While we wait for the Rangers/Capitals series to wrap up, it’s about time we start turning our attention to the western conference, where the outcome of the finals will provide a great storyline regardless. Either the Los Angeles Kings will complete an amazing run after squeaking into the playoffs as an eight seed, or the Phoenix Coyotes will win their first conference final in franchise history in a season that already saw them win their first division and finally get a buyer.

Pick one, because it really doesn’t matter to me. Either way would be great. The Kings and Coyotes have been advertisements to the importance of goaltending, with two of the best stoppers during the regular season who have been brilliant in the playoffs. Los Angeles Jonathan Quick has gone from late-round draft pick to elite status in just a few seasons, and has a chance to become the franchise’s first Vezina Trophy in about a month.

NHL Stanley Cup Odds have the Kings a big favorite to win the cup, according to Bovada.

Although Kings vs. Coyotes Betting Lines haven’t rolled out yet, it’s clear oddsmakers are banking on Los Angeles.

The Kings have dispatched the conference’s top two teams in just nine games, and Quick has a pair of shutouts to his name. Along with a physical defense, Quick is only facing about 28 shots a night and has a .949 save percentage.

Phoenix’s Mike Smith has been just as good with far less to work with. His team scores less per game, and allows 10 shots more, yet Smith carries an impeccable .948 save percentage through two rounds. He was great in two road wins against the Chicago Blackhawks, and outdueled Nashville’s Pekka Rinne in the second round. He definitely has the ability to shut Los Angeles down for long stretches, but the Kings have had surprising offensive success this postseason.

They are scoring three goals a game, after averaging about 2.2 during the regular season. Dustin Brown leads the team with 11 points, and Jeff Carter has been a nice surprise.