NHL 2007 playoffs: Detroit-Calgary

 

The Detroit Red Wings finished the season on top of the Western conference this season. Because of their victory total they didn't win the president's trophy despite having as many points as the Buffalo Sabres. The Wings can count on an offensive support from Pavel Datsuk, Henrik Zetterberg and defensemen Niklas Lidstrom. But their main weapon, Dominic Hasek is in the net and is well over 40 years old. That didn't slow down Hasek a bit: he finished the season with an impressive 2.05 goal against average in 56 games. Hasek won the Stanley cup with the Red Wings in 2002.

The Calgary Flames have a real challenge ahead of them. Their talented goaltender, Mikka Kiprusoff had a very good season with a goal against average of 2.46 in 74 games but will have to play his best ever to beat the Wings. As far as their attack is concerned, they are in good shape with Jarome Iginla, Alex Tanguay, Christian Huselius and Daymond Langkow. If there is to be a big surprise in the first round, the Calgary Flames could cause the surprise.

The Red Wings should logically win this series easily but I see in my ''crystal ball'' a long and tough series ahead. Detroit winning in 7 games.