Western Conference Quarterfinal Predictions

(1) San Jose Sharks vs (8) Colorado Avalanche
The Scoop: The Sharks are coming off another season where they're finishing the best in the West. Despite their reputation as choke-artists, the fact that Colorado rode the hell out of goaltender Craig Anderson during the regular season is what's going to lead to Colorado's early exit from the playoffs, even when you include San Jose's first line of Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, and Dany Heatley.
Dave says:San Jose in 5
Mike says:San Jose in 4

(2) Chicago Blackhawks vs (7) Nashville Predators
The Scoop: The Blackhawks started to realize their potential two seasons back and are coming off a Western Conference Final appearance. Nashville has a very strong defensive corps despite the fact that they aren't the most prolific team in the goal-scoring department. Dave thinks Chicago has better "stuff" and Mike thinks Chicago's firepower makes them +1 this series.
Dave says: Chicago in 7
Mike says: Chicago in 5

(3) Vancouver Canucks vs (6) Los Angeles Kings
The Scoop: The Canucks have the Art Ross Trophy winner Hendrik Sedin; but goaltender/captain Roberto Luongo has not looked like his usual Vezina-contending self. L.A. is very inexperienced but has a lot of legitimate firepower. Dave thinks that L.A.'s firepower will get them over the top; Mike thinks that Jon Quick's been drained and even though Jonathan Bernier can do his best Cam Ward impression, the Sedin Bros aren't your average scoring duo and will be insane to contain.
Dave says: L.A. in 7
Mike says: Vancouver in 5

(4) Phoenix Coyotes vs (5) Detroit Red Wings
The Scoop: The Coyotes seemed to battle just about everything this season to get their first playoff berth in 8 years. Their reward? To face the red-hot Red Wings; whom are dominating thanks to the return of power forward Johan Franzen and stay-at-home defender Andreas Lilja. Dave thinks that the combination of experience and firepower will put Detroit over the top; Mike thinks that both teams will play torrid two-way hockey but at the end of the day; the goaltending will be the difference.
Dave says: Detroit in 5.
Mike says: Phoenix in 7.