MetalToday

It has been a crazy good start to the season, and the top team has really locked themselves up in first. The Calgary Wranglers has 58 points this season, and 5 points ahead of second place. Calgary has become a real force in the VHL, beating out teams like Moscow and Warsaw for the first-place position. The top 5 teams have also locked up their lead, as Moscow in 5^th position is 5 points ahead of Prague. These points lead really insures everyone in the top 5, really consider themselves a top 5 team. With Calgary at the top with 58 points, Chicago next with 53 points, then Davos with 52 points, Warsaw with 50, and Moscow, in the 5^th spot with 49 points. Although the teams are too close, and too far to say these will be the standings at the end of the season, the teams have been taking off from the rest of the league, and it is very possible that these teams will make it in the playoffs in a few weeks.

1. We stumbled a bit this week, but we're still in a good position. How impressed are you of how well the team is playing given our lackluster defense (both offensively and rating-wise)?

This past week did hurt a bit, but I know where we are supposed to be, I remember saying at the beginning of the season we would be top 5, and we are!

2. If we go out to target a defenseman, who do you wish to have join our blue line?

All I know is that we need someone to complement Payne on that first line.

3. What is the worst thing you've done on the team bus or team plane?

I took a massive dump as soon as the plane hit its peak and we could get up... sorry guys

4. Girts Galvins, how good is this guy? A temporary show of brilliance or a many things to come?

many things to come! guys been an upcoming star, I could see it.

5. What is the worst thing you've forgotten to bring during a road trip?

My passport smh.

6. If you can be a NHL GM for a day, what would you do and which team would you choose to GM?

I would be the Seattle GM and destroy the team than go inactive.

Warsaw has a tough team when it comes to the hits board. Obviously, they do not all the best tough guys, or even 2-way players, they are still a very tough team. The team sees Vasile Lamb giving out 91 hits so far, and like last year, not caring to calm down. Brendan Marner has started to pick up his physical game again, with the amazing totals he has every other year, its something to intimidate anyone in his way. Kisslinger is usually one of the top hitters in the league, but he is having a bit of a down year this year, but he will pick it up, he always does. Payne gives pain, even though he is not getting his usual defensive stats, he will likely be one of the best intimidators in the league as we go towards playoffs. Galvins is not known as a hitter but has been going on the hit sheet this season, lets see if he’s the next best 2-way forward in the making. Buffy and Beach are 2 defensive players I think Warsaw wanted to be this cheap defensive intimidator, so it is nice to them rack those hits up! Anyways, I know there are better players and teams to report on in this category, but I think Warsaw sometimes gets underrated. And who cares about the hitting stats? I DO!!

Game 151:

Ahh 1-2, a nice close game... 24-54 SHOTS!?! Ok so Molly the Cat started the scoring in the first period for United, and this was the only goal scored till the third period. The dominating team was obvious, it was United with 29 shots in the first 2 periods, and Legion only getting 13 shots in those same periods. The third period saw Ixazaluoh get a goal for the Legion to tie it up, but United was pissed about that goal because Hextall responded only 28 seconds later to make it and end it at 2-1 for the London United. The last period saw United outshoot Legions 25-11 for the total shots being 54-24 for United.

1. We're off to a strong start to S86. Is this pace expected and sustainable? Who's ready to resign with the Predators?

I think the team is comfortable, we can probably keep it up! 

2. How do you feel about your drafted VHLF team?

I wasn't too sure at first, but I think I will win

3. Everyone is doing great offensively and defensively, how many point per game players will we have at season end?

We wont have as much as last season, but there will be a majority.

4. Buffy is top 10 in points as a rookie so far, will we have a ROTY for S86?

IDK what that ROTY is but I think he will be the start of the future for this team.

5. People were saying our defense looks weak, do we need to upgrade anything?

You know I wouldn't mind getting a new defense that can play with Payne, but its hard to change what's working.

6. The NHL season is about quarter done, which teams have been the most surprising?

Ottawa, they added so much, and I think they are doing much worse than last season. 

How Warsaw Stayed Relevant After Losing Two of Their Best Defensemen

Warsaw defenseman Hari Sing Nalwa, seen as a monster by his teammates and fans, had been counted on to lead the charge in past seasons. Travish DeGroot was a drive for the defensive side, seen as a the Hulk for his defensive game. Losing such an integral parts of the team would have easily left Warsaw scrambling to fill their defensive roles in the lineup. Luckily, the new Warsaw General Manager was able to find an adequate replacement through trade and free agency. Despite the loss of such important players, Warsaw is still managing to stay relevant in the European conference and remain in contention for a spot in the playoffs. How did they do it?

