As Playoffs in VHLM Approach, How do Teams Stack Up?

[TopTiddee2 186]

As we inch closer to the VHLM Playoffs, many teams are making deals to either push for a playoff spot or to retool for the future. Below are my personal predictions of each teams chances at making the postseason.

 

Las Vegas Aces - 97%

- By the time the dust settles, Las Vegas should hold the top spot in the playoffs. The reigning champions currently hold 1st place in both the West and in the league overall. Led by Al Land, Fred Hampton, Jimmy MacElroy, and Cory Evans, it seems as if no team can top them in the standings. At this pace, the Aces hold a 97% chance to make the playoffs and about a 47% chance of retaining the #1 seed.

 

Mexico City Kings - 86%

- In a division held well by LV, Mexico City still has a chance to not only make the playoffs, but to grab the #1 seed. Led by Defenseman Doug Britton, Mexico may need to lose a couple of their S85 or S86 picks to build on their Forward core and put some goal scorers in the lineup to catch Vegas. I currently give Mexico City an 86% chance to make the playoffs and about a 25% chance of grabbing the #1 seed. 

 

Mississauga Hounds - 74% 

- Mississauga is the first team on this list from the Eastern Conference, and looks like they will be the best team coming out of the East. Two of their Forwards, Lorenzo Cobberson and Luke Glendenning and Defenseman Big Bob lead the way at their respective positions. The Hounds may need to move a draft pick or two to acquire a goaltender who can make sure the position can helps them get the #1 seed. I give Mississauga a 74% chance to make the playoffs and only about a 14% chance at grabbing the #1 seed.

 

Houston Bulls - 73%

- The Western Conference may seem tight, but San Diego and Saskatoon are so far behind the Bulls, there's not a large chance they miss the playoffs. While not many players on their roster are near the top of the leaders of each stat (besides Daniel Weaver), they are still in the Top 4 overall. I give Houston a 73% chance of making the playoffs, while they have a 7% chance of grabbing the #1 seed.

 

Philadelphia Reapers - 54%

- Philadelphia is in a tough spot. While they do sit 2nd in the East, the conference race is very tight. Halifax is hot on their tail, and Ottawa is not too far behind. They also don't display many players in the leaders of stats, but they do still have a decent chance of making the playoffs. I currently have Philadelphia at a 54% chance at making the playoffs, while they sit at a 5% chance at grabbing the #1 seed.

 

Halifax 21st - 43%

- Halifax sits at 3rd in the Eastern Conference, and with the tight race unfolding, there is a chance (relatively small, but anything can happen) that they miss the playoffs.  They do possess the top point getter in the league in Jeffery Bezos, however, they only have 6 players on the roster. They may need to spend some time on grabbing new players out of the waiver wire or free agency, worst case scenario trade picks for younger/newer players. I give Halifax a 43% chance and about a 1.5% chance of grabbing the 1st seed.

 

Ottawa Lynx - 37%

- Ottawa is on the bubble as far as making the playoffs. They may need to think about retooling in the future, but currently have a decent chance of making the playoffs. The former powerhouse of the VHLM has hit a divided path on what to do after this season, and they may need to start looking at it once they get closer to the trade deadline. While they aren't completely out of the playoff picture, Canada's capital is not in a very good situation. I give Ottawa a 37% chance of making the playoffs and <1% chance of claiming the #1 spot. 

 

San Diego Marlins - 18%

- Yikes. That's one word to describe San Diego's season so far. With a 13-26-2 record halfway through, there are slim (but still possible) chances that the border city will make the playoffs. They only have 1 player who dashes the entire leaderboard in the league stats. The good thing for San Diego is the amount of draft capital they hold in S86. They need to figure out how to grab some help before it is too late. I give San Diego an 18% chance to make the playoffs and a <1% chance of winning the regular season. 

 

Saskatoon Wild - 11%

- Hopefully Saskatoon can turn a corner. They still have a chance of making the playoffs with how close they are to San Diego, but they currently have a low chance of making the playoffs if they keep us this pace. Short and sweet description. I give Saskatoon an 11% chance of making the playoffs and a <1% chance of claiming the 1st seed.

 

Miami Marauders - 8%

- Saying I'm scared for Miami the rest of the season is an understatement. They only have 3 players on their roster. The fact that they even have a fighting chance for the playoffs is quite concerning for the teams at the bottom of the league. Luckily for Miami, they have loads of picks for the next two drafts where they could grab youth and talent, with a strong chance of grabbing the #1 pick in the S85 draft. I currently give Miami an 8% chance of making the playoffs and a <1% chance of grabbing the 1st seed.

 

I'm sure I will obtain a lot of hate for some of these rankings, but these are my honest rankings. I'm hoping for a competitive finish to the season, and look forward to making more predictions near the final games of the season.

 

[jacobcarson877 2,521]

@Minion 18% chance of you carrying us to the playoffs!

[AJW 2,156]

I feel like Vegas has a 100% chance. If they don’t make the playoffs I’m leaving the VHL lmao

[TopTiddee2 186]

1 hour ago, ajwllmsn said:

I feel like Vegas has a 100% chance. If they don’t make the playoffs I’m leaving the VHL lmao

I would agree that Vegas definitely has the best chance. But anything can happen.

[diacope 1,696]

Awesome work, I like the honesty! 

[Shindigs 1,771]

I mean until you clinch, anything is possible. Though I don't think even Simon himself is cruel enough to make Vegas lose enough for SDM to make up the 46 point difference in 29 games. Considering Vegas only needs to win 6 games to make it impossible. But then it IS Simon, so who knows?

[TopTiddee2 186]

1 hour ago, Shindigs said:

I mean until you clinch, anything is possible. Though I don't think even Simon himself is cruel enough to make Vegas lose enough for SDM to make up the 46 point difference in 29 games. Considering Vegas only needs to win 6 games to make it impossible. But then it IS Simon, so who knows?

exactly. I expect Vegas to clinch soon