Express Gear Up for Playoff Push

[Bojovnik 487]

The most wonderful time of the year is here. We’re not talking about Christmas, but instead we’re talking about playoffs.

 

The VHL, VHLE, and VHLM are all gearing up for their postseasons as we enter the third week of October. If we are to take a close look at the VHLE, we see a hugely competitive field where any of the four teams still in the race have a chance of attaining glory.

 

In the match-up between second and third in the regular season table, we see the Bratislava Watchmen and the Cologne Express. The Slovak side have been in second place all season, hot on the heels of the regular season champions, the Oslo Storm.

 

The Watchmen registered the best defensive record in the VHLE throughout the regular season, and are known for suffocating their opponents’ top offensive talent.

 

On the other side of the match-up, we have the Cologne Express. The German side had a rotten start to the season, and at one point even sat bottom of the VHLE table. However, the Express have come into their stride as the season progressed, and they managed to string together a solid run of form over the latter half of the season.

 

“We know that we are in for a tough test against Bratislava. Out of all the teams in the league, we know that they are the toughest opponent for us,” Yaroslav Bogatyrev, captain of the Cologne Express, said on Saturday.

 

The Express regularly picked up victories over the free-scoring Oslo Storm, but faced difficulties when up against the defensive might of the Watchmen. The pride of Slovakia clearly knows what it takes to grind out close games, which could put the Express at the risk of an early exit.

 

“We were able to pick up some victories against Bratislava throughout the season, particularly on our home ice. I think the most important thing for us is to make sure that we get at least at least one win in Bratislava, as we know that we can take it to them on our home ice,” Bogatyrev said.

 

The Russian forward, who registered just under 60 points in his debut VHLE campaign, said that he was relishing another chance to play for a cup, after a unsuccessful VHLM postseason with the Houston Bulls this time last season.

 

“Getting the opportunity to play in the playoffs with Houston was a great experience, especially when it was the case that the team was heavily fancied, but then failed to get the victories when it matters. They say that you have to learn to win in the playoffs by losing, and there is a lot I learned from that experience.

 

“You have to be at your best every single night. You have to outwork your opponent in every zone of the ice. If you do that, you are on your way to success. If you can win back the puck, you have more chances of getting those scoring chances. If you forecheck hard, you know that the defence will become nervous. It’s doing all the little things right that are going to get you the win,” Bogatyrev concluded.

 

 

[Greg_Di 1,028]

Review:

Great article, I don't really follow the E much now that I am up in the VHL, so it's great to read articles on what's happening and your players perspective on the Cologne playoff push. I would only add a picture to the article. Well done and good luck in the playoffs! 9/10