Questions ahead of the National Hockey League play-offs - Part 7
Which team is likely to choke under the pressure of playing in the play-offs?
Though this prediction has a chance of not being right but considering the past there a big chance that this happen. The Sharks have been absolutely brilliant during the course of the season to say the least. They were going towards the bottom at the start
of the season but they managed to maintain a good position in the Conference throughout the middle part.
Like the Capitals they stepped up the pace when required and finished in the second spot. The Canucks were out of their reach otherwise some said that they were in very strong position to finish in the top spot in the West. They not only piled up winning
streaks but did so in style by defeating some of the strong teams in the league.
However, the thing that has haunted them in the past and will continue to do so is the fact that they have never been able to get past the West. Last year looked different when they made their way into the Conference Finals. However, they had a poor performance
and the Conference Final showdown was disappointing.
The Hawks absolutely thrashed them and won the series in four games. This season might be different but unless they don’t come up with the performance that is due from them they are expected to choke under the pressure of coming across unsuccessful runs
especially the last seasons disappointing exit.
They have a lot of experience while playing in the play-offs but each time they are unable to use this to their advantage. All we can do is wish them good luck as they have been in strong positions and lost series from there.
Los Angeles Kings, Anze Kopitar less?
The Los Angeles Kings were at one stage one of the hottest teams in the league that piled up eight consecutive wins more than once. However, like the Penguins they constantly faced injury to players. Those players were important players but they were those
who had replacement in the squad.
However, the latest injury to Anze Kopitar is one of their star player surely comes as a big blow to the team as he is one member with loads of skill and talent and there is no replacement close to him. The injury came at the end of the season which will
surely hurt them a great deal.
Kopitar plays a very pivotal role in the Kings which sees him playing the all important transition role as the Kings go from the defence to attacks. Sadly for the Kings, the star player went down after suffering from an ankle injury.
Kopitar is not only the number one centre for the Kings, but is flooded with immense amount of talent and foresight. This will come as a great blow to the Kings as they already have Justin Williams sitting out on the injury list. This totally disrupts the
strong offence of the Kings and is surely going to hurt them in the play-offs later on if not in the first round.
Though the Kings have some talented wingers and centre, but they won’t be able to replace the talent and the diversity that he brings to the Kings side.
Continued in Part 8
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