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West playoff update: Sharks lock up second seed, Ducks clinch fourth place

Kyle Wellwood, Ilya Bryzgalov, Ian White

San Jose Sharks defenseman Ian White, not shown, scores past Phoenix Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (30) as San Jose center Kyle Wellwood (20) watches in the second period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, April 9, 2011. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

AP

Western Conference playoff race

pzs-1. Vancouver - 117 pts (0 GR)
ys-2. San Jose - 105 pts (0 GR)
ys-3. Detroit - 102 pts (1 GR)
xs-4. Anaheim - 99 pts (0 GR)
x-5. Nashville - 99 pts (0 GR)
x-6. Phoenix - 99 pts (0 GR)
x-7. Los Angeles - 98 pts (0 GR)
8. Chicago - 97 pts (1 GR)
9. Dallas - 95 pts (1 GR)

p- clinched Presidents’ Trophy
z - clinched conference title
y - clinched division title
s - locked in at current seed
x - clinched playoff spot
GR - games remaining

OK, before we get into the results themselves, here’s a look at where each team could land:

5th place: Nashville or Chicago
6th place: Nashville or Phoenix
7th place: Los Angeles, Phoenix or Chicago
8th place: Los Angeles, Chicago or Dallas

As you can see, the Blackhawks could land anywhere from fifth place to ninth place while the Stars can only take eighth. For a deeper look at the rather convoluted scenarios depending on how Chicago fares, read the upcoming post on their chances.

Now, let’s take a quick tour of Saturday’s biggest games.

San Jose 3, Phoenix 1

The Sharks clinched the second spot in the West with this win, despite Ilya Bryzgalov’s best, stick-flinging efforts. Bryzgalov made a save of the night/week/year worthy stop in the third period, only to allow a Logan Couture power-play goal moments later. The animated Russian netminder was none-too-pleased, revealing his displeasure by throwing his goalie stick behind him. Antti Niemi did his part to frustrate Coyotes shooters, making 35 out of 36 saves.

Anaheim 3, Los Angeles 1

Corey Perry is obviously the biggest reason why the Ducks somehow found their way from a playoff endangered species to the fourth seed with at least one round of home ice advantage. That being said, this team also had a revolving door of heroes this season; to see evidence of that, look no further than their goalies. Ray Emery saved the day when Jonas Hiller went down and now Dan Ellis is saving the day in Emery’s wake, especially tonight. The backup known mostly for the ridicule he received on Twitter took over for Emery when he suffered an injury on Friday, even if that win was preordained. His real work came Saturday, when he stopped 43 out of 44 saves to help his new team earn two huge points in regulation.

St. Louis 2, Nashville 0

The Predators had a chance to earn themselves the fourth seed with just one point, but couldn’t manage a single goal against Jaroslav Halak. As pointless as this win might seem (pun somewhat intended), the Blues were determined to keep this year’s first round pick away from the Colorado Avalanche.