I hate to put this to print because there are still several games remaining, but for all practical purposes the Wild are in the playoffs. Barring a substantial collapse, the team will qualify for the playoffs and finish in one of three slots: 3rd (by winning the NW division), 7th or 8th. Looking at the rest of the teams from the Western Conference, I have come up with my list of the teams I'd like to face in the first round:
1. Anaheim -- I wouldn't have any problem with playing the Ducks in the first round. They're playing poorly now (and have been for a long time) and it would give us a chance to settle the score from 2003. Knocking Pronger out would be worth the price of admission.
2. San Jose -- This is another team that started the year out red-hot, but has cooled. I'd feel confident playing them also.
3. Nashville -- You know what, I wouldn't be too upset if we drew the Preds in the first round. The Wild seem to play them well and I think they're prime for a first round collapse. Plus I'd really like to see them get jack-frickin-squat from the Forsberg trade.
Those are the 3 teams I'd want to face. The other teams scare me for a variety of reasons, the biggest of which is goaltending. I wouldn't want to face Luongo, Kipprosoff or Hasek in the playoffs. What about Dallas you ask? I wouldn't want to play them for selfish reasons...they are no fun to watch and play the most boring style of game in the conference.
1 comment:
Wow. Not to dispute your choices too much, but I never figured we'd see a day where a Wild fan wanted to see J.S. Giguere in the postseason.
One thing to mention, I guess, is to remember that Edmonton didn't exactly blaze into the playoffs last year (pretty much had a losing contest with Vancouver for that last spot), but managed to play well once there.
I'm not sure with new rules and such, momentum is as important as it once was.
p.s. I'm still terrified of Sharks. :)
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