Channeling Nostradamus, NHL Style

I'm gonna try to keep it short (the top 8 in each conf.) especially since I'm missing the Twins game to write this. Feel free to comment, where I'll elaborate more on my picks if needed.

Western Conference:
1. Vancouver
2. Chicago
3. Los Angeles
4. Phoenix
5. Detroit
6. San Jose
7. St. Louis
8. Calgary

Some of you hockey fans may be asking yourself, "San Jose in 6th?" Yep, 6th. I think the Sharks' window of  Stanley Cup opportunity has passed, and the downward slide begins this year. Vancouver is, from top to bottom, the most complete team in the West. Chicago will be good this year, but the cap issues and the subsequent fire sale will hurt. L.A. is a team full of good young players and will seriously challenge this year.

Eastern Conference:
1. Washington
2. Pittsburgh
3. Ottawa
4. Buffalo
5. Boston
6. Philadelphia
7. New Jersey
8. Tampa Bay

Washington is clearly the top dog in the East, but one has to wonder if Varlamov is the answer in net. Pittsburgh will be solid as usual, but losing Gonchar will sting a bit. Ottawa will squeak out a division win over a pesky Sabre team.