VSN presents: S91 Season Review and Final Prediction

[Gaikoku-hito 2,111]

Still created by @leandrofg

 

Okay, here we are at the end of the regular season and one last time to look to see how I did at predicting where the teams would finish. What a finish did we have to the regular season with Helsinki Titans waiting until the very last game to know if they would be play-off bound or dusting off the golf clubs. In the end it was Prague Phantoms that seen the ghost and will be golfing instead. Oh, And HC Davos Dynamo killing Cinderella story of the season by finish ahead of the Riga Reign to win the European conference and another Victory cup!!

 

So, Predictions for last two weeks; how did I do?

 

North American

Standings                                                 Record              Points                            Last WK                                                        Predictions Last Wk                                                

1.     Los Angeles Stars                     46-19-7           99Pts                      (12-5-3)                                                   2nd North American Conference

2.     Toronto Legion                         46-24-2           94pts                      (13-6-1)                                                   1st North American  Conference

3.     Chicago Phoenix                     35-23-14          84pts                      (10-10-1)                                                  3rd North American Conference

4.     D.C. Dragons                             36-28-8           80pts                      (12-5-3)                                                   4th North American Conference

5.     Calgary Wranglers                   30-30-12          72pts                       (8-7-5)                                                     7th North American Conference

6.     Seattle Bears                             27-34-11          65pts                       (7-9-4)                                                     6th North American Conference

7.     New York Americans                29-38-5           63pts                       (7-11-1)                                                     5th North American Conference

8.     Vancouver Wolves                    21-42-9           51pts                       (5-13-2)                                               8th North American Conference

 

Summary: Strong finish to the season by Los Angeles Stars; as I had stated I wasn`t confident in moving them out of the top spot and they proved that doubt correct as they managed to keep a five-point lead that they had heading into the final two weeks of the season over the Toronto Legion. Calgary sneaks into the play-off as it looked like no one really wanted the final wildcard spot and New York in my predictions were the biggest loser in this situation as they should have moved up in the past two weeks but ……..

 

 

 

European Conference

Standings                                               Record             Points                             Last WK                                                         Predictions Last Wk                                      

1.    HC Davos Dynamo                   49-16-7           105pts                        (16-4-0)                                              3rd European Conference

2.     Riga Reign                                49-17-6           104pts                        (11-6-3)                                               2nd European Conference

3.     London United                         44-19-9           97pts                          (11-7-2)                                              4th European Conference

4.     Malmo Nighthawks                  45-22-5           95pts                         (10-9-0)                                              1st European Conference

5.     Helsinki Titans                         41-27-4           86pts                          (11-7-2)                                               5th European Conference

6.       Prague Phantoms                  39-26-7           85pts                          (15-4-1)                                               6th European Conference

7.     Moscow Menace                       19-43-10         48pts                          (5-13-3)                                               7th European Conference

8.     Warsaw Predators                    20-48-4          44pts                           (8-12-1)                                               8th European Conference

 

Summary: So I messed up how strong or weak the schedule for HC Davos was in the final two weeks of the season but I really didn`t miss that much as I had the team going 12-8 when they finished 16-4 so only a four game or eight point difference. Congrats on the late season run and the Victory cup. I also think HC Davos ended up being one of the biggest movers of the season going from 4th in the standings to first in last 20 games. New Champion will be crowned with HC Davos now entering as the favorites; let’s see if the Victory Cup curse stay true!!  

Now for the season review aspect of the article with a look at the expectations at the start of the season for each team and where they actually finished. It will be a bit different from last season since I also have the records from each week and we will also look at the positives and negative aspects if any for each team moving forward.

 

 

 

 

Season Review:

Positives & Negatives moving ahead

 

 

16.

Predicted Placements:

     8th European Conference

  13th League

 

Positives:

Maxim Anisimov @McLovin(24-33-57pts)  and King Kisslinger @Kisslinger(17-24-41pts) have given the fans in Warsaw some hope for the future; add in what could be a very talented player with a high overall pick and the building pieces are starting to fall in place.

