Ranking Oslo Rivalries

[JB123 728]

Hello all and welcome to a comprehensive ranking, 7-1, of the other VHLE teams (as rivals to the Storm). To add to the suspense I’ll be going in reverse order, from the coolest rivalry to the one with the most heat. Factors taken into consideration will be head-to-head record, playoff meetings, geographical distance, and more. With all that being said, let’s dive in! 
 

7. Geneva Rush

To be honest we don’t have all that much history with the Rush, having never met in the playoffs. The two teams haven’t really shared a contending timeline quite yet. Geneva had the upper hand throughout the first few seasons after both clubs came over to Europe from the VHLM. However, Oslo has improved as of late.
 

As I mentioned, the two teams did relocate concurrently, and they are the sole expansion teams thus far in VHLE history. I also did some AGMing for a short period of time with Geneva, so hopefully that counts as a connection between the two? Either way, the teams both currently hold a playoff spot this season though, so maybe we’ll see more of a rivalry in the making?

 

6. Istanbul Red Wolves

The Storm and Red Wolves met in the S86 Wild Card Round, with Oslo coming out on top, two games to zero. Other than that, the two teams have not had much to do with one another. Oslo won the cup the season after Istanbul did, and in a way, “took over” for them as they rebuilt. Oslo finished last in S84 when Istanbul won it all; Istanbul finished last in S85 when Oslo did. Coincidence??

 

5. Stockholm Vikings

This rivalry immediately gains traction due to the distance between the cities. Only Vasteras is closer to Oslo than Stockholm is. The Vikings have never faced off against the Norwegian team in the postseason, but the two have had plenty of competitive contests over the last little while. What’s more, Oslo is currently sitting at first in the standings; Stockholm is third. What makes me put Stockholm here instead of Istanbul is the fact that these two teams are very similar this season, and we could see many close games in the future between them. 
 

4. Rome Gladiators

Coming in at four is the rivalry with the Gladiators of Rome. The franchise, of course, played Oslo in last season’s final. It was a hard fought battle on either side, with the Storm ultimately winning in seven. Besides that series, the two have retooled at the same time, and also competed during the same window. What’s also interesting is that while Oslo is the northernmost VHLE city, Rome is nearly the southernmost, second only to Istanbul. 
 

3. Vasteras Iron Eagles

This particular Swedish team is, geographically, the closest to Oslo. Not only that, but the pair played each other in the semi-finals in Season 85, in what was the Storm’s first playoff series ever. The Eagles made of Iron have the two most prolific scorers this season as well in former Storm forward Sebastien dokis and Adeline Delle Donne. With time, expect those two clubs to form a greater dislike for one another. 
 

2. Bratislava Watchmen

Although Bratislava has (somehow) never faced Oslo in the playoffs, it has made Oslo’s existence that much more stressful and intense, especially in S85 and S86. In both seasons, the Watchmen were right there at the end of the season. Honestly I don’t know if we beat them at all last season. They always made it tough and played a really stout defensive game. Needless to say, we were a bit lucky to not have to play them even more often. 
 

1. Cologne Express

Where do I start? Oslo and Cologne have met in each of the last two playoffs, and this season sit atop the VHLE in first and second place, respectively. The Storm defeated the Express in S85 to clinch their first championship. Last season, Cologne set a record for most points ever by a team in the regular season (120). The teams again met in the postseason, this time in the semi-finals. It was a close series as all matchups are between the two, with Oslo winning in six after all was said and done. This season, the two have quite literally traded turns being in first place. As we speak, each have 80 points, with Oslo having a single game in hand. I can’t wait to see how the rivalry progresses even further, and am so glad to be a part of it. 
 

I hope you all enjoyed reading, and be on the lookout for the continuation of one or more of these rivalries! 
 

Word Count: 777

[Lemorse7 1,021]

13 hours ago, JB123 said:

3. Vasteras Iron Eagles

This particular Swedish team is, geographically, the closest to Oslo. Not only that, but the pair played each other in the semi-finals in Season 85, in what was the Storm’s first playoff series ever. The Eagles made of Iron have the two most prolific scorers this season as well in former Storm forward Sebastien dokis and Adeline Delle Donne. With time, expect those two clubs to form a greater dislike for one another. 

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