S84 Wildcard Series Calgary Wranglers VS Toronto Legion

[Rhynex Entertainment 488]

S84 Calgary Wranglers VS Toronto Legion Playoffs  - Wildcard Games

 

A season has gone by and it's that time of the year again, it's time for the playoffs! Looking at the featured match up, some might be having a déjà vu moment as they see the two teams coming out of the locker rooms and onto the ice in Toronto, Canada. Similar to in S83, we find a matchup between the Calgary Wranglers and the Toronto Legion in S84! The only difference, it's a 5 game series in a play-in Wildcard series, where the winner will win a trip to face the King of the North American conference, D.C. Dragons.

 

As oppose to last season in S83, the S84 Calgary Wranglers are a brand new upgraded team in S84 and only finished 1 point behind the Toronto Legion. In fact, the Wranglers actually won more games than the Legion this season, in S84. Looking at the end of season standings, one would wonder which team is actually the favourite to win the play-in series and face the Dragons. The Calgary Wranglers finished the S84 regular season with a 41 - 27 - 4 record, good for 86 points; on the other hand, the Toronto Legion finished the season with a record of 39 - 24 - 9, which gave them the home ice advantage in the Wildcard Series, with 87 points. When you look at the other season characteristics, the Wranglers hold the advantage: 36 to 31 ROW (Regulation and Overtime Wins), 211 GF (Goals For) vs 192 G, +21 GDiff (Goals Differential) vs +9; all in favour of the Calgary Wranglers. The Wranglers are even going into the Wildcard series with a Win streak, while the Legion last their last game. In fact, the Calgary Wranglers also won the season series against the Toronto Legion 3 to 2.

 

A look at the rosters, a big difference could be seen when comparing S84 to S83. In the terms of Forwards and the Offense, the Toronto Legion are led by Superstar Veteran Paul Atreides @Mr_Hatter (1191 TPA),who is playing in his final season in the VHL. Paul finished his final season with a spectacular 45 goals, 45 assists, 90 points in 72 games (good for top 10 in points in the VHL and number 6 in goals), and is the leading scorer for both teams. The Calgary Wranglers counter with their own Superstar Center Saku Kotkakoivu @DollarAndADream (1192 TPA). While Saku took a step back this season in S84, Saku still finished with a very respectable 36 goals, 45 assists, 81 points in 72 games, as the points leader on the Wranglers. In terms of offensive talent, Saku holds a small edge, while Paul is the more complete and defensive player. When it comes to the rest of the top 6 and forwards depth, the Toronto Legion takes a hit as their number 2, Matty Fire @MattyFired (872 TPA) unfortunately holds a disadvantage to Calgary's 2nd and 3rd seat. Both Daniel Janser @Daniel Janser (935 TPA) and Brendan Telker @Telkster (875 TPA) hold the advantage over Matty. The Calgary Wranglers also have veteran Luc Tessier @KC15 (830 TPA) to make a powerful Big Four to cover for any mistakes the dual rookie sensations Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 (673TPA) and Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg (664 TPA) may perform. All in all, the Calgary Wranglers appear to hold the absolute advantage on offense for this series when comparing man-to-man forwards comparisons.

 

In terms of Defence, the Toronto Legion have a very balanced and stable defensive core, lead by Rookie sensation Ryuji Sakamoto @der meister (671 TPA) and closing out the top four with veteran defender Jannik Nylen @DreMin15 (565 TPA). The Legion built their defence around a group of pass-first defensemen and a stud defensive defenseman. On the other side of the rink, the Calgary Wranglers brought in two veteran Star defensemen in Superstar Erlantz Jokinen @jRuutu (1078 TPA) and retiring Star Asher Reinhart @rjfryman (908 TPA) to assist their rookie defender Scoish Velociraptor Maloish @youloser1337 (524 TPA) and sophomore defensive specialist AirRig GoodBrandSun @Rhynex Entertainment (710 TPA), who appeared to have sunk into the quicksand known as the Sophomore Slump. Erlantz led all defenders with 18 goals, 62 assists, 80 points in 72 games, heading into the Wildcard series, which is good for 4th in points as a defenseman, and 9th in assists in the VHL. Ironically, we see the lower ranked team to once again have a clear advantage, this time in defence, in this Wildcard series. Calgary Wranglers hold the advantage in Defence.

