Riga Inches Closer to final playoff spot over Malmo

[v.2 1,406]

June 20th; Malmo, Sweden — With less than 10 games remaining in the VHL’s 78th regular season, the Riga Reign have come within 3 points of the final playoff spot in the European Conference.  The Malmo Nighthawks currently hold the final spot and have for a while.  Riga had a very rocky start to the season, but have since picked it up in crunch time when it matters most.  Led by Cabe McJake and Linus Zetterstrom, they have managed to win 6 of their last 10 games.

 

     What this means for the Nighthawks is that the team really has to regroup and focus.  They suffered 2 brutal losses today to Helsinki and Calgary, which is not something GM Hylands wants to see this time of year.  At the trade deadline, management brought in centre Jakob Sosa, but he hasn’t fully found chemistry with the team just yet.  Perhaps once he clicks with his new line mates a little more Malmo can stay afloat and land in the playoffs.

   

     When asked about this situation, rookie defenseman Tui Sova had this to say to the media “I think our group can make it.  It’s been a great first year for me in Malmo and I’d hate to have our season end early.  We can’t lose focus of the playoffs as we’ve managed to hold this final spot all season.”

Edited June 20, 2021 by v.2