However, there's several interesting subplots and narratives running about this weekend, and I'll do my best to put them in a neat and tidy order.
Are we sitting comfortably?
The Giants have been the all-powerful, all-conquering unit this year. Well, except for one night in the NIC but we're not going to talk about that. Their victory in the playoffs would complete the EIHL Grand Slam (copyright Nottingham Panthers 2013) and round off what has been a truly superb season for the league champions. They are a freight train that seemingly keeps rolling. But they are vulnerable.
Fife to keep Flying
The Flyers clearly have the role of plucky underdog this weekend. Lowest seed remaining, only qualifying for the playoffs on the last day of the season, punching above their weight. But yet for the past 2 months, the Fife train is like an express service, it doesn't seem to be stopping until it reaches its destination - playoff champions?
The tie between the two is set up as almost the perfect David vs Goliath metaphorical contest. Little Fife, in their little Kirkcaldy barn, against the big arena outfit from the Odyssey. The all-conquering league champions against the little minnows.
Small point: in the last game between the two, Fife won 6-2.
Clan to stick it to the man
Essentially, the story of the Clan at POFW is that their time is now. Now is the time for them to step out of the shadow of their big brother from the NIC. Now is the time for Ryan Finnerty and the ex-steel legion he has to prove to their former employers that they were wrong to discard them last summer. Now is the time for them to put their inconsistency aside and produce two games where they are spot on. They did it in the quarters, can they do it this weekend?
Steelers to show their mettle
Or time for redemption. Or stuff it to Ragan. There's a few things here.
This year has not gone to plan. DC was supposed to come in and lead the club to unimaginable greatness. And it didn't happen. Do we blame the coach or the players? Well if the players win this weekend, they can deny responsibility. Just how good is this Steelers team, the one that was supposed to be able to canter to the league title?
It's been 3 years since we made it to finals weekend. Its been 5 since we won it. In that time, the Panthers have had a hold of almost everything. It's disgusting isn't it? Isn't it time we found redemption in the home building of our enemies?
The ex-Devils contingency in the Steelers lineup will be out to prove to the Esteemed Leader at the BBT that they were good enough. Gerad Adams and Phil Hill have been unceremonially dumped this year, and Chris Blight was brushed aside essentially for a cheaper alternative. Time to prove to the secret millionaire that he made a bad choice.
There's the obvious Finner vs the Steelers story to this semi. He didn't make it to POFW with us as a coach, but has managed it with the Clan this year. Were we wrong to dump him? I suppose we'll find out.
I'll be back tomorrow with another story about the Final.
Tomorrow: Follow @TomWalkeden on Twitter for game updates from both ties.
Liam
No comments:
Post a Comment