The playoffs have started and there are a few front runners for this year's Stanley Cup. Even after the first round the eventual Stanley Cup winner needs to win 12 more games. This trophy is the most coveted in all of sports. How many times do you see the Vince Lombardi trophy in commercials? How about the NBA or MLB trophies? Pretty much zero. There is something magical about the Stanley Cup. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that each person on the team gets to spend 24 hours with the Cup. Sixteen teams started the quest for the 2008 Stanley Cup, only one will win it. Here's my breakdown of each team in the order they finished (East versus West):

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Detroit Red Wings - They won the President's Trophy for the best regular season record. Detroit has a ton of talent shored up by the future Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom and great goal-tending in Dominik Hasek. The series stands 2-1 with the Red Wings ahead. However, I think there is a weakness in depth. To me this is one team that can beat you any day of the week but when a seven game series comes to town all bets are off. Hasek looks a little shaky here and there. My prediction is that the Wings will advance past the pesky Predators but in six or seven games. Then they will be eliminated handily in the next round.

San Jose Sharks - Another team that looks good on paper but will disappoint in the playoffs. They have one of the best players in the world in Joe Thornton and a great goalie who just might have played too many games this season. Calgary is feisty and up 2-1 in their series. I honestly think the Sharks are in for another early playoff exit. Then the heads will roll as everyone in the front office is axed. Look for some big trades this off season, for example Jonathan Cheechoo on the move to the east.

Minnesota Wild - The Washington Capitals of the west. This team is speedy and a handful for the Colorado Avalanche. They are up 2-1 in the series. Minnesota is a great hockey town and that crowd is as close to a 6th man as possible. I just don't see them pulling off the win versus Colorado. I think the Wild lose in seven games.

Anaheim Ducks - Whoa! Looks like someone lost their way and can't get on track. No matter how many players they bring out of retirement the Ducks just aren't going to beat the Stars. The team has some problems with offense. The D is great and it's a shame Selanne and Niedermayer came back for nothing. Unfortunately this team should be

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about What NHL team is favored to win the 2008 Stanley Cup??
We want to hear your view. Write now!