The Stanley Cup Playoffs, to me, are the most compelling of all professional sports playoffs in the U.S. The schedule is grueling, the physical play more intense than ever and the passion nearly unparalleled. And the first round of the playoffs is the best one to watch. Here's why:
1. The players are fresher. Yes, they've just completed an 82-game schedule, but it hasn't included the level of physical play that takes place in the playoffs. After a round or two, virtually every player on every team is nursing some form of injury.
2. Less time to prepare. Many playoff matchups were not set until the final days of the season, and it was harder for teams to scout opponents for certain.
3. No intradivisional matchups. The NHL's current schedule format pits intradivision foes against each other eight times. None of those matchups exist this year, meaning playoff foes met just four times during the regular season.
4. Stars are made. Players such as Atlanta's Ilya Kovalchuk and Kari Lehtonen, Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, and Vancouver's Roberto Luongo are making their first playoff appearances.
5. Last calls. Great players nearing the end of illustrious careers include: Dallas' Mike Modano, Anaheim's Teemu Selanne, New York's Brendan Shanahan and Jaromir Jagr, Nashville's Peter Forsberg and Pittsburgh's Gary Roberts. Catch them while you can.
No comments:
Post a Comment