 

Lastly, let's talk about the position that could steal a team a playoff series, Goaltending. We have a re-match and goaltending duel for the Legion's Superstar Oskar Lindbergh @Doomsday (1010 TPA) and the Wranglers' last line of defence, Ben Dahl @Ben (615 TPA). Both goaltenders had a spectacular series in the S83 playoffs and they will be renewing their rivalry in S84. Oskar provides the Legion a very important fighting chance in this season's Wildcard Series as a player who could steal the series against a team that appears to be a heavy favourite on paper in the Calgary Wranglers, even though the Wranglers are, in fact, the lower ranked team. Goaltending advantage goes to the Toronto Legion.

Overall advantage goes to the Calgary Wranglers, with a 2 - 1 on the advantage board.

 

Game One: Calgary Wranglers at Toronto Legion

 

The first game of the Wildcard Play-in Series between the Toronto Legion and Calgary Wranglers in S84 was a low scoring, low shooting affair. Neither teams seemed mighty prepared as the intensity throughout the game was below average. Leandro Goncalves opens the scoring for the Calgary Wranglers with his first career playoffs goal in the VHL at 7:04 into the first period. The period ended quietly with Calgary Wranglers leading the Toronto Legion 1 - 0. The Legion outshot the Wranglers 9 to 5 in the first period.

 

Calgary's rookie sensation Leandro Goncalves continues his spectacular night with his second goal of the game early into the second period at 1:33 giving the Wranglers a 2 - 0 lead. Matty Fire finally breaks Ben Dahl's shutout bid at 9:01 into the second period with their first of the VHL S84 playoffs to cut the Calgary Wranglers' lead by halve. Calgary continues to lead by one after two periods, leading 2 - 1. The Wranglers outshot the Legion 14 to 11 in the period.

 

Kyle Peace @Peace ties up the game for the Toronto Legion with their first of the VHL playoffs early into the third period at 3:12. A very slow, yet fast game continued as both teams seemingly forgot how to shoot and only know how to skate around in the neutral zone. Saku Kotkakoivu finally breaks the stalemate and igniting a bit of energy in the arena at 9:14, his first of the playoffs, giving the Calgary Wranglers the lead once more. The Wranglers hold out and hold on for the win to take game one of the Wildcard Play-in Series with a score of 3 - 2. A major win for the Calgary Wranglers who were swept by the Toronto Legion in S83. The Wranglers end up outshooting the Legion 6 to 4 in the third period and 25 to 24 overall in the game. With the 3 - 2 victory, the visiting Calgary Wranglers took a very important game, stealing home ice advantage from the home Toronto Legion.

 

Calgary wins Wildcard Game One 3 - 2 and leads the Best of 5 Games Series 1 - 0.

 

3 Stars of the game (as voted by the spectators)

1 - Leandro Goncalves (CGY)  - 2 goals, 2 points, 4 shots, 1 hit
2 - Luc Tessier (CGY)  - 2 assists, 2 points, 2 shots, 4 hits, 1 shot block
3 - Saku Kotkakoivu (CGY)  - 1 goal (GWG), 1 point, 4 shots, 2 hits, +1

 

Honourably Mentioned and Game Notes:

 

·        Leandro Goncalves (CGY), Landon Wolanin (CGY), Ryuji Sakamoto (TOR), Scoish Velociraptor Maloish (CGY) played their first career VHL playoff game

·        Leandro Goncalves (CGY) scored first career VHL playoff goal

·        Ben Dahl (CGY) made 22 of 24 saves (91.7% Save%) in first career VHL playoffs Win

·        Paul Atreides (TOR) won 23 of 34 face-offs (67.6%)