The loss in the off-season 

It's never a good feeling when you lose two players in free agency, but when it's one of your star defenseman, it can be devastating. For the Warsaw Predators, this was their reality this off-season after losing two of their best defensemen to free agency. In DeGroot's and Nalwa's last season with the team, they scored a combined 145 points while providing an excellent defensive presence as well. They were missed by many and the team certainly did not look to be the same defensively or offensively on paper. But then the season started, and things changed...

The strong regular season start

Warsaw had an amazing start to the season with a 14-5-1 record. This offensive fortune on Warsaw has really pushed them over the edge, but at the same time, it’s come back to bite them hard. With a lack of defensive presence on the team after losing them in free agency, Wumbo's (the goaltenders) numbers has gone out of wack. In the previous seasons the goaltender was able to put up amazing numbers, but the defense this season is poor, so the team has relied on offensive production to out produce the opponent. Despite all this, Warsaw does not seem too worried about their playoffs spot as they are currently sitting in fourth place with 31 points. The offensive defensemen lost were not needed to help these stats, so putting more depth players for depth on the team helped out graciously.

The possible playoff outcome

It is hard to predict whether Warsaw actually makes the playoffs, but they look promising. They have a deep and talented roster, with the team averaging about 4 goals a game, above all other teams, there should not be too much worry about this teams playoff potential. The team has been playing well lately, with the highest goals for in the league for one team with 79, and one of the top three best goal differential numbers. There is hope that the team will be able to maintain this consistency until the playoffs. They have lost two key players from season 84's championship winning team and even last seasons cup run, Nalwa and DeGroot. With these losses it is unclear how well the team will do in the playoffs without them, but the season shows they were not needed. Hopefully Warsaw can meet Nalwa and DeGroot in the playoffs to stop them and show them what they could be winning if they stayed.

Brendan Marner is looking good, like his totals back when he was a rookie. Marner had 45 goals and 100 points back in his Season 82 rookie season, comparing to this season, he has already 6 goals in 10 games, a 43-goal pace early in the season, very close to that rookie season. His improvement will come from the point totals hopefully the 18 points in 10 games will continue as he is on a 130-point pace right now. Marner has 38 hits, and this is something Marner wanted to improve like it was in the rookie season, but this season with his 38 hits, he would only be on pace to hit 274 hits which is slightly lower than the rookie season, but still a good total to hit, and higher than all the other seasons he had. Overall Brendan Marner has been playing a much better game, and at the level he’s wanted to play at since his initial season.

Warsaw is looking deadly, the team is second in the league and is looking at 2 points, one win from that first position. Since the team has only 10 games played, and other teams have already played 12 games, Warsaw has 2 games at hand and only 2 points away from first, the likeliness the team takes first place soon is high. Why is Warsaw doing so well? The team was believed to underperform with the players they last offseason, but it looks like it did not affect them nearly as much as thought. The team has been getting decent goaltending and defence, as the team has only allowed 31 goals which is the middle of the pack in the league. Though, Warsaw was not going to be a defensive team this season, the expectation was Warsaws offense would take control. That is exactly where the team is, with 42 goals for on the season, that is good enough to put them first in the league under that category. With those numbers, Warsaw is also leading with the best goal differential in the league with 11. These stats are impressive, and where the team the offseason this start is huge for an older team. Some wonder what Warsaw will do at the end of the season; will they need to rebuild? Well, that is something the team will need to worry about then, they are in a good position right now.

Some notable players are Zach Kissinger (no surprise), Brendan Marner, Girts Galvins, Vasile Lamb, and Wumbo. A special mention should be given to Bob Beach as he is the best defensive defenseman right now on the team. Brian Payne has been slightly underwhelming this season, but he has been still getting some points. Kisslinger has been amazing as always, only 5 goals, but 20 points with that. His physical game has taken a bit of a step back this season, but he does not need hits to get the best on the team point totals. Brendan Marner has been having an even better season than last, with 6 goals, and 18 points, that is huge that these two players are producing what they can. Marner has also stepped up his physical game with 38 hits already this season. Getting some rookie Marner vibes right now! Galvins has improved incredibly, he now has the most goals on the team with 9, and 17 points, this production his huge for the team. Vasile Lamb has been as physical as ever with 50 hits, and great production as always with 8 goals for 17 points. Wumbo has been not as good as last season, but with the lack of defence Warsaw has, it was expected Wumbo would really drop off, but he is still collecting respectable numbers.

