Some Things To Watch For In Game One

Before we get to tonight's game, I thought I would share some of the numbers which you can use to make your own opinions. But first, here's some video of Joe O'Donnell interviewing Kevin Constantine the other day and getting Constantine's thoughts on the Peoria series and some thoughts on Milwaukee.

Now the numbers.

As we all know, the Aeros were 3-1-1-1 againt Milwaukee this season, earning eight out of a possible 12 points while Milwaukee got only six out of a possible 12 points. And for what it's worth, the last time these two teams met in the playoffs was in 2006 when Milwaukee swept Houston in the West Division Finals.

Here are some things to watch for, from the Aeros side, as to how the game will break tonight. Most important, the Aeros are 3-1 in the playoffs when they score first. They are 2-0 when leading after the first period, and 2-0 when leading after the second period. They're 0-2 when trailing after the first, and 1-2 when trailing after two.

The Aeros are 3-3 when they get a power play goal, but they are 0-1 when they don't score on the power play. If they allow a power play goal, they're 0-2, but they're 4-1 when they don't allow a power play goal. Also, the Aeros are 0-3 in the playoffs when they outshoot their opponent.

During the season, Houston outscored Milwaukee 15-10 in their six games. And both the Aeros power play and penalty kill were in fine form as they were 8-for-35 on the power play against the Admirals while killing 32 of Milwaukee's 35 power play attempts. And the Aeros allowed the Admirals to score more than two goals on them only once.

Putting those together, you want the Aeros to score first. You want them to have the lead after the first. You want them on the power play, and you should have no fear when Milwaukee is on the power play. And no matter what, you want the Aeros to shoot less than Milwaukee. Thus, if the Admirals start scoring on the power play, if the Aeros trail after the first or second, and if Milwaukee shuts down the Aeros power play, then you'll probably see a Milwaukee victory tonight.