Detroit Vs Blues

Games like this don’t come often. But then again good things come to those who wait!

So we’ve got Red Wings hosting Blues. Some of you might say Blues are one of those bogey teams for Detroit. Indeed Blues are leading this season’s series 3-2. It’s worth mentioning two wins for Detroit were shutouts 3-0 (in Detroit) & 5-0 (in St. Louis). As you know Detroit are or shall I say were in a slump and are 2-8-2 in their last 12. Detroit haven’t won 2 straight consecutive games since 17 Feb 08. Reason why Detroit couldn’t win games was pretty simple, injuries to their top defensemen and goalie Hasek proved to be hard to swallow. They hardly looked like Detroit we all know, offensively and defensively sharp - NHL’s power house! Ok so in my opinion slump is over. Resurgence started first against Sharks, they played really well, but couldn’t break down San Jose and they were better than Detroit anyway for most periods of the game, so no complaints about the loss. Then Buffalo were despatched duly in another good game over the weekend 4-2. Getting Hasek back and their top defensemen has fired up this team and IMO they should have no trouble winning today. Another defenseman Rafalski is back for tonight’s game, so that only leaves Detroit with 3 injuries, Chelios, Cleary and Lidstrom who is back against Nashville. I should mention that Stuart and Ericsson not looking bad in defence either. So with defence sorted and everybody chipping in this should be well organised Detroit we will see tonight.

Detroit have won 1 out of last 5, these stats will mean nothing tonight, trust me. In NHL every team has a poor run of games, it’s impossible to win them all!

Mar 2, 2008 DET 4 @ BUF 2

Feb 29, 2008 SJS 3 @ DET 2

Feb 26, 2008 DET 3 @ EDM 4

Feb 23, 2008 DET 1 @ VAN 4

Feb 22, 2008 DET 0 @ CGY 1

Now Blues, this is where the fun starts. Playing back to back games, coming into this game tired and have lost four straight away from home. They are 10-14-5 away from home this season, worst road record in the West Conference! Made a mess of beating Kings last night I tell you, that was their first win in last 5 over all. In the last five lost to San Jose, Phoenix twice and Dallas. If Mannny Legace has a good game, Blues might have a chance otherwise oh boy they’ll be in for a big surprise tonight no doubt.

Mar 4, 2008 LAK 2 @ STL 3

Mar 1, 2008 SJS 2 @ STL 0

Feb 28, 2008 PHX 2 @ STL 1

Feb 26, 2008 DAL 3 @ STL 1

Feb 24, 2008 STL 0 @ PHX 2

Main key areas I looked at for tonight’s game is Detroit’s resurgence, important players coming back from injuries and good goaltending from Hasek. Detroit are coming into this game well rested (two days) and are due a win on home ice too. Blues on the other hand will be tired, own worst record in West for away games but most importantly they have won a game finally last night, which is great. Perfect time to bet against a poor team that has just won a game (if they were on the run of 8 without a win then this would’ve been all together different matter). All in all this is very much tactical bet for me based on what I’ve seen and know and also the way I think things will develop in the future. I strongly believe Detroit will tie the series with a win in regulation with a possible 2 goal winning margin. Good Luck!

Pick : Detroit Red Wings
Odds : 1.66
Stake : 10 / 10
Bookmaker : Paddy Power
Match Result : 4-1
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