[yisman]

Guys on the ice the most during the Anaheim/Detroit series:

Chris Osgood: 36.5
Jonas Hiller: 27.25
Chris Pronger: 34.5
Scott Niedermayer: 35.67
Nicklas Lidstrom: 39

Each side is missing a defenseman. Brian Rafalski (35.5) for the Red Wings and Bret Hedican (38.5) for the Ducks. Rafalski's replacement is Chris Chelios (47.25).

There's also Selanne (38.9), Rob Niedermayer (34.5), Todd Marchant (35.8), Kris Draper (38), Tomas Holmstrom (36.25), etc.

ages are approximate

The point of all this? These two teams have some pretty old players, especially Detroit, and if this one goes 7, they are going to be really worn down.


Basically, I've been projecting that the winner of Chicago-Vancouver will beat the winner of Anaheim-Detroit, and I feel even more strongly about it if Anaheim-Detroit goes the distance.

[yisman]

one other note:

Every series that has played two games is tied at a game apiece. Will Washington-Pittsburgh break the trend? Stay tuned. Monday at 7 PM EDT.

[Unitage]

also worth mentioning is both these teams have played a ton (probably the most) playoff games the past few years.

[yisman]

True.

Since the lockout:

Anaheim has played 51 playoff games (including the two this series).

Detroit has played 52 playoff games.

Anaheim beat Detroit in 6 games in the Conference Finals two years ago.

[DennisGreen]

Good post. Detroit has a lot of rocking chair players and the longer this series goes the more it is a detriment to them imo. Both are super experienced and have been there and won before that is the edge they will have over CHI/VAN winner.

[playinragz]

Age means nothing now, its playoffs. These guys arent out of shape . The only thing thats relevent is if they break easier due to the age. If they are on the ice and playing there age wont matter in 7 games .but what matters is if they get hurt , bones break easier at 28 then 28.yah theory sucks cuz look who scored the gw. Yesterday.... Marchant the 35 yo after 5 periods. The league gives plenty of rest between series and games.... Chelios is 47 and hes just no good anymore. Hes in great shape as every nhl player in every series...

[yisman]

Age means nothing now, its playoffs. These guys arent out of shape .

I didn't say they're out of shape. It's a biological fact that older people take longer to recover than younger people.

Chelios is in excellent shape, but he's not the player he once was because of age. He also does not recover nearly as quickly as some of the younger guys.