Quote:
Originally Posted by WineShark
Quick Stats:
- Pretty even matchup 5 on 5. Sharks are 8th and NAS 5th in 5:5 For/Against Ratio but the Sharks have been really stepping it up 5:5 since the trade deadline.
- Sharks #2 PP vs Preds #3 PK ..... I'd say thats even, though the Sharks have been less stellar in the past 10 games or so on the PP than previous.
- Preds PP is 17th but the SJS PK is 15th and hasn't been as strong the past several games.
- Shots/G, NAS 25th vs SJ 21st ..... nothing there.
- Shots Against/G. Sharks 3rd vs NAS 24th.
- F/O Win%, Sharks 11th and NAS 12th - nothing to talk about there either.
- Goaltending stats slightly favor the Sharks. 2.38 GAA for SJS and 2.53 GAA for NAS
Both teams are better than last year. NAS is more healthy and bigger. Sharks are even bigger than last year. Both teams have a couple key players who will be playing nicked up. Both teams are a year more experienced and both addressed the problems that stopped them from going deep. Both made deadline trade deals that improved their teams. I have to ignore the W/L% because the Preds get a few more easy games than the SJS who have to play ANA and DAL 8 times each (LAK, PHO vs StL, CBJ, CHI).
IMO, the Sharks forwards are better than the D of NAS. The NAS forwards may be slightly better than the Sharks D. The goal situation is probably even. Special teams are also even.
The only real edge is in shots allowed which favors the Sharks, and the W-L record between the teams this year which also favors the Sharks. Add to that the SJS right now are playing their best hockey of the season and have the best road record in hockey, so that would in my mind minimize the home ice advantage.
My POV - respectfully - I look for a good series since there is a history now. Of course I see a fairly even statistical comparison slightly favoring the Sharks in 6 games. I'm certain most of you will differ, and I wish the winner good health in this series, and success through all the playoffs. |
Good post, refreshing, in fact.