VSN Presents: EU Playoff Race

[Alex 3,252]

@v.2

 

With the trade deadline now passed, the S87 VHL regular season is coming to a close with more drama than previous seasons. Specifically in the European Conference where spots 1 through 5 are still up for grabs with 7 of the 8 teams still in the hunt! Also, Shout out to @hedgehog337 for practically writing my article and making me change my approach to it today.

 

1^st Seed: Moscow Menace 
Record: 41-20-5
Remaining Games: RIG, NYA, WAR, NYA, RIG, DCD
Maximum Points: 99

 

Moscow has been a fixture at the top of the European Conference for some time now and will clinch a playoff spot with 1 more point. Led by the trio of Nico Pearce @Spartan , Ronan Lavelle @Arce , and Hammar Voss @BOOM, all of whom have over 80 points already! Currently Moscow has completed all their backup starts and are the 1 team that does not have the risk of being caught and missing the playoffs barring a 6 game losing streak, Moscow will clinch a playoff spot with 1 point.

 

2^nd Seed: HC Davos Dynamo
Record: 36-19-10
Remaining Games: WAR, DCD, VAN, RIG, LDN, LDN
Maximum Points: 95

 

Davos has had an up and down season so far, and is looking to return to the playoffs again this season, currently sit in 2^nd in the conference with Siyan Yasilievich @badcolethetitan, Jake Thunder @Thunder, and Pete Mitchell @Crstats23 leading the way offensively and Xavier Booberry @CowboyinAmerica returning to elite form in a big way and has been very consistent throughout the season. Their last 6 games have massive implications on the playoffs with 4 of them being against other teams in the playoff race with 1 against Warsaw, 2 against London, and 1 against Riga.

 

3^rd Seed: Riga Reign
Record: 34-23-9
Remaining Games: MOS, VAN, HSK, DAV, MOS, HSK
Maximum Points: 89

Riga has had a massive resurgence this season, in part due to the offensive output from Daniel Weaver @ThePerfectNut and The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath , both of whom have over 70 points and the spectacular play of Henry Tucker Jr. @NSG who has been one of the top goalies in the VHL this season and keeps Riga in every game. In their final 6 games Riga plays other European contenders only 3 times with games against Moscow and Davos, they also have 2 games against Helsinki, which should get them a crucial 4 points.

 

4^th Seed: Warsaw Predators
Record: 33-23-9
Remaining Games: DAV, MOS, VAN, CGY, CHI, VAN, VAN
Maximum Points: 87

 

Here’s where it gets interesting, currently Warsaw sits in 6^th, and while they do have an extremely tough remaining schedule including 3 games against Vancouver, the eventual Victory Cup winner, they do have a game in hand on the rest of the European contenders. If they can get a point on average over the course of their remaining 7 games, they should have no problem making the playoffs. If Warsaw makes the playoffs, a big reason why will be Brenden Marner @MetalToday, who currently leads the team with 102 points and should be a favourite for league MVP.

 

5^th Seed: Malmo Nighthawks 
Record: 36-24-6
Remaining Games: CHI, LDN, LAS, PRG, LAS, PRG
Maximum Points: 90

 

Malmo is currently 3^rd in the conference, however they do play a few teams that will likely take points away from them with games against Chicago, Los Angeles, and Prague. Of particular note is the 2 games against Prague, which could very well decide the final playoff spot. A big reason for Malmo’s success this season has been Igor Molotov @Dom and Max Torq @Steve who have been carrying the brunt of the offensive load and establishing a massive physical game as well. These last 6 games are crucial for Malmo to get back in the playoffs after missing last season.

 

6^th (missing the playoffs): London United
Record: 35-25-6
Remaining Games: CGY, CGY, MAL, CGY, DAV, DAV
Maximum Points: 88

 

London is in a bit of a pickle right now, with 6 games remaining, 5 of which are against top 5 teams in the league, with 2 backup starts remaining. With that being said London could very well slip into a wildcard spot with wins over Malmo and picking up points against Calgary and Davos. Yun Chaing @nurx has been a bright spot for London in their final season and has already set a career high in goals and points with 37 and 75 respectively. London is a bit of a wildcard here and we should not be surprised if they squeak into the playoffs and make a push for their first ever series win.

 

7^th Place (missing the playoffs): Prague Phantoms
Record: 34-27-5
Remaining Games: CHI, TOR, DCD, MAL, CHI, MAL
Maximum Points: 85

We probably shouldn’t count Prague out just yet, and while they do sit 3 points out of the playoffs they should pick up at least 3 wins in their remaining 6 games, their entire season could very well come down to their 2 games against Malmo. Having made the finals last season if Prague misses the playoffs it will make them the first team in a while to miss the playoffs after making the finals in the previous season. Prague’s approach to this season has very much been offense by committee as all of Perry Laperriere @KaleebtheMighty, Saku Kotkakoivu @DollarAndADream , Nils Godlander @Moon, and Jason @Jason kranz will finish with 30 or more goals this season.

 

GAMES TO WATCH:

Game #531: Davos @ Warsaw

Game #542: Malmo @ London

Game #554: Malmo @ Prague

Game #558: Davos @ Riga

Game #564: London @ Davos

Game #572: Malmo @ Prague

Game #574: Davos @ London

[Spartan 4,531]

So does @hedgehog337 get 8 TPE this week as VSN pay?

Edited February 27, 2023 by Spartan

[Alex 3,252]

1 minute ago, Spartan said:

So does @hedgehog337 get 8 TPE this week as VSN pay?

I may or may not have offered him a job so I didn't have to re-write a bunch lol

[Alex 3,252]

UPDATE:

Davos and Moscow have clinched, 1st is still up for grabs, but Moscow has a 4 point lead and will probably finish in 1st

3rd-5th are still anyone's for the taking although Prague has fallen out of the race a bit as they sit in 7th and everyone has a game in hand on them or 4 points (Malmo)