Sharks Playoff Matchup Outlook:

I have a need to be first.  In fact, that's basically why this blog exists.  I have an online record of my thoughts on the Sharks and sports so when challenged, I can tell people that not only did I call it, but I called it months ago.  I am obsessed with myself, I know.

This is the Sharks playoff outlook:

As it stands now these are the matchups:

1.  Sharks v. 8. Avs

2.  Hawks v. 7. Kings

3.  Canucks v. 6. Wings

4.  Yotes  v.  5.  Predators

But this is not where teams will end up, most likely.  Why?  First off, some teams (LA, COL) are backing into the post-season with significant slides while others, the Wings, are absolutely on fire as they charge towards the first round.  Secondly, some teams have played more games than others and some teams have ridiculously easy schedules remaining while others have very hard ones.

My projected final week results:

Nsh v: @Phx (L)  STL (w)  (+2 pts)

Det v:  CLS (w)  @ CLS (w)  @ CHI (w) (+6 pts)

LA v: @Anh (w) PHO (L) EDM (w) @Col (L) (+4 pts)

Col v: @ Van (L) @ Edm (w) CHI (w) LA (w)  (+6 pts)

which leaves us with these standings in the bottom half:

(5) Detroit  102 pts

(6) Nashville 100 pts

(7) Los Angeles 99 pts

(8) Colorado 97 pts

If we take these as the baseline predictions, we can highlight the really big games for these teams.  Note, the Sharks have a magic number of 2 points to clinch the first seed, so the Phoenix results don't really affect the Sharks in the first round.

I am taking it as a given that the scorching wings will win out and, frankly, barring a terrible game against the Blue Jackets, I don't see how they do not pull that out.

If Nashville can manage to beat Phoenix (which they might be able to) they could pull off a tie with the Wings for fifth place.  The first tiebreaker is overall wins and the Predators have a distinct advantage over the Wings, giving Nashville fifth place.  

If LA can win just one more game, they will overtake Nashville for sixth place and face the Canucks in the first round instead of the Blackhawks. This is a worthy reward.

Interesting scenario:  If COL wins out and LA loses two games, the last game of the season for each team is a game in Colorado.  In this scenario, the winner of the game would face Chicago and the loser would face the Sharks.  Why?  Because if Colorado wins two more games than LA, they would have equal points and equal victories.  The last tiebreaker is points head to head.  As it stands, LA has a 4-3 point lead against Colorado.  So, what happens in the case of Colorado winning in the shootout?  The final tiebreaker is goal differential, which LA has a seven goal advantage over COL with.  

Finally, yes, I am taking it for granted that the Flames are basically buried by the Sharks tomorrow night and Vancouver shortly thereafter.

So, if you're a Sharks fan, I'd expect to see Colorado in the first round:

1. Sharks v. 8. Avs

2. Hawks v. 7. Kings

3. Canucks v. 6. Nashville

4. Yotes v. 5. Wings

Predictions:

Sharks over Avs (4-0)

Hawks over Kings (4-2)

Nashville over Canucks (4-2)

Yotes over Wings (4-3)

Reseed: 

Sharks v. Nashville

Hawks v. Yotes

Winners: 

Sharks (4-2)

Yotes (4-3)

Sharks v Yotes

Winner: Sharks (4-2)

This is, after all, a Sharks blog.

Not a bad path to the playoffs for the boys in Teal.

Thoughts??