Pacific Division Heats Up

 The Pacific Division race for the playoffs is heating up.  Only ten points seperates the top seven teams in the division.  Last year's cellar dwellers are surging forward while the talented, and presumptive playoff bound teams have hit some rough spots.  If nothing else, the Pacific is looking to be a dog fight down the stretch which is good for fans.

 Realistically, the Pacific can only hope for four entries into the playoffs.  With the central division's top four teams outpacing even the Golden Blights, it is likely that they will sew up the first wild card spot.  I also wouldn't rule out a surge from Dallas to compete for that second wild card spot, which would make things even more interesting out West.  It is also conceivable that the West improves and competes for both Wild Card spots.  

The Golden Blights are looking to improve as Eichle completes his recovery and joins the team.  If he is close to his old self, then a formidible team gets even better.

Calgary should be expected to surge forward and challenge for the top of the division.  They are a gritty team that can generate goals.  With four to six games in hand, I would expect the gap to close significnatly.

Edmonton has been struggling.  Things are so bad right now, that the media and the players are even "getting snippy" with each other.  That team is loaded with offensive punch.  If they can shore up their own end, and maybe acquire a net minder before the deadline, then things will turn around.  I expect Edmonton to make a move as well.

Vancouver isn't great, but since they made a coaching change, they are no lap dog.  This is a team that might be good enough to put some pressure on playoff contenders.  At the very least, they are going to beat some teams close to getting into the playoffs.  

The Guppies are good enough to cause problems for everyone in the division, especially if certain teams allow one player to score five goals in a game against them.  If they keep the gap close, they could find a surge as well and snag a playoff spot.

Is it Fowl Water, or Water Fowl?  Whatever it is, they have become a player in the playoff hunt.  Zegrass, Terry, and Drysdale have infused some life into this team, and they are legit.  I don't see them sliding, even if other teams surge.  Getzlaf will have to lead the youngsters and instill some of his wisdom and grit for the home stretch of the season.  They have their sights set on the top of the division.

The Kings are back.  The rebuild is officially over.  This doesn't mean they stop trying to get better, just that the players they can win right now.  McLellan has them playing a solid system, and the youngsters are getting more comfortable and creative in their roles.  High draft pics are panning out, and some diamonds in the rough have been cut and polished to become more than legit.  This team has four solid lines and players in the wings to boot.  If we see continued improvement, this team can also find the top of the division.  If the youth fall apart, missing the playoffs is also a real possibility.  Does one dare to hope for a cup run?  Fans are never really satisfied, but I'm sure glad I don't have to turn my television off anymore because the play is so bad.  

Every writer or journalist covering hockey has completely written off the Pacific.  They do their profession a disservice.  The teams in the East have more points in part because the bottoms of those divisions are much worse (Not taking anything from powerhouses like: Tampa, Florida, or Colorado).  Out West, the points will be distributed more evenly, which means fewer points for the leaders.  It also means a wild finish.  Whatever teams make the playoffs will have earned it, and will enter the playoffs playing hard.