Questions ahead of the National Hockey League play-offs - Part 9
Which of the top seeded teams is likely to face an upset?
The Philadelphia Flyers are one of the teams in the National Hockey League that can come up with a dominating performance and totally control the pace of the game on their day. This is certainly what they did in the opening part of the season, as they piled
wins every now and then. However, 2011 was not as productive for them as the previous year. They were placed in the top of the Eastern Conference for most of the season, but at the crucial stage they collapsed and it was the Washington Capitals who won the
top seed in the East.
The problems that the Flyers faced in the final part of the season are assured of getting bigger due to the fact that there is still doubt as to whether or not Chris Pronger will be in the squad. Pronger in one of the premier weapons of the Flyers who can
change the outcome of the game on his own with the skill and talent that he has. The Flyers are still searching for the goal-keeper that can be said to be their Number one goal-tender. This is very alarming considering fact that being at such a critical stage
in the running for the Stanley Cup they are still uncertain as to who is there top goalie.
All these facts lead nowhere but to think that the Flyers have a high probability of coming up with an upsetting performance, that could see them making an early exit out of the play-offs. However, things will be different for the Flyers if Pronger returns
to the squad, as he will combine the team. The pivotal role that he plays can very well guide the team to the very top of the mountain, which has the Stanley Cup as a reward.
The Flyers, without him are compared to the 2008-09 Sharks teams that were on the downfall in the first part of the season after which they established a huge lead up front. However, coming across some regular success saw the Sharks insufficient on confidence
as they were knocked-out of the play-offs in the very first round at the hands of the Anaheim Ducks.
The Dark-Horse in the running for the Stanley Cup?
Though this team might be considered to be a favourite by some, but in our list of teams that is labelled a dark-horse, the Detroit Red Wings occupy the first position.
The Red Wings were in good shape during the course of the season which saw them coming up with some dominating performances. There were several occasions where they were certain to come up with wins, but the unpredictability of their game saw them losing
in the end.
They finished strong in the third spot in the Western Conference and will be facing the Phoenix Coyotes in their first round play-offs games. The Red Wings is one of those teams in the NHL that has the capability of constructing a long run and lasting throughout,
provided that they stay healthy.
The Red Wings have a very good chance of winning the Stanley Cup this time as the top two seeds did not have the expected end to the regular season as they were not as dominating as predicted.
Continued in Part 10
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