Warsaw wins in 6!!

[Scurvy 1,226]

Well, the S84 playoffs are over, and the Warsaw Predators couldn’t be happier.  After some early struggles in the season with some scoring troubles and almost losing to Helsinki in the first round of the playoffs the young Predators pulled it out in six games against a ferocious Seattle Bears club.  As with any team sport come playoffs you need to have other people step up and win those close games.  The playoffs is where a third pair Dman could instantly become a hero by blocking some key shots, a struggling forward can score the game winner, and a veteran scorer can win a timely fight just to push his or her team over the hump.  This playoff was no exception.

 

Let’s first chat briefly about where the Predators were at the beginning of S84.    General Manager Dlamb @dlambwas able to secure the tough scoring winger, Brendan Marner for another season.   Sophomore Dman Brian Payne, Girts Galvins, and Goalie Wumbo all had attacked point tasks with fervor to improve on their TPE so that the Predators could be competitive again and make themselves more valuable.  Trade deadline pickup of gritty forward Vasile Lamb filled out the offensive side of the house and made the predators deadly no matter which line hit the ice.  

 

Just prior to the playoffs the Predators lost their first place spot to a surging Moscow team which probably had one of the most talented lineups seen in the Euro division.  After almost losing to Helsinki the Predators battled through the tough EU to face Seattle in the cup finals, ultimately winning in 6 games.  

 

As stated, before no club can get those much needed 20 wins without everyone buying in.  So, lets chat about a few of the heroes of the S84 playoff Preds.

 

Girts Galvins- @Girts  This offensive animal came out swinging in his sophomore season.  Racked up points all season and come playoffs was ready to shine.  11G 14A 25 PTS and NO PIMS!!!!!!  Ended the playoffs #4 in points and #2 in goals behind teammate Kisslinger.  There many early playoff game wins that can be attributed to Galvins play.  

 

Hari Singh Nalwa D- @Dilok Nalwa is a STUD.  There is no surprise that he led the playoffs in points 29Pts but he is currently icing his body down after an amazing 73 shots blocked.  He left nothing on the ice in those 20 games proving points and selflessness for his club.  On another note Warsaw’s three defenseman were all top 3 in blocked shots -DeGroot 51 and Payne 42.

 

 

 

 

Bogdan Trunov-  @qripllBogdan is such a great teammate he has taken his offensive struggles with ease. The former 50 goal scorer has been handcuffed for two seasons and has been anxious to get back to form. Well, this playoff he did it.  #7 in points, he had 5 goals and 16 assist, a shorthanded goal, and even timely fight showing he will do anything to help the club win.  

 

Team scorers Vasile Lamb,Zach Kisslinger II @Kisslinger, and Bredan Marner @MetalTodaywere there normal awesome selves all ending up in the top 10 in scoring.  Kisslinger had an amazing 4 game winning goals showing he is clutch when it is on the line.  Defensman Tavish DeGroot @rory ended up #4 in defenseman scoring and #2 in blocked shots.  

 

Finally, WUMBO @Fire Fletcher  No team is complete without an amazing net minder.  Wumbo has been solid all year and this playoff was no exception.  Many nights, even on losses he deserved to be the first star by facing so many shots.  811 shots against in the playoffs was almost 200 over the next goalie.  Great job Wumbo!

 

 

 

Thank you to all Team Warsaw for a great season and a fun locker room.  Also, congrats to the Seattle Bears for making it to the finals and wish y’all the best of luck next year as well.  

 

Payne

[Girts 849]

Great article! Great season! Payne was a beast all year!