·        Both teams were perfect on the Penalty Kill (Calgary 1 for 1; Toronto 3 for 3)

·        Kyle Peace (TOR) went on a rampage with game high 10 shots; next shot leader had 5 shots

 

 

Game Two: Calgary Wranglers at Toronto Legion

 

The Toronto Legion came out strong in Game Two of the North American Conference Wildcard Games. Paul Atreides draws first blood 1:09 into the first with his first of the post season. A power play goal, which gave the Legion their first lead in the series. Matty Fire extends the Legion's lead to two at 3:43, their second goal in as many games. Luc Tessier gets one back for the Calgary Wranglers moments before the quarter way point of the first period at 4:58, their first of the S84 playoffs making the game 2 - 1 for Toronto.

Cadmael Ixazaluoh @Vice reclaims the two goal lead for the Legion at 10:44 with their first of the playoffs, which quickly returned to a one goal lead due to a power play goal from AirRig GoodBrandSun, his first career VHL playoff goal at 10:48. Luc Tessier scores their second of the period at 15:53 to tie up the game at 3 - 3. First period of play ends with a much more entertaining first period, game tied 3 - 3 with Calgary outshooting Toronto 12 to 9.

 

The second period was an uneventful period, except for the momentum swing, which was firmly on the Wranglers side, back to siding with the home team Toronto Legion. The Wranglers suffered a bit of a penalty trouble, including a back-to-back penalty by AirRig GoodBrandSun at 15:21 and 17:22 (Roughing and Hooking minors). The Toronto Legion out plays the Calgary Wranglers with 8 shots to 1. Game remains tied 3 - 3 heading to the third period.

 

With the series down 1 - 0, the Toronto Legion took up a desperation power boost as the team tuned up the intensity to another level in the third period. Paul Atreides scores his second goal of the game at 2:54 to claim a 4 - 3 lead for the Legion. Higher and heavier intensity also helped the Legion draw a few more power plays, on the hands of S83 Defensive Defenseman of the Year, AirRig GoodBrandSun. Two more Hooking minors for the big, young defender at 9:54 and 12:38 respectively. Ben Dahl and the Wranglers penalty kill stood on their head to keep the game 4 - 3 in advantage of the Toronto Legion. Leandro Goncalves scores at 15:45 to tied the game at 4 - 4, their playoffs leading 3rd goal and goals in back to back games for the Calgary Wranglers rookie forward, stunning the Toronto crowd. The Legion draws another power play, which once again is solved by the Wranglers, and the game heads to Overtime tied 4 - 4. The Toronto Legion outshot the Calgary Wranglers 12 to 6 in the period.

 

When we're in sudden death Overtime, any penalties causes the GMs' (@Ricer13 and @Doomsday) hearts to skip a beat. Daniel Janser and Matty Fire gave their respective GMs a scare at 2:10 and 9:27 respectively. The Toronto Legion continued to press and put of pressure on the Wranglers' defence. Period ended with the Legion outshooting the Wranglers 11 to 5. Game remains tied at 4 - 4, heading to Second Overtime.

 

Armani Calamari @WildfireMicro gives GM @Doomsday a second scare of the night 1:06 into OT2. The Legion kills off the penalty, but loses the game's momentum to the Wranglers. With the puck stuck in the Legion's zone, and a little mishap defensively, the ever dangerous Saku Kotkakoivu slips past goaltender Oskar Lindbergh his second goal of the playoffs. Saku scores is second Game Winning Goal in back-to-back games, as the Calgary Wranglers wins game two 5 - 4 in Second Overtime. The Wranglers outshot the Legion 5 to 2 in OT2. Final shot counts Toronto 42, Calgary 29.

 

Calgary leads series 2 - 0 and pushes the Toronto Legion to the brinks of elimination, as the series switches to the Wranglers' home ice.

