NHL FINALS PREVIEW, ANALYSIS & PREDICTION
June 4, 2002

Courtesy of Strictly Sports Winners
Story by: Frank Alulio

If I were the Carolina Hurricanes I would watch re-runs of the World Series, Superbowl and Grey Cup. All three were excellent examples of "why they play the game". Carolina will be huge underdogs and will be hard pressed to raise Lord Stanley's mug when the fat lady has sung a verse or two. Is this series going to be another example that the "team" that wants it more can overcome huge odds. Or will it be a showcase that illustrates money and big name talent still rules the professional ranks and those three examples were just extraordinary results. We will begin to find out starting Tuesday.

Detroit began there Stanley Cup journey by beating a young Vancouver team that decided to go toe to toe with the Red Wing offensive juggernaught. After getting two quick blows in, the Detroit Red Wings found the stride and dispatched of the Canucks with 4 straight wins. St. Louis came to town next and it wasn't long before they were singing the blues as goaltending once again let them down. A hard fought 7 game series was expected from Colorado but when the full moon and stars aligned in game 7 in Detroit the Wings came up with a spectacular performance and the Avalanche did not get into gear at all paving the path for the Wings to get to the final.

Carolina played a very experienced New Jersey team in its opening round. The Jeckyl and Hyde Devils were outplayed at their own game and were dispatched in 6 games. Cinderella Montreal made noise early in Round 2 against the Hurricanes but quickly fell apart and were beaten soundly late in the series. Round 3 brought the Maple Leafs and 6 hard fought physical series in which Arturs Irbe was spectacular in winning 3 of the four games in overtimes thus allowing the Carolina Hurricanes to represent the East in the finals.

Comparing the two teams up and down, Detroit gets the nod in every category. Goaltending, special teams, defense, coaching and experience all are big advantages on paper that go to the Red Wings. The biggest intangible aspects are going to be as follows. Carolina has played excellent defensively, but are yet to play a team that drives to the net like Wings do. Detroit has 4 defenseman that can create offence when playing 5 on 5 and they should be able to break down the Carolina trap. Also, the Carolina powerplay has gotten some goals but has gone through some slumps during the playoffs, it they want a chance to win they are going to have to take advantage of odd man situations.

If you were to get into the statistical analysis of this match up things would look even more one sided. Detroit gained 25 points more than the Hurricanes during the regular season, scored almost 40 more goals, gave up 30 less goals and were better penalty killers and powerplay specialists. The list goes on and on.

Carolina has showed plenty of heart and determination. Despite this all season long the Western conference was the class of the NHL and despite the fact that Carolina gets the right to represent the Eastern Conference, it appears that the Hurricanes are still "a weak sister" of the East playing a "powerhouse" from the West. If you are a Carolina fan, you will need Arturs Irbe to play better than he has which would mean extending the top his game to a new level. You are going to need to stay disciplined and not go to the box especially early in games. Hit every red jersey in site for 60 minutes a game. Win about 55% of face-offs overall as well as winning key defensive face-offs. Carolina can also not afford to give Detroit second chances to win games like they allowed the Toronto Maple Leafs in game 2 and 6. Finally, you might want to get voodoo dolls of Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull and Domenic Hasek.

As a prognosticator I was on side with the Patriots, Stampeders and Diamond Backs. Over the years I have learned that anything can happen on any given night in world of professional sports. But in this series, despite the underdog being attractive it might not be worth it. This is one series where I see the team with more talent winning. I don't see Carolina having enough to beat the Red Wins in 4 of 7 games. While the games could end up being quite close, the experience of not only being winners in the past, but the experience of being losers before as big favorites will pay dividends for the Red Wings once again. Leadership, experience and confidence will make the difference off the ice while goaltending, offense from the defense and special teams make the difference on the ice. Look for the Red Wings to close this one out in 5 games and sip champagne on Thursday June 13 in front of their home crowd.