Wild/Flames Preview
The Wild enter their second round series against the Calgary Flames as underdogs, though on paper this series could prove to be close.
The Flames found that magical chemistry after dealing Iginla.
The Wild meanwhile have not found chemistry all season. And that is where the primary difference between these two teams rests.
Let’s take a look at the two teams and how they stack up:
Forwards
The Wild’s strength lies up front where they have 7 legitimate top 6 forwards, not even including Trevor Letowski who was very productive for the Wild in the first round. Their 4th line is a weakness but does not see the ice often. The team received balanced scoring in the first round, but Jason Spezza will have to find his game for the Wild to advance.
The Flames have an equally dangerous group up front led by a number of sim-friendly veterans including Glen Murray, Temmu Selanne, Jeff O’Neil and Steve Yzerman. Its an impressive group and one with a great deal of experience.
Advantage: Even
Defense
The Wild’s biggest weakness appears to be on the blueline. Dan Boyle and Bryan McCabe are a strong top pairing, and Dan McGillis is a good #3, but after that the drop off is dramatic with the likes of Deron Quint, Todd Simpson, and Steve Poapst. Any injury to the Wild blueline and they are in deep doo-doo.
For the Flames, they are led by a pair of defenders seemingly beloved by the sim gods – former Wild Kimmo Timonen and Matthieu Schneider. Adam Foote brings physicality and shut down defensive abilities. Similar to the Wild, there is a drop off after these top 3, though arguably not as bad.
The Advantage: Even
Goaltending
Curtis Joseph actually posted better numbers than Dom Hasek (until he was reinjured) in the first round and was key to their playoff series win. But Joseph also seems less likely to steal games than the Dominator. Moreover, as long as Hasek is injured Jamie “Noodles” Mclennan is the Wild’s back-up – not a great choice.
For the Flames, they are led by one of the very best – Mikka Kipruosoff. He is both capable of stealing games and winning a series very quickly, as evidenced by the first round. Brian Boucher is a capable backup though let’s be blunt – if either team finds themselves having to play their #2s, they are likely in trouble
The Edge: The Flames
Other Stuff
Chemistry
The Flames have it.
The Wild don’t.
Edge: Flames
Experience
Axel is old
Grant isn’t.
Edge: Flames
Dougnuts
Axel likes them
Grant does too, but not as much
Edge: Flames
As usual, no prediction.
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