The first round is all set for the Wings as the Preds lost their final game of the season and have clinched the 8th seed. I believe that this will be a tough match up, if for no other reason than this is a team that knows how we play, and knows that you need more than just big bodies to beat us. They know what players are weak and where to go with the puck when those players are on the ice. The plus of it is that we know them just as well.
Why we will win: Sound defense, with good offensive grit, but without sacrificing on the scoreboard. In other words, play like they did in the first half of the season. Also, Hasek needs to be healthy, or Osgood needs to be really sharp. Right now, Abdelkader seems to be a better option then McCarty as the final checker with Kopecky gone, because he has more size, and more offensive talent.
Oh, and because Nashville fans deem us an easy beat. Brilliance.
Why we will lose: Because this team hasn't been playing like it did in the first half, Hasek hasn't been healthy, and Osgood hasn't been sharp.
Well count me as someone that's voting for the Wings to make it out of the first round.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by the flying moose
so Pronger should have manned up and fought Kesler or laid him out with a big hit later in the game. retaliation by stomping on someone is cowardly. its not like Pronger isn't a big guy and can't stand up for himself.
If he could stand up for himself he'd still be in Edmonton.
The first round is all set for the Wings as the Preds lost their final game of the season and have clinched the 8th seed. I believe that this will be a tough match up, if for no other reason than this is a team that knows how we play, and knows that you need more than just big bodies to beat us. They know what players are weak and where to go with the puck when those players are on the ice. The plus of it is that we know them just as well.
Why we will win: Sound defense, with good offensive grit, but without sacrificing on the scoreboard. In other words, play like they did in the first half of the season. Also, Hasek needs to be healthy, or Osgood needs to be really sharp. Right now, Abdelkader seems to be a better option then McCarty as the final checker with Kopecky gone, because he has more size, and more offensive talent.
Oh, and because Nashville fans deem us an easy beat. Brilliance.
Why we will lose: Because this team hasn't been playing like it did in the first half, Hasek hasn't been healthy, and Osgood hasn't been sharp.
Red Wings in 6
Excellent Analysis. I'm worried about this matchup because the teams are so incredibly familiar with each other. But honestly, the Preds are not a good team this year. They have too many holes and too much inexperience, again.
I'm not sure about Abdelkader over Mac. That may just be the typical reaction to something new and shiny vs. something used but useful. Mac was the reason 2 goals got scored against Chicago (Hudler and Hartigan) and both were the result of his forecheck / behind-the-net play. I don't think you throw a rook into his 3rd game of the season in the playoffs unless all other options are out.
Excellent Analysis. I'm worried about this matchup because the teams are so incredibly familiar with each other. But honestly, the Preds are not a good team this year. They have too many holes and too much inexperience, again.
I'm not sure about Abdelkader over Mac. That may just be the typical reaction to something new and shiny vs. something used but useful. Mac was the reason 2 goals got scored against Chicago (Hudler and Hartigan) and both were the result of his forecheck / behind-the-net play. I don't think you throw a rook into his 3rd game of the season in the playoffs unless all other options are out.
Or if that rook outperforms the veteran. And Abdelkader has been good in his games, at least better than Drake has been.
Or if that rook outperforms the veteran. And Abdelkader has been good in his games, at least better than Drake has been.
Well, he's been faster and younger, but I don't know about better. Again, I would play the vets over the rookies just because they're vets. It may not be the best decision in terms of "helping" the team, but I think it is in terms of "not hurting" the team. Abdelkader is very, very raw, and doesn't really understand the Wings style, yet. I think he'll be in GR next season, and I don't see the Wings needing to get him in right away. But its good to have him just in case.
Drake has been awful this year. Sadly, about what I expected. I'm hoping he picks it up a couple notches in the playoffs.
I find it interesting that Babcock would throw McCarty and Downey in at once, and I find it interesting that Abdelkader gets in and Drake doesn't. Although, Drake was our worst forward at even strength this season (though the best on the PK, did you know?).
I find it interesting that Babcock would throw McCarty and Downey in at once, and I find it interesting that Abdelkader gets in and Drake doesn't. Although, Drake was our worst forward at even strength this season (though the best on the PK, did you know?).
I'm not sure that anything is set in stone, as Samuelsson is saying he's ready to go for the first game. We'll have to wait until tomorrow for the set lineups I think.
First Round: Detroit vs. Predators
First Round: Detroit vs. Predators
Linear Mode
