Predictions ahead of the 2011 National Hockey League Play-offs - Part 5
Detroit Red Wings and the Phoenix Coyotes first round series will go to seven games:
The two were up against each other during the play-offs which turned out to be a seven games series. The games were not among the most entertaining or exciting to watch, but the true ice hockey followers would have seen some of the best technical and planned
hockey display for quite some time in the National Hockey League.
The offence of both teams showed that despite the defence being on top of their game there are spaces which you can exploit and go to score a goal. The two teams come across each other once again with the Red Wings playing with the home advantage, which
can play a key role in the outcome of the series between the two teams. They are both equal in terms of skills but in the end it will be the other factors that can result in a team winning or losing the series. As history has shown, the similarity in style
of play between the teams usually means that a game will see both teams cancelling out each other, this time it will be no different.
But one thing ahead of the series is for sure, that the skill and technical level of ice hockey will surely reach new heights. However, the bold prediction is that Red Wings have a higher chance of emerging as winners of the series.
Nevertheless, no matter which teams wins the series it is another one of the ties which can very well see the winner going to the Conference Finals if not further. The Coyotes and the Red Wings already had a very entertaining and close game during the course
of the regular season and the battle will be taken even further, as they look to move on in the play-offs.
Talking statistically, then both teams didn’t have the sort of end of the season that was expected out of them. The Red Wings were hovering near the top of the Conference, but the last few games in the season proved to be disappointing and they slipped quite
a few positions as a result.
The Coyotes on the other hand were on the verge of maintaining the longest winning streak by a team during the season, but their form dropped drastically which saw them becoming one of the worse teams in the season and doubtful of even making it into the
play-offs.
Teemu Selanne will play a very important role for the Anaheim Ducks if they are to move forward:
Selanne didn’t have the sort of start to the season that was expected out of him, but he was able to turn things around and in the last few weeks of the season he was absolutely brilliant. He created chances for his team-mates and also scored goals.
Other members in the Ducks squad also did a great job, but he was an important part of the chain without whom the consistency in the team wouldn’t have been initiated. The Ducks will be looking to him once again if they are to repeat their 2007 Stanley Cup
win.
The prediction in relation to this player is that if he clicks, during the series and performs at the same pace, the Ducks are one of the reckoning forces and can go on to the end of the play-offs. They may even contest for the Conference title and have
an outside chance of making it into the Stanley Cup Finals.
Continued in Part 6
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
Tags: