Qualifications for Play-off, series are best of three, this is first match.

Hamburg finished seventh, and in great style, winning eight in a row, without OT or SO. In that process they managed to beat some of the strongest teams in league - Nurnberg (6:4), Eisbaren (7:1) and Koln (6:2). Their form is exceptional, and moral is really high, for todays match they will welcome back Paul Manning and Marcus Sommerfeld, only missing is Tripp who is suspended.

Ingolstadt went through hard period, trying to reach this qualifications. They've finished on last place that leads to qualifications - tenth, but secured it only in last round winning over Frankfurt (4:2). They aren't really in top form, having won only one of their last three, especially it goes for away games where they have W6-D7-L15 73:92 record, and with bad form in last games, their home record in last four is: W0-D1-L3 12:18. They are well aware they aren't favorites in this clash, here's their pre-match statement:

Sven Zywitza: "Clearly, they are momentarily in better form. We are outsiders and the Freezers are favorites."

Hamburg showed they are tough nut to crack, neither of top teams haven't beat them recently. They have 4th best attack in league (Ingolstadt 9th), and fifth best defense in league (Ingolstadt 10th), their form is high, so is the moral. Only thing that doesn't go in their favor is this season H2H:

2008-02-12 Ingolstadt 4-3 Hamburg

2008-01-16 Hamburg 0-3 Ingolstadt

2007-10-11 Ingolstadt 0-3 Hamburg

2007-09-28 Hamburg 2-2 Ingolstadt

But Hamburg improved a lot since then, and that games should be a "warning" so they don't underestimate opponents. Ingolstadt just doesn't inspire, their performance is depending on their goalies performance (especially on Jimmy Waite) and team that depends on one player isn't really a good bet. I expect Hamburg to maintain their winning ways and to start this serie with home win, they can maybe finish it already in the re-play in Ingolstadt...

Pick : Hamburg
Odds : 1.95
Stake : 6 / 10
Bookmaker : Interwetten
Date : 2008-03-12
Match Result : 3-5
Tipster Personal Link/Sponsor: http://scythe.blogabet.com/

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