VSN Presents: A slightly late S86 VHL Playoff Preview

[Alex 3,248]

 @leandrofg

 

Welcome to VSN’s VHL playoff preview and predictions, in this article we’ll break down each series and discuss what players could be key to turning the tide of the series and potentially pulling off an upset. This was truly an incredible season and we could be in for a few upsets in the playoffs. While you’re here be sure to check out some of the other recent VSN articles.

 

the "VHLE Math Show", a VHLE Playoff Picture Story | "An Ice Cream Story", a tale of the S87 Draft Class

 

Wildcard Series

 

London (4) vs. Davos (5)

 

In what was a rather disappointing season for Davos as they found their way quickly trending down the standings from 1st. London on the other hand had a very good season and kept up with the top teams in the EU. In the season series both teams won 3 games so this could be a very tight series that could very much come down to goaltending with both teams having elite starting goaltenders with Xavier Booberry @CowboyinAmerica and David Davis @Josh. While on paper Davos may appear as the stronger team their offense is heavily reliant on 50 goal scorer James Teekirque @Mongoose87, and their 2 elite defensemen in Siyan Yasilievich @badcolethetitan and Jake Thunder @Thunder. For London they will be needing Hari Singh Nalwa @Dil to continue their play and for Molly the Cat @JCarson to take another step forward. This could be a very close series, but we have London edging out Davos. Below is our original prediction but the next round has been edited to reflect recent results.

 

Prediction: London in 5

VSN vote: LDN 9 DAV 6

 

Vancouver (4) vs. Seattle (5)

 

Possibly one of the most interesting matchups we will see this playoffs as the two teams were expected to be at opposite ends of the standings at the start of the season. In the regular season Vancouver won 4 of the 6 games, including a 6-1 win in the most recent game. Seattle will need Dusty Wilson @dustywilson22 to stand on his head and for their offense to produce on an elite level to advance past the Wolves. Vancouver on the other hand should by all means make quick work of Seattle, their offense is just simply too strong. We could be in for a quick series, but there is potential for one of the biggest upsets in recent history.

 

Prediction: Vancouver in 4

VSN vote: VAN 7 SEA 4

 

Conference Semi-Finals

 

Chicago (2) vs. D.C. (3)

 

The defending Continental Cup champions have a bit of an uphill battle again this season. In the regular season series it was all Chicago with them winning 4 of the 6 matchups in spectacular fashion. This was mostly on the back of Bo Johansson @Shindigs and Baby Bob @Baby Boomer, both of whom led the VHL in assists and goals respectively. D.C. on the other hand will be needing S85 playoff MVP Ronan Lavelle @Arce to take the league by storm yet again and reach another level in the postseason, Bubbles Utonium @fishy will also need to be on top of their game in order to stifle the Chicago offense. While D.C. could potentially come out on top in this series we believe that Chicago could just be too much to handle.

 

Prediction: Chicago in 6

VSN vote: CHI 11 DCD 3

 

Calgary (1) vs. Vancouver(4)

 

Possibly what could be the most interesting series of maybe the entire playoffs, Calgary and Vancouver are two of the most evenly matched teams in the league and either team could take the series. In the regular season it was all Calgary with them winning 5 of the 6 games. Primarily due to their ability to really shut down Vancouver’s offense in part thanks to AirRig Good BrandSun’s @Rhynex Entertainment incredible defensive play. For Vancouver they are going to need to figure out a way to best Calgary’s defense and goaltender, that starts with Sergey Preobrazhensky @Bulduray_1 and Alexandre Leduc @Lemorse7. This should be a series to keep an eye on and should come down to the wire.

 

Prediction: Calgary in 7

VSN vote: CGY 11 VAN 3

 

Warsaw (2) vs. Prague (3)

 

Prague took a big step forward this season when GM @acyd decided to buy just about everyone in the offseason bringing in Saku Kotkakoivu @DollarAndADream , Erlantz Jokinen @jRuutu, Nils Godlander @Moon, and more, the massive addition to Prague already solid core has the potential to push Prague all the way to the Cup. Warsaw on the other hand may just be having their last run with their current core as the majority of the roster is a UFA after this season. Warsaw’s offense has carried them consistently over the past few seasons and Girts Galvins @Girts was the driving force this time around with 54 goals and 55 assists for 109 points. Brendan Marner @MetalToday also produced well with 113 points, 47 of which were goals. This series could be a tight one, but Prague may just be able to limit Warsaw’s offense and then tear them apart.

