It’s barely a debate at this point: The West is best, again, in the NHL.
The Western Conference’s superiority has come into greater focus this month. Colorado, Dallas and Edmonton all bolstered contending rosters with big moves before the trade deadline. In contrast, two of the contenders in the East — Carolina (trading away Mikko Rantanen) and New Jersey (injuries) — are not nearly as scary.
There’s also better depth in the middle: Four teams in the West grappling for the final playoff spot might all be better than the collection of mediocre teams amid a pillow fight for the last dance card in the East.