 

3 Stars (as presented by the announcers of game two):

 

1 - Paul Atreides (TOR)  - 2 goals, 2 assists, 4 points, 11 shots (game high), 8 hits (game high), 2 shot block
2 - Luc Tessier (CGY)  - 2 goals, 1 assist, 3 points, 5 shots (tied team high), 2 hits, 2 shot blocks, won 31 of 45 face-offs (68.9%)
3 - Cadmael Ixazaluoh (TOR)  - 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points, 4 shots, 5 hits, 2 shot block

 

Honourably Mentioned and Game Notes:

 

·        AirRig GoodBrandSun scores first career VHL playoff goal and suffers game high 4 minor penalties (3 hooking minors; perhaps now we know why he's called the Pylon defender)

·        Ben Dahl saves 38 of 42 shots (90.5% Save%) in the Win

·        Calgary Wranglers were masterful on the special teams, killing off 9 of 10 penalties (90%) and scoring 2 power plays on 3 attempts (66.7%)

 

 

Game Three: Toronto Legion at Calgary Wranglers

 

Calgary fans are hyped with some even taking out a small broom. The Toronto Legion are desperate for a win. Arena is loud and proud, and Kyle Peace scores early to try to silence the crowd. Kyle Peace scores his second goal of the playoffs for the Legion, just 0:48 into game three. The Wranglers draw on the energy of the home crowd, blasting shots after shots at goaltender Oskar Lindbergh. AirRig GoodBrandSun finally solves the star netminder at 8:49 with his second goal in as many nights. First period ends tied 1 - 1 with the Calgary Wranglers outshooting the Toronto Legion 17 to 8.

 

An action packed second period saw the two teams combined for 7 minor penalties and 11 shots a piece. Asher Reinhart scores their first goal of the playoffs on the power play at 5:36 of the second period to give the Wranglers a 2 - 1 lead. AirRig GoodBrandSun extends the lead to 3 - 1 with his second goal of the game, 3rd of the playoffs, at 10:30 also on the power play. Calgary leads 3 - 1 heading to the third period of game three.

 

Ban Dahl shuts the door, making 28 of 29 saves, as the Calgary Wranglers eliminate the Toronto Legion in three games and wins the Wildcard play-in series to face the D.C. Dragons in the "first round" of the playoffs. Final score 3 - 1. Toronto outshot Calgary 10 to 9 in the third period push, with the final shots in advantage of Calgary 37 to 29.

 

3 Stars (as presented by the announcers of game three):

 

1 - AirRig GoodBrandSun (CGY)  - 2 goals, 2 points, 2 shots (100% shot %), 2 hits, 3 shot block, +1
2 - Ben Dahl (CGY)  - 28 of 29 saves (96.6% Save%) in the Win
3 - Saku Kotkakoivu (CGY)  - 2 assists, 4 shots, 3 hits, 3 shot block, +1

 

Honourably Mentioned and Game Notes:

 

·        Oskar Lindbergh stops 34 of 37 shots (91.9% Save%)

·        Wranglers special teams strike again with 100% (7 for 7) on the Penalty Kill and scoring 2 for 8 (25%) on the Power Play; Calgary scores on the power play with both power play units

·        Calgary Wranglers eliminates Toronto Legion in the Wildcard Best of 5 games series 3 - 0

 

 

[Total Word Count 2,614]

 

[Claims for weeks ending: 2022-08-07, 2022-08-14, 2022-08-21, 2022-08-28]

 

[Rhynex Entertainment 488]

Claim for week ending 2022-08-14

[Ricer13 2,906]

Awesome write up! Now sit back and enjoy that sweet sweet TPE for a month!

[ROOKIE745 610]

Review: This is an awesome write up, very well detailed and lots of content. Game are well broken down with time stamps of who scored and which team are driving the flow of the game. The spacing is good and seeing the large font size is nice, does make it an easier read. I also enjoyed the used of bold, it's used to highlight a player or the start of a new section. The breakdown before the game reviews is great and I love all the players and users mentioned. A lot of effort went into this and it shows, great MS!! 10/10

[Rhynex Entertainment 488]

claim week ending 2022-08-21

[Rhynex Entertainment 488]

claim week ending 2022-08-28