Polemic Hockey

Using the same criteria as below, I think you have to say that the Ducks are still the team to beat in the west. If goaltending is paramount, defense comes second--and the Ducks, even with a series of suspensions, have both of those in spades.

San Jose is on fire right now, but they have huge playoff question marks hanging on them. One wonders whether Detroit burned too bright early in the season.

Minnesota and, if they get it, Vancouver will be tough outs. It will be interesting, to say the least, and a lot depends on the actual matchups, but right now, I'm picking the Ducks.