Warsaw has been looking as good as ever, and the doubters might need to be put to rest at this point. Yes, I’m looking at you VSN and your Warsaw rank at 5^th in the European division, and 10^th overall in the league…

1. Brand new season about to begin, what are your S86 personal expectations?

I hope to get above 100 points this season, and win the cup!

2. How do we stand as a team ahead of S86 when comparing with other teams?

We are a top 5 team, not necessarily number one, but still really good.

3. New GM @N0HBDY, core pieces disappeared from the team. Are we in for a retool/rebuild?

No, we playing great yo.

4. Which team looks to be the toughest to beat in S86?

Calgary is really strong man.

5. Who will be our season MVP?

Kisslinger, been the team MVP almost every year, it wouldnt be right to say another name

6. Which team would be the most surprising in S86?

Seattle at the bottom? thats a first

G - Ben Dahl

@dlamb

F - Molly the Cat

@JB123

D - AirRig GoodBrandSun

@dlamb

I know you know that Brendan Marner's position, Dlamb

D - Max Torq

@JB123

@dlamb

You sure you want me to pick again so soon?

(might be missing a pick there)

Brendan Marner

@dlamb

1 hour ago, Kisslinger said:

Proud to be captain of such a great team! Let’s go Warsaw!!

Well deserved

F - Nico Pearce

@JB123

1. Draft is right around the corner, we don't have a 1st round pick this draft and the cupboard is scarce and near empty. Is there anyone in this upcoming draft who is worth trading for or moving up the draft for?

Im not too worried about the future when the team can improve right now.

2. GM @dlamb appears to be ready to move on. Who would be the prime candidate to take over the team?

nobody hits as good as Dlamb... Get it? Dlamb was and still is the best GM LOL

3. What is your go to shootout move?

going in fast, handle left, right, left shoot!!! GOAL!!!

4. Who is most likely to score a buzzer beating goal?

Kisslinger, guy doesnt even need to be on the ice and he'll somehow get a hattrick

5. What type of goal do you typically score? (How do you normally score your goals?)

I get the dirty goals, standing infront of the net, pissing off the goalie by screening him well. 

6. We have a strong NHL draft at the end of this season, would you say this is one season worth tanking?

nope, we already have a couple first rounders, and this team is capable of winning another cup so why tank? 

Zach Kisslinger signs an extension with Warsaw. Zach has been probably the best player on Warsaw since joining the squad back in season 81. In that rookie season we saw Zach hit 40 goals and 92 points, making him the runner up only 3 points behind the rookie leader. He only has one season under a point a game in S84 where he only put up 69 points, and his worst scoring total with 34 goals… Yeah that’s still quite good… But if you were not impressed by those goal totals that seasons playoff in S84 he went off, collecting 14 goals, and 29 points in the 20 playoff games which would also bring Warsaw to the Continental Cup. Was this a good signing? Kisslinger has been averaging close to 40 goals a season and has been a god in the playoffs, if Warsaw couldn’t get him resigned, they would need to probably scrap the team and start over. Yes, that’s how much Zach brings to the team on the ice and in the locker room. Zach Kisslinger is signed until his retirement in S89 with next season being a no trade clause. It is likely that Zach will finish his career in the VHL in Warsaw, only leaving if he gets traded.

@Kisslinger

The VHL season is coming soon, and there are many teams improving through trades, free agent signings, simple resigning, and prospects becoming full timers. The teams have been improving and the possibility that Warsaw takes over the season and wins the Victory cup by 14 points is very unlikely. The team in Warsaw is still very good but they have fallen from their talent from the last year. The offense has only gotten better, but the defense is loose, however the team will need to debate what they do with the defensive problem. With Jeff Bluffy finally on the roster, a rookie that is now on the main roster in his first VHL season, Brian Payne, a Warsaw veteran that everyone should know, and another new player on the Warsaw roster, Bob Beach. The defence is good, but has a noticeable hole in it, the question on whether the team can outscore their problem.

Warsaw could not finish in the playoffs last season, losing to Moscow in the European finals, the fact they were outplayed and swept by the Moscow team, Warsaw might have proved that they shouldn’t have been where they were at last season.

