Best Is In The West

 Say what you will about the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (4 teams in the playoffs, all over 100 points). Make a case for the Central Division in the Western Conference (4 teams in the playoffs, all over 100 points). In my opinion: the best is out west, the Pacific Division to be exact. In the final year of division play before the NHL switch to four conferences (eventually I see divisions coming back), the Pacific Division was the best division in the NHL. Until around the final week and a half of the season, all five teams in the division (Dallas, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Jose, Anaheim) were all in playoff contention. Anaheim has the worst start of any team in the NHL and with the talent they have that was uncalled for. They got it together and almost completed the comeback. Dallas was always there, and even led the Pacific at times, but missed out on the playoffs by 3 wins. San Jose entered the playoffs for another year, this time the 7^th seed. Phoenix ended up with the 3^rd seed, beating a talented Chicago Blackhawks team, then took down another good team in Nashville. LA was the 8^th seed, but has dominated the playoffs, beating the President's Cup winner and defending Western Conference champions in Vancouver, then 2^nd seeded St. Louis, and finally 3^rd seeded Phoenix, losing only two games through all three series. What makes this division also better is the lack of a true cellar team. The Atlantic has the Islanders (N.Y.), the Central has the Blue Jackets (Columbus). Anaheim contested near the end, neither of the previous two teams didn't.

Best Division in The East- Atlantic

Best Division in The West- Pacific

Best Division in The NHL- Pacific

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