The Guru Report: Habs Steal Home Ice Advantage?

By Hockey Guru


The Pittsburgh Penguins not only lost Game 2 - the Igloo has been stolen!

Seriously, the Igloo hasn't really been stolen; it's still in Pittsburgh - for now. The Penguins will be hosting Game 5 there and if it comes down to the decisive 7th game - that too will take place at the Igloo.

However, by not winning both home games - the Pens will be forced to win at least one game in Montreal to win the series.

Now, the idea of losing the home ice advantage by losing one of the first two games seems not only overplayed and discussed - but irresponsible journalism. The Hockey Guru is on a mission to eliminate that phrase from our collective sports vernacular.

Did the Bruins have the home ice advantage in Round One against the Sabres? Of course not, the home ice advantage for Buffalo was that Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 were slated to be on their ice. The fact the Sabres lost in 6 games - doesn't change the fact they had the home ice advantage for the series. However, Claude Julien stated after Game 2, "People will say we have home-ice advantage now, and we do."

The acceptance from the media and the fans in general that allow that phrase to be used is beyond annoying! Home ice advantage is determined prior to the series and DOESN'T change.

Anyhow, the more important issue is what is the advantage of playing on home ice?

---

• Comfort of sleeping in your own bed?

It's not like road teams are arriving on a bus on game day or sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags. With the charter flights and four and five-star accomodations - maybe not sleeping in your own bed is the advantage.

Players have less distractions on the road (less demand for tickets, arrangements for family, friends, etc.,), teams are together at the same location for game day meetings and may have greater focus being on the road.

Guru's Advantage-meter: No advantage

---

• Crowd Noise - Intimidation, Motivation, Emotional Impact?

Everybody seems to have their own version of the "White Out." While it is a great spectacle to view on television or even to be a part of - most playoff teams have been through it all before and certainly aren't intimidated by the event.

If any team relies on their fans for motivation - they aren't a Stanley Cup contender. Fans can lift up a team - such as Montreal fans seem to have done in Round One. Fans can also create greater pressure and hinder a team - such as San Jose - particularly early in Round One.

All-in-all, there is a human element and emotional element involved in the sport - and there are certainly times when the fans at least seem to impact the play on the ice. Like this...




Or this...



Guru's Advantage-meter: Minor advantage

---

• Last Change - Lineup Juggling

Perhaps the most significant tactical advantage - the home team coach has the last change. However, through line juggling, etc. - visiting coaches are often able to get the matchups they want. However, it seems to the Guru that more and more coaches are downplaying the importance of creating "matchups" and the game-within-the game seems to be neglected.

Guru's Advantage-meter: Moderate advantage

---

Even with the "advantages" listed, in Round 1 this year, home teams were (22-27). The 8 teams with the home ice advantage went (4-4) in their series'. Teams playing at home in Game 7 were (0-2).

What does that tell us? Is there a home ice advantage? Or is there a home ice disadvantage? Or neither?

What say you? (Remembering that STP would love to hear other thoughts, comments and opinions)

---

---