So breaking news, here, Rob Bleake has been removed as a general manager of the LA Kings… stay tuned.
So why do teams win in the playoffs when they’re not supposed to and lose in the playoffs when they’re not supposed to? The NHL, probably more than any other sport has so much dependence on emotion, pressure and confidence. It also has a lot to do with matchups, goaltending, power play, home ice and team health… from 40 years of watching hockey I’ve determined these factors to be the ones that could surprise you. The ones that could change a series.
Some call these X factors,..We call them EEk’s Factora
The Eks Factors for Toronto and Florida
Toronto Maple Leafs Eks Factors: Pressure: 5 (lower more pressure) they slayed their demon in Ottawa. Playing Cup Champs = underdog Momentum:7 Health:: 9 No Major Injuries Powerplay::9 35.3% in Playoffs Goaltending/Defense::8 Home Ice Advantage: 7 Matchup: 5 Last 2 Seasons head to head: 3-5 This Season Head to Head: 1-3 Intangibles:5 The fact Ottawa owns Toronto could be rallying point. Ek Factor: 55
———————————————————
Florida Panthers Eks Factors: Pressure: 8 (lower more pressure) Won cup last year Momentum:8 Health:: 9 Tkachuk set to go Powerplay::6 25% in Playoffs Goaltending/Defense:: 8 Home Ice Advantage: 7 Matchup: 8 Last 2 Seasons head to head:5-2-1 This Season Head to Head: 3-1 (GF:13). (GA:7) Playoffs Last Year: 4-1 Intangibles: 7 Just beat up on a their cross state rivalries. Bob on track. Could be over-confident Ek Factor: 61
Ek Factors Toronto 56 Florida 61
In the years, I’ve started doing this. I’ve noticed that an Ek’s Factor difference of 5 means probably six or seven games.
My prediction Panthers in 7….