The NHL’s Western Conference has solidified itself as a superior group of hockey clubs over the past few seasons. A team out of the west has lifted Lord Stanley’s mug four out of the last five seasons, with no reason to believe that this trend won’t continue in the near future.

With the Los Angeles Kings and the Chicago Blackhawks leading the way there are many teams that although are competitive, still need to play catch-up. In what is a physically and emotionally draining regular season, rivalries are made with some being renewed. Here’s a look at the top three Western Conference rivalries heading into the 2014-15 NHL regular season.

3. Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings

Although the Ducks finished the regular season with an impressive 116 points, their neighbors to the north won when it counted most. The Kings played out their regular season in 2013-14 earning a solid 100 points and managed to become champions for the second time in just three years. They have now officially been dubbed the premier hockey power in the state of California.

If the Ducks want to prove that they are indeed the real deal, they will have to dominate the Kings right from the get-go. L.A. has already improved their chances of winning again by signing playoff star Marian Gaborik. As the offseason progresses and rosters continue to take shape, keep an eye on this rivalry, as things won’t be so sunny in California for one of these clubs when they clash at the beginning of the season.

2. The Battle Of Alberta

Although the Calgary Flames and the Edmonton Oilers have had their fair share of struggles over the past few seasons resulting in a lack of playoff births for both clubs, when the two Alberta based teams meet on the ice it seems as though a playoff type atmosphere is created almost immediately. Both teams will continue to boast very young and talented lineups in the 2014-15 regular season, perhaps with the Oilers having the advantage.

The Oilers have been anxiously waiting for their plethora of young guns to finally have a breakout season. Jordan Eberle, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, along with Taylor Hall must lead the way if they want to finally better their provincial rivals. Although the Flames have a lineup that has more overall experience, don’t expect them to get the best of the Oilers in 2014-15. Much to the chagrin of the Calgary faithful, the Oilers may finally be poised to proclaim themselves as top dogs on the Alberta hockey scene.

1. Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues

The Blackhawks and the Blues will arguably have the most talented lineups in the entire NHL come the start of the regular season. Both clubs have had busy offseasons to date, trying to tinker their already talented lineups in order to make the next step. These Central Division rivals will undoubtedly battle it out in a handful of games to achieve top spot in the division. With the Blues’ addition of Paul Stastny to their lineup, their well-balanced roster has become even more potent.

With the Blackhawks now having the peace of mind that their stars in Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will remain in the Windy City for what may be the duration of their careers, they have to be confident in their ability to take over the division. Expect these two rivals to put on good old fashioned barn burners every single time they meet on the ice in 2014-15. The talent and passion coming out of these two clubs is second to none, which will result in becoming the biggest rivalry in the Western Conference.