Malmo sit in final playoff spot, for now.

[Telkster 550]

The Somewhat Wacky European Battle

         Malmo are probably sitting a bit higher then expected in the standings, in what has been an anything but predictable season so far. Moscow and Malmo both find themselves ahead of Riga and HC Davos, which is an unusual turn of events. Both Moscow and Malmo probably have the 2 worst on paper rosters as of right now. While Davos may not have much of an argument other then to just get into the playoffs, I did not expect them to be sitting dead last over a quarter of the way into the season. Last year was the year many people thought Riga could bloom and potentially be a threat in the playoffs, especially with all that forward depth. Riga is struggling not only in the standings, but also to score goals. With a whole other year of growth on Riga's team, no one should be surprised if they go on a run.

 

        As for Malmo, Despite their best forwards probably making a tough argument to be on 1st line on any contending team, have been racking up goals at a near 4 goal game pace. Muffbeav leads Malmo and the league in goals, while currently tied for 3rd in the league for points. Malmo's Dayne and Telker follow closely behind with 30 and 28 points respectively. While the Nighthawks may not have much for forward depth, or even high end forwards, many of their forwards are built to rack up points, which is why outscoring the opponent has worked in Malmo's favor. 

 

       Currently at the top sits a mighty Warsaw in 1st place with a 17-5-1 record, and offense has been a huge key for them. They have many high skilled forwards that have stolen the show this year. While the on paper defense and goaltending is nothing to write home about on Warsaw, its been getting the job done so far this season. Prague sits in 2nd in the EU, and they have a virtually equal offense in terms of depth. With no team really being "the" team this year in the EU, Prague should feel comfortable in there chances if they play a playoff round against Warsaw.

 

        If anyone wants to turn a playoff series into a battle of the goalers, it'll be London sitting in 3rd place. With Veteran Tonn manning the crease for United, he's had nothing short of a great start to his season. London also have several 6-800 ish TPE guys that could be enough to potentially win them a cup. Helsinki sit 4th, and they are one of the few teams where the roster probably matches the placement, with a solid middle pack forward group, and a steady blueline with solid goaltending, you never know what a quieter playoff team like this could do in the postseason! If I had to guess now, I will say that a team from the EU will end up winning the cup this year. That could be me being bias since I've never played for a North American team.

 

       Players Mentioned @Infernal @.sniffuM @MexicanCow123