Chris` Western and Eastern Conference Picks

Well, here are the Western and Eastern conference picks from Chris at Leafs Central...at lunch.

1. Detroit
2. San Jose
3. Calgary
4. Anaheim
5. Vancouver
6. Colorado
7. Minnesota
8. St. Louis
9. Dallas
10. Nashville
11. Chicago
12. Los Angeles
13. Edmonton
14. Colombus
15. Phoenix

I picked Detroit to win their division for the seventh year in a row. Calgary may not be able to pull off the win of their division but I have hope that Keenan will be able to fix their home and away win descrepency. Anaheim's drop in points and the lose in division is because I don't believe they will be able to dominate without Scott or Teemu, not to mention fatigue from playing so late into summer and starting so early. However they still win home ice advantage. I feel strongly that St. Louis will make a return to the playoffs due mainly to their strong late season finish and that is all because of new coach Andy Murray. I also think that Colorado will return and only barely missed last year. Smyth will be a great contributer and Stastny will reach the 100 point plateau if not this year then very soon in his future. L.A and Chicago are on the way up and may place much higher than I predict, however I think that they will both be playoff bound and serious contenders within the next few years.

1. Pittsburgh
2. Ottawa
3. Carolina
4. Rangers
5. Buffalo
6. Toronto
7. New Jersey
8. Philidelphia
9. Atlanta
10. Tampa Bay
11. Washington
12. Florida
13. Montreal
14. Islanders
15. Boston

Pittsburgh is ready to make that step to an elite team who contends for Presidents Trophies. Sydor is the solid D help they have needed with playoff experience to boot. Roberts getting a full season with the team will definitely help with even more secondary scoring and grit. Carolina was a fluke miss last year and will return to form this year. I expect to see Ward pick up his game and improve to show himself a true number one goalie. Buffalo`s slip is inevitable with their losses this summer. Rangers will lose the division title to Pittsburgh but it will be very close, perhaps within a point or two. Toronto has never missed more than 2 seasons in a row so will return to the playoffs and with a healthy point jump from last year. Philly will make a near record point jump and may even finish higher in the standings. I only picked NJ because of new coach Sutter and outstanding hall of famer Brodeur. If they don`t make it look for Atlanta, Tampa or maybe even Washington to take the last one or two spots.