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Thoughts
Looking at the two team's records down the stretch, it the idea that the Wings struggled and the Predators flourished isn't really borne out. If anything, the Wings had the stronger finish, not least because they finally found a way to beat the Central Division.
Of course, it must be admitted that their level of play declined relative to their performance through January. However, that is more a measure of their first half dominance than a mark against them. They were just that good in the first months of the season.
The skid in February was awful, but by the end of the season, they were on their way to regaining the momentum they had through January. Given that their injury troubles did not end when Lidstrom. Chelios, Rafalski, Kronwall, and Cleary returned, their record in the final month seems pretty good.
The Predators deserve a lot of credit for overcoming a poor start and off-ice distractions by making the playoffs. Of course, they sort of backed into the post-season, but the fact that they were in position to step in when the Canucks fell off says a lot.
They played the Wings tough this season, as they generally have in recent years, but whether that was a part of the Wings' mental block about the Central this season or Nashville's prowess, I don't know. We'll find out the answer to that question in this series.
I'm not one for predictions, so I'm not giving a specific one. Like always, I go into this series with the expectation that the Wings will win it, but with the realization that they could collapse and be eliminated instead.
In this case, the Predators playing their best hockey are no match for the Wings playing their "A" game. The question is whether or not Detroit will play to their potential. If they don't, they certainly run the risk of being upset.
For the Wings, "A" game means puck possession. They need to keep the puck away from the Predators' top forwards with crisp passing and smart plays. A return to their physical first round form of last season would be a plus. When they don't have the puck, they need to play perfect positional defense. When the Predators break through in spite of the defense, Dominik Hasek needs to be there to make the save.
No offense to the Predators, but this is Detroit's series to win or lose.
It's the most exciting time of the year for hockey fans. It's also the most painful. Every shot, hit, and pass matters. I hope your heart can handle the stress.
Other previews
Sources
The NHL's Stanley Cup Playoffs 2008 media site (especially here)
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