All the talk recently about playoff seeding got me thinking about where I'd like to see the Hawks start the playoffs. The concensus recently has been that the 6th seed is better than the 5th seed due to the 1st round matchup against what looks to be a mcuh weaker opponent. After looking at the way things line up, I'm not so sure.

The 6th seed, whomever it might wind up being, should be favored to win that 1st round series. So if the Blues and Canucks both win their 1st round match ups (seems pretty likely) the 4/5 winner will be at the Canucks in round 2. The 4th seed is guaranteed 1 home ice series and has a chance to host the WCF. In that scenario they still have to go through either Scum or the Preds. The 5th seed is guaranteed nothing but could host the WCF but still have to go through the 6th seed. The 6th isn't likely to get home ice at all and will have to face either the Canucks or the Blues on the road.

So let's say the Hawks get the 6th seed and the dream match up against Dallas. They then have to go to St. Louis and then to the winner of Vancouver vs. the 4/5 winner. If the Blues or Canucks choke in the first round, the Hawks would have to go to the 4/5 winner. If both the Blues and the Canucks choke in the 1st round, the Hawks either have to face the 4/5 winner or a suddenly hot 8th seed in the finals.

As the 5th seed the Hawks open at the Preds or scum. Assuming that the Hawks win and the 6th seed wins, The Hawks probably get Vancouver in round 2 if the Blues and Canucks both win. If one of the Blues or Canucks loses in round 1, they'd host the 6th seed. If both the Blues and Canucks choke, they have home ice for the rest of the WC playoffs.

So really what it comes down to is what round would you rather face the Preds or Scum? Which teams do you most want to avoid? It lloks like they will have to play either the Preds or Scum at some point. I think I'd rather see the Preds in round 1 rather than after they've built some momentum.