Which Team Is The Biggest Threat To The Anaheim Ducks Out West?

Jan 11, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks mascot Wild Wing celebrates after the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Honda Center. The Anaheim Ducks won 5-4 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

After a long and grueling 82 games, the Ducks are back in the playoffs. For the second year in a row the Ducks finished first in the western conference and as a result they will play the Winnipeg Jets in the first round. Much like the Ducks, Winnipeg was active before and at the trade deadline this season bolstering their roster. After acquiring Tyler Myers and Drew Stafford from the Buffalo Sabres in February, Winnipeg went 15-8-3 down the stretch to earn a playoff spot.

Much has been said about this first round matchup. Many people in the hockey community feel that Winnipeg is a big threat to Anaheim and could upset the Ducks in round 1. The Ducks won all three match ups against Winnipeg this season but those victories came pre-trade deadline. Winnipeg could certainly give the Ducks trouble. However, if the Ducks can get past the Jets they certainly have to like their chances to get to the western conference finals.

With the Los Angeles Kings failing to make the playoffs, the Ducks know that now is their opportunity to make a run for the cup. If the Ducks can get past Winnipeg, a matchup with either Calgary or Vancouver would await them in round 2. So, with the cross town rival Kings,who knocked the Ducks out of the playoffs last year, already on summer vacation who are the biggest threats to the Ducks in the western conference?

Next: The Calgary Flames