 

Prediction: Prague in 7

VSN vote: WAR 5 PRG 9

 

Moscow (1) vs. Davos (5)

 

Moscow is still the top team in the European conference despite the majority of players that led them to their cup finals appearances in the early 80s now being retired. The main reason for this is Papa Emeritus @Beketov and the spectacular defensive play from AK92 Wit Da Hoodie @hedgehog337. This series could be closer than anticipated as the teams are fairly even on paper, although Moscow won 4 of the 5 regular season games. If Davos is to stand a chance they will need their forward core to really get to Papa Emeritus and that all starts with their first line of James Teekirque, Mason Jones @Masu Chan, and Sunrise Van De Schubbekuteveen @Thunfish. With that being said Moscow wins this one.

 

Prediction: Moscow in 5

VSN vote: MOS 5 DAV 2 (Original vote: MOS 14 LDN 1 (ONLY @nurx))

 

Conference Finals

 

Calgary (1) vs. Chicago (2)

 

I feel like this series has been talked about all season, Calgary and Chicago were in a tight race throughout the season for the #1 seed in the North American Conference. This series really has the potential to be an offensive battle with both teams having players that can produce on an elite level with Daniel Janser @Daniel Janser and Baby Bob. With that being said the best chance Chicago has to win this series is Cole Pearce @N0HBDY who was spectacular this season. In the regular season Calgary won 3 of the 5 games, and with that in mind, we have Calgary advancing to the finals.

 

Prediction: Calgary in 7

VSN vote: CGY 9 CHI 4

 

Moscow (1) vs. Prague (3)

 

This series we have here could be very interesting as Prague is without a doubt the most improved team from last season, while Moscow will be looking to finally win a cup after being one of the best teams in the league over the course of the past 10 seasons. Moscow took the season's series 4-2, although it is important to note that each game was only won by 1 goal. With that being said Moscow has had a considerable roster change since the last time these 2 teams played… Nico Pearce @Spartan is back in Moscow and has been on fire with 52 points in 42 games played with Moscow this season, this could be the factor that puts Moscow over the top this season and at least should get them past Prague. Prague will likely be reliant on Clueless Wallob @DMaximus this series as he could be getting peppered with shots. Moscow will likely win this nailbiter of a series in quick fashion with a series of very close games.

 

Prediction: Moscow in 5

VSN vote: MOS 10 PRG 2

 

Continental Cup Finals

 

Calgary (1) vs. Moscow (1)

 

This is a place where Moscow is all too familiar having made it to 5 of the last 6 Continental Cup Finals. Calgary on the other hand will be making their return to the finals for the first time since S72. However Moscow won their 1st and only Continental Cup in S70, when they crushed the hopes of Wrangler fans everywhere by winning the series in 6. Both these teams are absolutely stacked, but it is worth considering how Calgary’s offense has just smothered teams all season with Daniel Janser, Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg, and Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 all being above a point per game which is truly impressive. Moscow will be reliant on their defense as they have been for most if the season which is centered around Hammar Voss @BOOM and AK92 Wit Da Hoodie. This should be an incredible series that could really go either way. We have Calgary taking the win here and winning their first cup since S62.

 

Prediction: Calgary in 7

VSN vote: CGY 7 MOS 4

 

Thank you to everyone for reading and best of luck to each and every team in the playoffs! If you have any predictions of your own feel free to post them in the comments.

 

[Shindigs 1,771]

Moscow losing in the finals is a bit of a cop out prediction seeing as it has 100% success rate.

[nurx 914]

12 hours ago, Alex said:

Original vote: MOS 14 LDN 1 (ONLY @nurx))

I can't have hope in this cruel world