The trade deadline acquisition of Patrick Eaves

There's no telling whether the Blackhawks, for all their triumphs, will be able to climb their way out of a 3-0 hole, but for now they've ceded the mantle as team to beat in the Western Conference to the Ducks.That much became clear Wednesday when Anaheim asserted its claim to the top in completing a series sweep over the Flames with a 2-1 win in Calgary.Maybe it shouldn't be surprising. Lost in the commotion of the Sharks, last year's conference champion, fumbling away the Pacific Division and the 106-point Wild running cold, the Ducks are battle tested and boast the deepest blue line of any team in the playoffs, injuries notwithstanding.

 The trade deadline acquisition of Patrick Eaves is the gift that keeps on giving. Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler have the makings of early Conn Smythe cases.Not to be overlooked, Ducks are the first in the NHL to reach the second round, meaning they'll have plenty of time to rest while they await the winner of a Oilers-Sharks series that may go the distance. www.lolga.com/ut-nhl-17/ut-nhl-17-coins That could mean a Game 1 return for Cam Fowler, Anaheim's best defenseman who has begun skating in his rehab from a knee injury.Meanwhile the Wild needed a headstand from Devan Dubnyk to blank the Blues and stave off elimination until at least Game 5.