2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Western Conference Preview

St. Louis Blues center Ivan Barbashev (49) fists pumps in celebration of his goal during a game between the Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues on April 16, 2022, at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis MOThe NHL’s post-season is upon us, and while we’re once again on the outside looking in, we are still fans of the game, and love the excitement that the playoffs bring. We’re looking at each of the 8 First Round series, starting with the Western Conference.

Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesCOLORADO AVALANCHE (1st in West) vs NASHVILLE PREDATORS (WC2)

From the get-go, the Colorado Avalanche have been the team to beat in the West, and there were times they looked downright invincible.…