D.C. Dragons are a notable team, in a very similar boat with Warsaw as the team has amazing offense, and weak defence, but this team might be better offensively and weaker defensively. The Dragons are the epidemy of outscoring their problems, but we will need to see if the team plays the way they should be able to.

London currently has the opposite problem that Warsaw and the Dragons have, the United have amazing defence and goaltending. The team will need to find a few goal scorers in the lineup as the team can’t win without scoring.

The Phantoms have a good first line, but rather than being good in one aspect, the full first line, forwards, defense, and primary goalie is what they are betting on. There is depth on the team, but this team might have on of the better first lines in the league.

The Wolve are good overall, they instead have amazing depth, the depth is what I’ve noticed other teams also are attempting this season, so it will be interesting to see if they are one of the top teams with this strategy so popular.

There are many teams doing different strategies and many doing the same, but the question is, will Warsaw be as good as last season? Personally, I do not believe so, I think the team had an uncompilable season last season, and it would be hard for any team to remake those stats, even Warsaw themselves. With the defense they lost this past season, I do not believe the team will be as good as they were last season, and I would predict that they are not even the top team in the league. I do believe they will still be top 5 teams in the league, but some of the teams listed above will likely be ahead of them in the standings. However, without a game played we will not know how the team will play until some games get played, so we will need to wait and see where this actually goes.

Brendan Marner was asked about the recent loss in the playoffs, he was not too happy during the question period, but we still got some good answers. The Warsaw Predators lost to the Moscow Menace in the European finals, getting swept in the process. The reaction form Warsaw and the VHL was quite shocked this series was not any closer than it was. Marner put up some good points that playoffs up until the Moscow series where his point totals for that series was only 1-point which was also a goal. Brendan Marner had 5 goals and 8 points in the previous series where Warsaw won against HC Davos Dynamo in 5 games bringing his playoff point totals to 6 goals and 9 points in 9 games. Brendan Marner felt he could have played better in that last series against Moscow even though the team had trouble getting it past Moscow’s goaltender.

                Brendan Marner was asked what he thought the team could have played better, and how he himself could have played better.

Marner responds, “The team couldn’t score, I think that’s obvious, do you watch hockey? I mean anyone how has seen any hockey would know exactly where the team went wrong, the lack of offense is to blame. I played terrible, I mean my dealer didn’t get back to me for that whole series, so I went every game without any coke, so yeah, I wasn’t as hyped as I usually am. I really think he had a bet that Moscow would win that series, but let me tell you, that won’t happen again, I dropped him, and we will never see that guy again.”

                The next reporter asked what the offseason held for Marner, and his future with Warsaw.

                To which Marner replied, “Well I just signed that 1-year extension, the team is pretty much still together, obviously we just lost Nalwa, and maybe DeGroot, but we will probably still be competitive, but it will depend on the next GM’s plans for the team, and how it’ll look. I just want to drink beer out of my cup again, I can’t really drink it out of my ring, can I?”

                He was also asked about the GM search.

                Marner said, “I know nothing about the search for the next Warsaw GM, that’s a really stupid question you just asked right there.”

                The reporter clarified, “Are you happy they are looking for a new GM, do you have preferences for the next GM? Jesus, just expand a little.”

                Marner snapped, “Who gave you your job? Ask the right questions. And why would I be happy to see Dlamb go? He was the reason I came to Warsaw after he drafted me 22^nd overall, the only real GM I know after spending 4 seasons under his authority. I just really don’t want a stupid GM to be up there.”

                After that snap Brendan Marner stopped taking any more questions, he was already annoyed enough with his dealer that he didn’t want to deal with more stupidity. In the end, this talented player had a competitive season come to an abrupt stop earlier than expected, and other players on the team was also pretty disappointed, but it sounds like there is still high hopes for the future of this franchise.

This offseason has been interesting for Warsaw, with the loss of Dlamb as a GM, the team has a big hole that still needs to be filled. Dlamb will still play for Warsaw for at least 1 more season, but he will be missed as the GM by the Warsaw team. The spot has yet to be filled but it will soon be filled as about 10 possible managers have responded to the job opening. However, Dlamb has been doing a lot of work before he gets kicked out, with signing Brendan Marner for 1 more season at 5.5 million dollars, and Zach Kisslinger signing for 2 more years while the first year is a no movement clause. This means Kisslinger will likely end his career in Warsaw, he is one of the best players of the modern era, especially for this team. The team is looking nasty still with most of the team still in for Warsaw, however they only have 1 defense so it will be interesting to see who they sign and how many defensive players they sign for the 5.5 million dollars of cap space they still have. Warsaw will contend for a cup again, but we will see how the new GM shakes the team for the season start.

