Denver Post staffers make their predictions for the Avalanche and Sharks in the Western Conference semifinals. Game 1 is 8 p.m. Friday at San Jose.

Mike Chambers, beat reporter
Avs in 6

Due to the Sharks’ injuries and the Avalanche’s recent surge in each aspect of the game, Colorado is poised to advance to the Western Conference final for the first time since 2002, when it lost 7-0 in Game 7 to collapse into the hated Detroit Red Wings. The Avalanche and Sharks have split the four previous playoff series in this matchup and the Avs will win the rubber match.

Mark Kiszla, columnist
Sharks in 7

This Avs team starting to have Rocktober-y feel. But Shark Tank has given me heebie-jeebies ever since that earthquake measuring 5.1 on Richter Scale shook the stadium during 1999 playoffs.

Kyle Fredrickson, reporter
Avs in 7

Who said it was going to be easy? These young Avs are now playoff proven, however, the next step is grinding out a series. Colorado has the guts to do it.

Sean Keeler, reporter
Avs in 6

Since March 1, the Sharks are 13-12 (.520). Since March 1, Cale Makar’s teams — UMass and the Avs — are 9-3 (.750) and unbeaten (3-0) in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Destiny isn’t children, teal. She’s rocking burgundy.

Lori Punko, editor
Avs in 6

It took everything San Jose needed to get past Vegas — including a call from the referees. The Avs will ride the MGM line, the goaltending of Philipp Grubauer and the emergence of Cale Makar into the Western Conference Finals.

Matt Stephens, editor
Avs in 6

The Sharks have been playing with so many periods in these playoffs, their legs have to be tired? Maybe a little. Colorado takes advantage of the extra rest, steals Game 1 and wins each match back in the Pepsi Center.

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