Alex's look at the VHLM (rest of regular and playoffs)

[Alex 3,137]

With me having a player currently in the VHLM I've been paying more attention to how things are going in the VHLM, and how playoffs are going to play out, here's my predictions:

 

Rest of regular season: 

It's safe to say at this point that Las Vegas finishes first, they have the majority of their remaining games against teams that are around .500, although the seeding could very well be determined by 2 games against Ottawa late in the season. With Vegas finishing 1st, it puts Ottawa in 2nd, Miami is safely in 3rd, ten points ahead of the cluster of teams around 71 points. Mexico, Saskatoon, and Halifax are all at 71, 71, and 72 points respectively, Mexico has one of the stronger rosters and plays a majority of their remaining games Mississauga and Houston, as a result I have them finishing 4th. Halifax and Saskatoon have fairly comparable rosters and remaining schedules, but due to Halifax currently rostering several IA players that should be dropped I have Saskatoon finishing 5th and Halifax in 6th. In 7th and 8th I have San Diego and Philadelphia in that order, due to San Diego having a stronger goaltender.

 

Playoff Picture:

Las Vegas Aces (1)

Once again the playoff favourites, the 3-peat is a surprisingly attainable task and there may only be 1 or 2 teams that can stand in Vegas's way.

 

Ottawa (2)

Ottawa's lack of depth defensively could really hurt them in the playoffs, while they may make it out of the first round it is hard to see Ottawa as a true contender with their current defensive lineup.

 

Miami (3)

Miami is possibly one of the only teams that can stand in Las Vegas's way, they have sufficient depth to field a near complete roster in the playoffs. Although Miami does have a considerable issue in net with Bill Nye The Puck Stopping Guy having been IA for nearly 4 weeks (1 over the VHLM maximum). This leaves them with Justin Lion in goal, who may be able to keep Miami's cup hopes alive.

 

Mexico (4)

Another one of the only teams that could upset Las Vegas, Mexico has sufficient depth where they will not need a single bot in their lineup and they still have the star power to really turn some heads. Mexico's climb in the standings has been very impressive and they are primed for a deep playoff run.

 

Saskatoon (5) 

While Saskatoon could give Mexico a decent run in the first round, they due lack sufficient depth both with forwards and defensemen. Although with a best of 7 series, Alexander Minion could very well steal it.

 

Halifax (6)

Halifax could very well give Miami a run with Miami's goaltending issues, although Halifax also has several IA players that will drastically decrease their chances in the playoffs as bots will have to be used in their place. A potential Halifax/ Miami series could be a tight one that very well could shake out any which way.

 

San Diego (7)

San Diego is rebuilding and has all the S86 draft picks a team could possible need to be favourites for the considerable future! While they may not be the biggest threat in the S85 playoffs, the future is bright in San Diego.

 

Philadelphia (8)

THE LONGEST VHLM PLAYOFF STREAK LIVES ON!!! Philadelphia has had a rough season, but will hang onto the final playoff spot. Las Vegas should make it by them in the first round. 

 

Without a doubt, the cup is Las Vegas's to lose once again. There are a few teams who could stand in their way, and we should be in for an interesting playoffs!

[AJW 2,106]

[v.2 1,381]

You forgot to mention Mac Atlas

[jacobcarson877 2,432]

true

[nurx 914]

3 hours ago, Alex said:

Bill Nye The Puck Stopping Guy having been IA for nearly 4 weeks

retired player allows us to keep playing him luckily.

[Alex 3,137]

27 minutes ago, nurx said:

retired player allows us to keep playing him luckily.

Retired players have always followed IA rules. None the less the active players should be playing over them

[Spartan 4,274]

9 minutes ago, Alex said:

Retired players have always followed IA rules. None the less the active players should be playing over them

He retired to recreate, he didn't go IA. We see a difference there and have allowed Miami to keep the player.

[nurx 914]

1 hour ago, Alex said:

Retired players have always followed IA rules. None the less the active players should be playing over them

it was a specific rule change granted by the commies

 

1 hour ago, Spartan said:

He retired to recreate, he didn't go IA. We see a difference there and have allowed Miami to keep the player.

plus we are swapping back and forth and were expecting this that is why we traded for Justin Lion