HFNHL Red Wings
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All of Detroit is a buzz as the motor city prepares for game one of a series that is too close to call. Here’s a look at some of the numbers.
Detroit Minnesota
Home and away records 19-16-6 home vs. 20-17-4 away
25-10-6 away vs. 27-10-4 home
Goals for 270 271
Goals against 215 217
20+ goal scorers 6 6
Despite these relatively equitable numbers there are some subtle advantages for Detroit:
(i) While the goals for are equal the source of the goals varies significantly. The Wild are heavily dependant on their top two lines while the Wings gets more contributions from the 3rd line as well as their blueline than the Wild.
(ii) Special teams – while neither has a decided advantage on the PP or PK, discipline could be a key factor. The Wings have one of the lowest PIM/game ratios and with Darcy Verot expected to be scratched for game one (140PIM) that stat should drop further. As a result Detroit should have more PP opportunities than their opponents and will look to capitalize on them.
Aside from containing Minnesota’s top two lines the other area of concern for the Wings will be in net. While Burke has played well he continues to be plagued with ‘fatigue’ issues and has required way too many days off as a result. A long drawn out series would advantage the Wild.
This series really could go either way.
Detroit Minnesota
Home and away records 19-16-6 home vs. 20-17-4 away
25-10-6 away vs. 27-10-4 home
Goals for 270 271
Goals against 215 217
20+ goal scorers 6 6
Despite these relatively equitable numbers there are some subtle advantages for Detroit:
(i) While the goals for are equal the source of the goals varies significantly. The Wild are heavily dependant on their top two lines while the Wings gets more contributions from the 3rd line as well as their blueline than the Wild.
(ii) Special teams – while neither has a decided advantage on the PP or PK, discipline could be a key factor. The Wings have one of the lowest PIM/game ratios and with Darcy Verot expected to be scratched for game one (140PIM) that stat should drop further. As a result Detroit should have more PP opportunities than their opponents and will look to capitalize on them.
Aside from containing Minnesota’s top two lines the other area of concern for the Wings will be in net. While Burke has played well he continues to be plagued with ‘fatigue’ issues and has required way too many days off as a result. A long drawn out series would advantage the Wild.
This series really could go either way.