Season Preview: Manchester Phoenix
September 8th, 2007This summer may already feel like winter but it’s not quite hockey time yet, well actually now that the season is upon us it is indeed hockey time again. With the season only a few weeks one day away and with obviously no blogging time left I guess it’s about time to try finish up the preview each of the teams with as much knowledge as I actually have of them anyway! Next up it’s the Phoenix:
THE VIEW
What to expect:
Manchester are a team the Giants have always struggled with. Last season in the eight games the teams played against one another the Giants managed just three wins. Manchester are a team that can look like league beaters one game and then the leagues worst the next. Without Tony Hand they are a significently worse outfit so keeping him healthy and in the line-up will be key to a good season. They should make the playoffs but it’ll not be without a fight. Then again if they play good all year long they wont be far away from fighting for a title either. Once into the playoff qualifiers anything is possible. I just know as a Giants supporter I wouldn’t want to be facing them in a knockout game.
Key Player:
Tony Hand: Every year he is the key player for whatever team he plays for. Everything goes through him, he is the heart beat as well as the coach. He is the playmaker and even at his veteran age he never looks like he’s losing a step in speed. His passing a ability is as good as it gets in the Elite League and should it be on form all season long with a man alongside him to put the puck into the back of the net then the sky’s the limit for the Phoenix.
Odds for the Gambler:
2 to 1: On Tony Hand to finish as the teams top scorer
4 to 1: On the Giants to take away a winning record against the Phoenix by the seasons end.
500,000 to 1: On Tony Hand to score more goals than assists
If they were an NHL team they would be the:
Phoenix Coyotes - Ok so the names are simular but also both are coached by two of the greatest from their leagues.
A Prediction that means nothing: 8th
STATS AND FACTS
Previous 3 seasons:
04-05: n/a
05-06: 6th in Elite League with 26 wins and 22 defeats.
06-07: 9th in Elite League with 18 wins and 33 defeats.
06-07 vs Giants (W-L-T): 4-3-0-1
In 18 games against the Phoenix in their history the Giants have won 7, lost 9, tied 1 and lost 1 in OT. They have scored 53 goals and let in 57.
ON THE WEB
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