnesota Wild (44-28-10)

I told you so! Minneosta has shoved, bolted and bullied their way to the top of their division. The only thing I feel bad about with Minnesota is that eventually they will run in to the Ducks, and the Ducks are designed to dismantle teams that are predicated on skating alone. Minneosta simply isn’t physical enough to handle the rigors of the NHL playoffs. But for those of you who took them to win the division in the NHL futures last Fall – you’re welcome!

BetUS.com Western Conference Odds: +1200

#4 Anaheim Ducks (47-27-8)

There’s absolutely no reason to believe that this team can’t repeat as champions. In fact, I’d bank on it. It doesn’t even matter if teams won’t underestimate them. They destroyed EVEYRONE in the playoffs last year. Nobody even stood toe-to-toe with them. Dare to wager that anyone will this year?

BetUS.com Western Conference Odds: +450

#5 Dallas Stars (45-30-7)

Brad Richards looks like Shawn Michaels in 1995. He’s lost his smile. He’s not performing or playing like the star he became in Tampa, and that is killing the Stars chances in the West. If anyone needs to take a nap during the NHL playoffs, just turn on a Stars game. Low scoring, no offense and steady goal tending equals…wait for it…crisp passes galore! Dallas is the only team that’ll probably be swept out of the playoffs.

BetUS.com Western Conference Odds: +1500

#6 Colorado Avalanche (44-31-7)

The darlings of the NHL playoffs are hidden amidst the Rockies. With Joe Sakic and Peter “Foppa” Forsberg leading the charge, and Adam Foote shoring up the blueline, I love this team as a fan. They were solid at the Pepsi Center going 37-12-2 this season, and had the eleventh best defense in the league with 2.7 goals against.

#7 Calgary Flames (42-30-10)

I love the Flames and hate the Flames. They’re streaky at best, and it’s so tough to bet against them at home. But Jarome Iginla, Dion Phaneuf and Kipper aren’t getting enough support. Plus they’ve done nothing to assure their betting investors that they’re worth a long shot in the NHL playoffs.

BetUS.com Western Conference Odds: +1700

#8 Nashville Predators (41-32-9)

Nobody, yours included thought that Nashville had the star power, the fire power or the man power to get to the playoffs. Boy do we look dumb. Maybe they have a chance to beat Detroit. This is NHL playoffs after all, but anointing these as the upset specialists of the year is a little far fetched. Why the hell would they be pegged at +3000. I love Dan Ellis, but J.S. Gigeure is not.

BetUS.com Western Conference Odds: +3000

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