Playoff Update: The West

Over the past week, things have opened up a little in the Eastern Conference, with all series sitting at 3-1 (out of seven). In the west however, there are three series tied at 2-2 and one at 2-1. This makes for some exciting hockey out west, and hopefully a game seven or two. What we have seen in the Western Conference so far, is a bit of seesaw action. Just when you think one team has the momentum, the other storms back. This is what many expected out of the highly competitive Western Conference.

San Jose Sharks vs. Colorado Avalanche
The young Colorado Avalanche have been one of the best stories this season, greatly exceeding expectations and rallying behind the stellar goaltending of Craig Anderson. Despite their playoff woes of the past, many expected the San Jose Sharks to wash this series in a hurry. The Avalanche however, have a different idea.

With the best of seven series tied at 2-2, there is a sense of panic surrounding the Sharks. Heading into game four, the Sharks knew they needed a big win heading back to San Jose for game five. It was an uninspired effort by both teams, but the Sharks eventually came out of top with a Joe Pavelski goal in overtime, to tie the series.

Heading into game five tonight, the Sharks need to shut down the young high-flying Avalanche and restore some of the confidence that has been lost among the group. It is also imperative for San Jose's top players to stand out and make a difference. So far Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, and Patrick Marleau have combined for four points in the series. Considering these three are premier scoring threats in the regular season, more must come from them if San Jose has any chance of defeating a confident Avs squad.

Chicago Blackhawks vs. Nashville Predators
I'm not going to lie, this has to be the most boring series in this years playoffs. Down 2-1 in the best of seven playoff, the Chicago Blackhawks seem to be somewhat unprepared for the playoffs this year, looking very different from the high flying offensive team we became used to seeing. Saying that, the Nashville Predators have done an excellent job of shutting the Blackhawks down, their greatest weapon being goaltender Pekka Rinne.

Despite not a whole lot of playoff success, the Predators do have some experience in the playoffs. Led by veteran, Jason Arnott, the Predators have shown that the Blackhawks are beatable. Tonight's game carries significant implications for the Blackhawks, as a win ties the series, and a loss gives the Predators a 3-1 series lead. Chicago's young stars must shine through in game four tonight if the Blackhawks want to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Los Angeles Kings
Last night the Vancouver Canucks stepped up their game against the Los Angeles Kings, in a high scoring affair. The Sedin brothers seem to have woken up, which bodes well for the Canucks if they stay that way. This is another series that many thought the Canucks could easily win, but the Los Angeles Kings have proved that they too are a top young team.

The series is now tied 2-2, heading back to Vancouver for game five tomorrow night. There were fears that goalie Roberto Luongo was suffering from injuries, but he did start last night for the Canucks. Game five of this series, will be huge for Vancouver if they hope to keep some momentum going forward.

Phoenix Coyotes vs. Detroit Red Wings
The best series in the 2009-2010 playoffs thus far. A veteran Detroit Red Wings team, facing a young very inexperienced Phoenix Coyotes. Both teams have shown moments of both dominance and weakness in this series, which has led to constant momentum swings. With the series tied at 2-2, tomorrows game five in Phoenix should have an electric atmosphere.

After shutting out Phoenix in game four on Tuesday, the Detroit Red Wings will try to once again shut down the Coyotes offense. Phoenix goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov has been nothing short of amazing in goal for the Coyotes, and will need his defense to clear the front of the net from pest, Thomas Holmstrom, if he wants to keep the puck out of his net. You can catch game five on Friday night at 10:00pm EST on TSN.