#3 Detroit Red Wings (47-25-10) vs. #6 Phoenix Coyotes (43-26-13)
Season Series won by Phoenix 2-0-2
Last year the same matchup appeared in the first round with Detroit being the 4 seed and Phoenix the 5. The series went the full 7 games but Detroit routed them 6-1. The series had its intense moments including the now famous internet sensation "DoanFace" http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/DoanFace-Gallery-1-Coyote-scream-inspires-your-?urn=nhl-235106 . Both teams were very strong but it seemed that Detroit's experience payed off in the last game. This year Detroit has home ice again. They had their struggles in the Joe but that place always seems magical and rocking during playoff time. Phoenix is about as good at home as they are on the road though so in my opinion I don't think home ice will play such a big role in the series. Going into the playoffs, Detroit played a great game against Chicago. It appeared they were playing as if it were a game 7 and they moved the puck very well and played a fantastic and impressive game.
Offense: Detroit:
The Wings always have a fantastic offense. One of the best (if not the best) players in the NHL is Pavel Datsyuk. Datsyuk dazzles everyone with his stick handling abilities and wicked shot. He is also a fantastic two-way player and wins the Selke Trophy year after year for best defensive offenseman. Him and guys like Franzen and Bertuzzi help out their offense who leads the league with 3.13 goals per game which is second in the whole league. Key player, Henrik Zetterberg has already been cancelled out for the beginning of the series and could play a factor if he is out for a long time. However, they have more than enough scorers to go on without him. Their depth is unbelievable with guys like Patrick Eaves, Darren Helm, Mike Modanno, and Valtteri Filppula. Any player on the Wings has the ability to put the puck in the net so don't be surprised if we see another high scoring series.
Phoenix:
The 14th ranked offense in the league may seem to be lackluster but are extremely under-looked. No player statistically jumps out at you but they have a very stable offensive lineup that can score enough goals for them to win games. Captain Shane Doan had anohter good year and led the league in goals but don't be surprised if guys like Radim Vrbata and Lee Stempniak score a fair share of goals this series. I think that their best player in the postseason will be Ray Whitney. Acquired in the offseason, Ray is a long time vet who won the cup with Carolina in '06 in their battle with Edmonton. Ray has a fantastic hockey sense and can seemingly score from anywhere on the ice. While these guys may seem good, my favorite player on the Yotes is by faaaaaaar Paul Bissonnette. BizNasty has entertained over 60,000 people from his twitter page @BizNasty2point0. here is some of his work over the years. http://www.pensburgh.com/2010/12/20/1887471/paul-bissonnettes-33-top-twitter-hits. So to sum it all up, if the Coyotes aren't choking you to death with laughter, they'll be scoring a few goals
Defense: Detroit:
Highly considered to be the best defenseman in the league, Nicklas Lidstrom is a force out there on the ice. He skates brilliantly for a veteran and makes key defensive stops in crucial moments in big games. This year he enjoyed a fruitful season offensively as well as he netted 16 goals. With superstar Brian Rafalski at his side, the Detroit roster seems flawless. Kronwall and Salei also play very good defense and is one reason this team has been effective so far through the year. Detroit fans never settle for mediocrity and they are pleased to have such a good team this year again.
Phoenix:
On paper it doesn't seem like much but once again, don't count out this team from Phoenix. Kieth Yandle has been great all year but it is guys like Adrian Aucoin and Derek Morris who jump out at you. Not big name players but very affective in what they do. Along with these players, Phoenix received a boost when Ed Jovanovski returned to the lineup this past week from an injury. He definitely appeared to be ready for the playoffs as his team is in need for an answer to stop the Red Wing's superstars.
Goaltending: Detroit:
Not the best year for Jimmy Howard as he was out with an injury for a few games and otherwise seemed a bit slow to continue what he did last season. But Red Wing fans are hopeful that he'll turn things around and will be lights out once the post season starts. He had 37 wins with a 2.79 GAA and a .908 SV%. He enjoys a very good defense though and I'm sure he will shut the door once the series begin. The last thing Detroit needs is a goalie meltdown leading to a playoff upset. Backing up Howard will probably be Joey MacDonald as Osgood was out for a long time with an injury and most likely won't be ready to play in case of emergency.
Phoenix:
Another fantastic season for Ilya Bryzgalov. Not only has he been up there with the best the last few years, but he does so with a crazy amount of saves. Phoenix doesn't have the best defense but they rely on their goalie with shots from the other team. Bryzy is the thing that drives Phoenix. It is usually he who decides what type of game it will be. If he stands on his head and plays great, his offense usually gets going and they eventually score. But if he gives up a few early goals, the team breaks down and they struggle with the fight back into the game. Bryzgalov will have his hands full with this high powered Detroit offense.
Special Teams: Detroit:
PP-22.3% (ranked 5th)
PK-82.3% (ranked 17th)
Phoenix:
PP-15.9% (ranked 23rd)
PK-78.4% (ranked 26th)
Clearly Detroit has the advantage when it comes to special teams. Phoenix will have to stay disciplined and stay out of the box if they want a chance in the series. They can't rely on their goalie to make every single stop if they are always a man short. For Detroit, they can just wait for opportunities or until they got onto a powerplay and they know that the goals will come for them. This presence of mind will be key as well for them. A confident team plays better than a team playing on their heels.
Bottom Line: Detroit:
Great offense. Good defense. Hopefully good goalie. Another very good team as they hope they can relive their cup victory from 2008. If they have to be without Zetterberg for a lengthy period, they may be in a bit of trouble but they feel they can score with or without him. They know that their game is better than most other teams and it implements a unique fear in their opponents. This first series is gonna be a huge test for them. They seem better but at the same time they can NOT take this Phoenix team lightly.
Phoenix:
Last year was a special season as the Coyotes fought to keep their team in Glendale and they ended building an even bigger following. This year they have to prove to their fans that progress is still being made and they can still propel their team even further into the playoffs. Their battle with Detroit last year was one of the best opening round series but they fell out on the wrong side of it. They need to focus on getting their revenge against them and finally make a run for the cup.
Prediction:
Detroit is just Detroit. The team from Hockey Town will play very well this series and will allow nothing from the Coyotes as they get most of the scoring chances. Bryzgalov will have one or two weak games and the Red Wings will run away with the series.
Wings in 5 games.
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