1. Season 85 is over, and we have a longer off season after taking the L early in the playoffs. What do you normally do during a longer off season?

I dont remember, its been a while since the last long offseason.

2. Our VHL connects a multitude of countries around the globe, what is one city you would like the VHL to play a game in that is not already in the VHL?

Dublin would be cool, lets go Ireland

3. How important is off season training?

Very important, gonna get way better next season, lets get ready here y'all

4. What is one thing we lack as a team?

defense currently, I think we only got 1 d-man signed

5. What is one thing the VHL lacks as a league?

a lack of beer!!!

6. What are your expectations for your player in Season 86?

My player, my team will hopefully exceed last years results, preferably in the playoffs. I wanna see a point a game from every player  yes i will include the goaltender.

It was a good run for Warsaw with a continental cup last season, and a victory cup this season, this is the end of an era. With Brendan Marner, Hari Singh Nalwa, and Tavish Degroot in need of a new contract, the likeliness of all these players getting resigned in quite unlikely. The salary cap is a real issue for Warsaw coming up in the next season as some players will need more money for the compensation. There is a rumour that Hari Singh Nalwa might be testing free agency this upcoming season, so this might be a huge problem for Warsaw, but having some replacements on the market, there could be a small replacement for this franchise player. I believe the friendship of Tavish Degroot and Hari Singh Nalwa runs strong so there is a chance that the two players leave together, but there needs to be a team good enough and with the cap space to take them both, and even that, there is no guarantee from an outside perspective that the two players make it on the same team. Brendan Marner is obviously the last player not mentioned that is on his negotiation year. There is some rumour that Marner wants to return to the team, however it is unclear how much cap space the team will have as they try to sign two or three more defence. With young players coming up for Warsaw there is a chance the team may not have a need for a player of his calibre anyways. Warsaw is a stacked team, but the team will likely lose some key players this off season, as the future has a lot of uncertainty with it. The Warsaw GM, Dlamb messaged the team’s locker room explaining that he was stepping down from his duty as the Warsaw GM. The team thanked him for his work and wished him luck in his future endeavors as he one of the best GMs in the VHL, it will be truly different without this guy. With his elite drafting abilities, he was always able to find a diamond in the ruff in every draft season with players like Girts Galvins (17^th overall), Brian Payne (26^th overall), Zach Kisslinger II (14^th overall), and Brendan Marner (21^st overall), this guy was an absolute beast on the draft floor. Going back the original topic, the team does not quite yet have a GM in Dlambs place, so there is uncertainty on how the new GM might want the team built. Will they look for 4 defence and 5 forwards, 4 defence and 6 forwards, or have it like last year, 3 defence and 6 forwards, maybe they want a backup goaltender, it is unknown, but what is know is that Brendan Marner might have trouble trying to get back on the team next season. If the team is not built like last season, then either Marner will need to leave in free agency or there will need to be a trade made by the new GM to move cap space. There will also be a little question around the defense, but that will likely be the new GMs priority, so if Nalwa and Degroot wants to stay, I would guess they would be asked first. The team might not look like last season, for better or worse, but the team is still likely good enough to be competitive. But anyways thank you again to Dlamb, for your hard work as GM in Warsaw.

Moscow came out with a huge surprise in the VHL playoffs this season. After beating Warsaw in only 4 games, what happened? Was Warsaw too confident? Let’s investigate it. Warsaw lost 3 out of the 5 games by one goal, where 2 of the games went to overtime. Warsaw got 7 goals in the 4 games played, that averages less than 2 goals a game which is simply not good enough for a top scoring team in Warsaw. Both Zach Kisslinger II and Brian Payne both showed up with good points, where most of the rest of the team struggled to get anywhere, including the 3 top scorer last year in Brendan Marner. Wumbo was as good as a goaltender can be always averaging over a .900 save percentage, but unfortunately the veteran Emeritus was slightly better. With a total of 12 goals against in 4 games, Warsaw did not play bad defensively at all, it’s the offense that had all the trouble. Anyways, Warsaw obviously should have won this series, but the bias simmers forced a Moscow win. Screw Moscow. Oh, sorry I’m supposed to be neutral… Crap how do I change this? Oh well, gotta leave it in.