While the Western Conference had a clear leader in the Chicago Blackhawks for almost the entire 2012-13 regular season, the remainder of the playoff pack seems less clear. Multiple matchups do not have a clear favorite which could create some excitement as the opening rounds are set to get underway. Both the Vancouver Canucks and the San Jose Sharks have seen their fair share of ups and downs this season, as neither team is a considered a guarantee for playoff success. These two teams are no strangers to each other in postseason play and will likely provide another dramatic series.
The San Jose Sharks saw a jump in their season after the Trade Deadline. A string of deals helped them finish fifth in the conference, one spot shy of earning home-ice advantage. Home ice would have helped greatly for the Sharks who were one of the NHL's best home teams throughout the regular season. After the Trade Deadline, they won 17 times at home and only eight times on the road, however one of those was in Vancouver. The Sharks ended their season playing their best hockey, finishing 12-5-1. The addition of Raffi Torres proved worthy as the winger racked up six points in 11 games. Goalie Antti Niemi already has one Stanley Cup to his name and the Sharks hope he can add another.
The Vancouver Canuck chances at a Stanley Cup could easily come down to their goalies. The team won their fifth consecutive Northwest Division, finishing the season going 13-4-1. However, their chances at having a deep postseason run will come down to Roberto Luongo and Cory Schnieder. Much of the season focused around the potential trade of Luongo, but he has continued to play like the top goalie that he is, which will help Vancouver as Schneider remains questionable due to injury. If Schneider is healthy, he will get the start, but if not, Luongo will have to step up and continue to play like the No. 1 guy.
The Sharks are likely still disappointed after losing to Vancouver in the 2011 Western Conference finals. The Sharks kept it close in the five-game series, but were unable to reach the finals. Vancouver eventually got blown out by the Boston Bruins, so both teams enter this playoff season hungry for success.
