NHL Western Conference News

Brian Ching scored six minutes into overtime and the Houston Dynamo advanced to the Western Conference final for the third time in four years with a 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.

The Saginaw Spirit will look for the same balanced effort Thursday against the Sarnia Sting as it got one week ago.

Its been awhile since the Tri-City Americans have been on their home ice. The Ams just capped off a 5 game road trip, and on Thursday, they held their first practice in the Tri-Cities in over a week.

Cuban said Friday that he indeed was glad to see Artest on the Western Conference rival because there always is the possibility that Artesta s volatile nature will get the better of him and he will cause problems for the team.

Chivas USA forward Maykel Galindo entered Sunday's first game of the Western Conference playoff semifinals against the Galaxy as a halftime substitute with his team trailing by one goal.

The Los Angeles Lakers were the Champions last year. Will there be a repeat performance or is there another team that is more likely to win the Western Conference? Which team is your pick to win the Western Conference? Lakers.

The photo to the right shows Chris Paul in a position that the 2008-09 edition of the Hornets could ill-afford him to be ina 'sitting on the bench.

The Lakers and Spurs are on course for a titanic Western Conference finals matchup, with great coaches, deep rosters and superstar leadership.

Preface: Some of the pointa TMs totals given for teams may no longer be correct, as this article was written over the weekend and has just now been posted.

Newsome's Kati Kyle is a top contender in the Class 3A, District 4 meet in the 200 individual medley and the 100 back.

Los Angeles - Preview capsules for Western Conference:San Antonio Spurs Last season: 54-28, lost to Dallas in first round Coach: Gregg Popovich Additions: F DeJuan Blair , G-F Keith Bogans , F Richard Jefferson , F-C Antonio McDyess , C Theo Ratliff , F Marcus Haislip Subtractions: F Bruce Bowen, F-C Drew Gooden, C Fabricio Oberto, F-C Kurt Thomas, ...

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How have the Colorado Avalanche gone from Western Conference cellar-dwellers to the top of the charts? Part of the reason is the surprisingly strong play of a pair of 18-year-old centers taken with their first two picks in the 2009 Entry Draft.

If the Western Conference championship meet was a gauge for next week's district competitions, then several swimmers and teams are primed for big performances.

The Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo played to a scoreless draw Sunday, creating a three-way tie atop the Western Conference.

The Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo played to a scoreless draw Sunday, creating a three-way tie atop the Western Conference.

Chivas USA moved into sole possession of first place in the Western Conference, tying the San Jose Earthquakes 2-2 on Saturday night on Justin Braun's goal in the 66th minute.

Last season, the Chicago Blackhawks ' strong play at home helped them end a lengthy playoff drought and make a memorable run to the Western Conference finals.

EVERETT SILVERTIPS : 2-1, 4 points, 2nd in US Division, 4th in Western Conference .

Western Conference pre-season capsules Central Division Detroit Red Wings Last season: 52-21-7 a ' 115 points, first in conference, won Stanley Cup.