2011 Stanley Cup First Round play-off predictions (Part 2)
Detroit Red Wings versus Phoenix Coyotes:
The Red Wings who are the third seeded team in the Western Conference will face the sixth seeded Phoenix Coyotes in the first round game in the play-offs. The Coyotes may have been very tough and strong during the course of the season but it remains a fact
that the Red Wings have a very strong track record in the play-offs.
They are similar to the Los Angeles Lakers in NBA who have an ordinary regular season each year but they put their foot on the throttle in the play-offs. Considering all the previous history and the performance during the season, then the Red Wings weigh
the heavier.
This all is due to the fact that the Coyotes may have caught the eyes of many with the winning streaks they piled up but the Red Wings have come up with small streaks but on a regular basis. The regularity with which they have done this all puts them in
a strong position ahead of the game. The Red Wings are expected to win the series easily with Ilya Bryzgalov playing an important role in the game.
The Red Wings and their fans will have something to cheer about as their star player in Mike Modano returns to play for them after a long injury. The game changing player will surely play a very important role in determining the future of the Red Wings in
the play-offs.
The prediction when it comes to this series is that the Red Wings will win the series in six games.
Anaheim Ducks versus Nashville Predators:
The Ducks are one of the complete packages of the season but they haven’t been able to shine as expected. They have been in superb form lately and caught the eyes of many around the NHL world. The Ducks have been led by the brilliant performances by Corey
Perry that has earned him star of the game awards every now and then.
The Ducks have also shown that they have the diversity and depth in their squad as some of the other players can also score. Despite Perry’s hot form they haven’t burdened him and have seen goals scored by players from all around like Ryan Getzlaf.
The added strength comes to the teams when players like Finnish Flash, Teemu Selanne bag goals on regular basis when it is the secondary job. Though the Ducks backing isn’t as strong as it used to be but still it can haunt the very best on its given days.
Goal keeper, Jonas Hiller’s health and appearance in the game still isn’t confirmed but without or without him the Ducks are still a formidable line-up that can upset any big team.
The Predators on the other hand have an outstanding performer in their squad in Pekka Rinne. He has come up with some amazing performances that have been a major cause as to why the Predators are still in the play-offs. The Predators are one of the strongest
teams defensively and have been superb during the season.
However, the Predators have consistently faced the problem of not being able to score goals regularly. This is one thing that they can’t afford to do during the play-offs as it is more of a do or die situation. The Ducks are expected to win the series after
five games in the tie between the two teams.
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