Its a conception that the NHL’s Western Conference is superior to the East.

   Based on the league’s 2nd Quarter showings, three East teams are challenging for overall superiority.

   While West elite squads San Jose and Detroit dominated the 1st Quarter, the Boston Bruins, despite some key injuries, were by far the league’s most imporoved and best team in the second set of 20 games.

    The Flames also made some big gains in their second quarter before starting their second Half Tuesday hosting St. Louis.

   But not even close to the Bruins.  Claude Julien’s team collected 38 points in the 2nd quarter to challenge the Sharks and Red Wings for #1 overall where they are one point behind SJ and three up on Detroit.

   In the 2nd quarter standing, the Bruins led with their 38pt. Washington was 2nd with 34, the Sharks 3rd with 33, Detroit had 32 and the Flames 5th with 31 tied with Philadelpia.

  The Bruins were the most improved in the 2nd quarter when compared to the first quarter with a +14. Florida Panthers were next at +10, Washington was +9 and the Flames +8.

   In the end, it what’s taken together overall that determines  ultimate success. Right now, I’d assess that 7 teams are capable of winning the Stanley Cup.  That includes the Flames. 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 13th, 2009 at 9:30 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.