(2) Minnesota vs. (7) Dallas

Central Division Champions and number two seed Minnesota have secured a seemingly favourable match-up in the Western Conference, as Ron Wilson's Wild are set to lock horns with WCHL surprise package Dallas in round one.

Led by a dangerous tandem of thirty-goal scorers in the guise of Tyler Bozak and Jiri Hudler, Minnesota led the West in goals scored (213) though the regular season. Surprisingly for a team with such a clinical offense, Minny's PP was below average on the season (22nd overall, 20.11%). Having said that, despite a mid-ranking defense in terms of goals allowed (14th overall, 193), the Wild PK Unit ranked third overall (81.84%), ensuring an effective special teams in St.Paul. Bozak and Grabovski, the top-six centres, are at the heart of everything, including a league-leading team faceoff percentage (53.13%) which could prove to be crucial for a team with high ambitions. And, of course, who wouldn't have a chance with Niemi in goal; he registered a .925 save % on the season, good for ninth in the league. The weakness might be when this team doesn't possess the puck. Though the the softly spoken GM attempted to plug the gaps with UFA signing Hal Gill, a hole still exists on this team, and Dallas surely knows it.

Dallas is, at least according to the bookmakers, the biggest Western Conference underdog of the first round. When looking at the stats, it is actually quite difficult to fathom just how this team is where it is. The lone-star state team ranked a lowly 22nd overall in "goals for" (2.28), and a similarly uninspiring 21st overall in "goals against" (2.46). Brian Skrudland's army of triers showcase a lethargic PP ranked 20th overall (20.58%), and a slovenly PK unit ranked an embarrassing 27th overall (76.47%). Perhaps lacking in skill, one thing this outfit does not lack is fight. With Brandon Dubinsky leading the way, and the likes of Stephane Robidas and Zach Parise not far behind, the GM-less Stars are a gritty bunch that just won't lie down. But will that be enough to keep Dallas alive come the crunch?

THE VERDICT: We respect what Dallas has done this season, and we love that sheer determination can still win through in professional hockey. Nonetheless, we can't look past the statistics, and therefore simply don't see how Dallas can compete with the far superior Wild. Expect Bozak and Grabovski to control the series from the face-off circle, and Hudler to give Niemi all the support he needs to secure four straight victories. MINNESOTA IN 4.

PLAYOFF POOL INDICATOR: Minnesota 9 - 4 Dallas

WILD GM ALEX TANEV: "I think we can make it to the conference finals. We've got zero cup chance though. I know we can't beat Edmonton and even if we do, I know Pittsburgh and New York have way better teams than us."