Post by Rich on Mar 23, 2009 1:00:29 GMT 1
My totally unbiased opinion.
Edinburgh - A two legged quarted final against the Elite League champions, very hard to imagine that they will progress any further. Prediction: Quarter Final.
Newcastle - Capable of beating anybody in a one off game, should they make the final four then they would have half a chance of going all the way, however I feel Coventry will have to much for them over two legs. Prediction: Quarter Final
Manchester - Can play hockey as good as anybody in the league and will push you all the way, should Nottingham have just one off night against them over the two legs then they will make the final four however they do lack the physical presence to go all the way. Prediction: Quarter Final
Cardiff - The ultimute playoff team, have never failed to reach the final four in the Elite Leauge era but have also never gone onto win the competition. They take on an inconsistant Belfast side in the quarters and despite Belfast having won the Challenge Cup therefore proving that they will turn up in big games I have a sneaky feeling its going to be Devils time. I would not be at all surprised to see them lifting the trophy or at least getting to the final. Preidiction: Finalist
Belfast - As stated above, have already won the Challenge Cup, proving that they will turn up in big games however have been inconsistant all season and have the Quarter Final opponants none of the top four would have wanted. Prediction: Quarter Final
Nottingham - Team Hollywood have shown the same level of inconsistantcy throughout the season as Belfast and Coventry. Really can't see them going onto win the competition and it wouldn't surprise me if Manchester knock them out in the quarters however I think they will edge the tie. Prediciton: Semi Final.
Coventry - Winning the Playoff would more than save what has been a disapointing season compared to Blaze usual standards. I fully expect them to overcome Newcastle over two legs and I believe it is impossible for them to face league champions Sheffield in the semis, however Cardiff or an on form Panthers or Giants side could prove just as tough opposition. Prediction: Semi Final.
Sheffield - Been the best team throughout the season, all they have to do now is carry it on for another four games. Fatigue will be the toughest barrier for them to overcome. Prediction: Playoff Champions.
Edinburgh - A two legged quarted final against the Elite League champions, very hard to imagine that they will progress any further. Prediction: Quarter Final.
Newcastle - Capable of beating anybody in a one off game, should they make the final four then they would have half a chance of going all the way, however I feel Coventry will have to much for them over two legs. Prediction: Quarter Final
Manchester - Can play hockey as good as anybody in the league and will push you all the way, should Nottingham have just one off night against them over the two legs then they will make the final four however they do lack the physical presence to go all the way. Prediction: Quarter Final
Cardiff - The ultimute playoff team, have never failed to reach the final four in the Elite Leauge era but have also never gone onto win the competition. They take on an inconsistant Belfast side in the quarters and despite Belfast having won the Challenge Cup therefore proving that they will turn up in big games I have a sneaky feeling its going to be Devils time. I would not be at all surprised to see them lifting the trophy or at least getting to the final. Preidiction: Finalist
Belfast - As stated above, have already won the Challenge Cup, proving that they will turn up in big games however have been inconsistant all season and have the Quarter Final opponants none of the top four would have wanted. Prediction: Quarter Final
Nottingham - Team Hollywood have shown the same level of inconsistantcy throughout the season as Belfast and Coventry. Really can't see them going onto win the competition and it wouldn't surprise me if Manchester knock them out in the quarters however I think they will edge the tie. Prediciton: Semi Final.
Coventry - Winning the Playoff would more than save what has been a disapointing season compared to Blaze usual standards. I fully expect them to overcome Newcastle over two legs and I believe it is impossible for them to face league champions Sheffield in the semis, however Cardiff or an on form Panthers or Giants side could prove just as tough opposition. Prediction: Semi Final.
Sheffield - Been the best team throughout the season, all they have to do now is carry it on for another four games. Fatigue will be the toughest barrier for them to overcome. Prediction: Playoff Champions.
It was the most one sided semi final since Panthers rolled over Manchester in 2004