How the West(ern) Conference was won...

The LA Kings defeated the Phoenix Coyotes in overtime last night the win the Clarence Campbell bowl and the NHL's Western conference. As pointed out by Dustin Brown they are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, not the Campbell Bowl playoffs, explaining why he didn't touch it. Brown himself was the center of much controversy towards the end of the game as he laid our Michael Roszival at the blueline on an offside call. Roszival was injured on the play and Brown wasn't penalized. The hit was a tough one but I don't believe there should have been a call as Brown didn't intentionally throw his knee way out and the wistle was a split second before so he has no time to hold up. Roszvial's injury, which is unfortunate, ultimately set off the Coyotes, especially captain Shane Doan was seemed apoplectic on the ice and in his post game interviews, especially as the next shift Dunstin Penner ended the Coyotes season by popping home a rebound. Penner has had his struggles but has been big for the Kings thus far in the playoffs. The Kings run has been fueled by solid overall team play starting with Jonathan Quick in nets and going from there. They have a solid blueline with a mix of veterans and young guns, like Doughty and Voynov. Their forwards are a highly skilled group and very physical and while many underpreformed during the regular season they have stepped it up for the playoffs.

The Coyotes seemed to run out of steam and Mike Smith had no more tricks up his sleeve. To be honest it would seem odd to have a bankrupt team in the Stanly Cup Finals. I mean, this is a franchise that shouldn't even be where it is and to have it in the marque event would be uncomfortable for the league to explain. I mean, would they even have to bother with a Stanley Cup parade had they won? Anyway, Dave Tippet did a tremendous job with his team and they were certainly a tough out but LA just seems to be on a roll and will have a week off to recuperate before facing either the Devils or Rangers in the finals.

As per my previous theory, the league offices no doubt want the Rangers in the big dance, but time, and a guy by the name of Brodeur, will tell.