In the second edition of what is usually my weekly column, I am going to talk about the forthcoming play off quarter finals. This means I won't be doing a match preview for our games against those down the M1 motorway, and also no predictions for out and out results from the FSB crystal ball which needs upgrading ahead of next season.
Let's chat play-off hockey then.
Quarter Final 1: Cardiff Devils (Seed 1) v Manchester Storm (8)
Make no bones about it Cardiff should win this one and should win this one convincingly. With the collective firepower they have, can anyone really stop them from making the final four? However, Manchester have won this season in IAW but can they repeat this? As much as I would like to see it happen, I just can't see the big red snowball being stopped. If Manchester come away from the first leg just a goal down, then they have a chance. Anything more comprehensive in terms of the scoreline, the mountain facing Pach and his men becomes more and more insurmountable.
Key Players: Andrew Hotham (Cardiff), Mike Clemente (Manchester)
Prediction: Cardiff
Quarter Final 2: Braehead Clan (2) v Dundee Stars (7)
An intriguing West vs East Coast of Scotland battle. What it does mean in simple terms; is that we know we will have a Scottish representative at POFW no matter what and nobody can disagree with that. Whilst Clan won their conference by ten clear points, and ironically Dundee were second, they have been a wee bit up and down this season. Dundee improved markedly as the season wore on, winning games a plenty and fully deserving of their final eight spot. Clan have three of the top four point scorers in the league on their roster and if they are on it then Joe Fallon could be in for a hard weekend. But a Dundee win isn't beyond them as they have the dangers that are Vinny Scarsella; who has pace to burn; and Felix Antoine-Poulin who scored a remarkable 17 goals from defence.
Key Players: Matt Beca (Braehead), Vinny Scarsella (Dundee)
Prediction: Braehead
Quarter Final 3: Belfast Giants (3) v Fife Flyers (6)
To some, and me counted to a lesser extent, this has potential shock written in the background. Giants are good, but Fife are unpredictably good when on their game and in Shane Owen: one streaky netminder when on form who becomes hard to beat. Giants know full well they need to get a good result at home before making the arduous trip over to "The Auld Barn" in Kirkcaldy where they have come unstuck already in one encounter. I don't think Derrick Walser needs reminding of that third period collapse does he? Both have firepower, Giants have it in depth though. That could be the difference.
Key Players: Blair Riley (Belfast), Shane Owen (Fife)
Prediction: Belfast
Quarter Final 4: Sheffield Steelers (4) v Nottingham Panthers (5)
Second of two I realistically think could go either way. Whilst Steelers have the depth, you can never ever discount the Panthers in the play-offs as they always seem to come alive in them especially after having a season to forget in the league. Steelers know they need to exit the NIC on a Saturday night with nothing less than a one goal loss, more than that and it becomes hard work. For me, Panthers weak spot is their defence as it is easily exposed and then they have to rely on Wiikman to bail them out. If Steelers produce two solid games, they will be the ones who will celebrate. One of the big guns is gonna suffer pain Sunday night in S9.
Key Players: Mathieu Roy (Sheffield), Stephen Schultz (Nottingham)
Prediction: Sheffield
So that's my insight in the play-off quarter finals. Will we see the four I've predicted in Nottingham on 8 April? Who knows, but whoever you support: strap yourselves in mega tight as the ride of emotions gets seriously pushed to the max. Enjoy your hockey...
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