 

Negative:

Prospects development just isn`t producing enough talent at the moment with no new prospects set to make the roster next season and only one first round pick this off season means the rebuild will continue to be ugly in Warsaw next season. Add in the fact that Maxim Anisimov @McLovin and King Kisslinger @Kisslinger will be looking for extensions this off season and only Tom Creeg @Creegan610(18-18-36pts) as the currently only signed player means GM @N0HBDY and AGM @Mysterious_Fish have busy off season ahead if they are looking to keep these two players long term and look to improve the roster.

 

 

 

15.

Predicted Placement:

     7th European Conference

   12th League

 

Positives:

Likely Rookie of the year winner in Axle Gunner @Steve(32-41-73pts), Jarmo Ruutu @jRuutu(9-30-39pts) and  Obuz Schneider Canet du Bocage @Grape(6-29-35pts) all having a solid rookie seasons. All of course led by veteran Left Alone @okochastar(38-55-93pts). Add in the prospects ready to make the jump next season in Ellis Woolfenden (VAS) @D3X(35-34-69pts), Leif Reingaard (VAS) @Zetterberg(20-53-73pts), Thor Reingaard (VAS) @N0HBDY(18-41-59pts) and Goaltender Olober Syko (STO) @Spartan (2.42GA, 0.938% & 7SO). Oh, I also almost missed the fact they should pick up two very good prospect during the draft; with a top pick in the first round and one later in the first.

 

Negative:  

Could this will leave Moscow in an interesting situation where they have too many prospects? Prospects also take time to develop so if they don`t add any further veterans to the roster next season; they will be looking at another long season but one filled with future and hope at least giving the fans something to cheer about.

 

 

 

14.

Predicted Placement:

        7th North American Conference

      15th League

 

Positives:

FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ(41-38-79pts) and Liv Slater @Subject056(10-52-62pts) had strong season as the new leaders of the team. They will be heavily relied upon to provide a veteran presence as the team starts the rebuilding process. Justin Lion @Emperor_Fun(3.88GA & 0.913%) was also a bright spot for the team after coming over from Malmo Nighthawks in a mid-season trade. Center Mikko Borisyuk (BRA) @Minebro(39-38-77pts) and goaltender Dalkr Vidarsson (ROM) @KaleebtheMighty(2.09GA, 0.942% & 5SO) should be joining the roster next season. Five first round picks with two of them mostly being in the top five. (it could be interesting to see if they flip or move some of these picks.) 

 

Negatives:

Similar situation as both other teams in the rebuilding stage as they have prospects but until they join the roster in a few seasons it will be ugly in Vancouver. Unless Vancouver Wolves bring in veteran or two to boost the roster performance. A few season away still as the rebuild has just started.

 

 

 

 

13.

Predicted Placement:

    8th North American Conference

     16th League

 

Positives:

Top five forward in Jasper Davis @Josh(39-66-105pts) and top ten forward in Francesco Mancini @GioSivo(47-54-101pts) add in strong defense defenseman in Tord Yvel @Trazan(13-47-60pts). Prospects joining the roster next season in goaltender  WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW @rory(2.55GA, 0.926% & 3SO) and a pair of defender in Callum Gary Yannick Janser (VAS) @Daniel Janser(12-36-48pts) and Rin Kagamine (OSL) @Rin(14-45-59pts).  Top five draft prospect to boost the teams offense and the fans have something to cheer about even if the team should take a step back next season.

 

Negatives:

Prospects pool is rather shallow and only having three picks this season means they will need to look elsewhere to improve the team as the young prospects continue to develop. Should take a step back next season and could be further set back if Jasper Davis @Josh decides to leave via UFA during the off season. Otis Boudreaux Jr @Otis Boudreaux Jr(4-10-14pts)and Zyn Westwood @Sullvino(16-18-34pts) will also be looking for extensions keeping the GM @thadthrasher busy this off season.

 

 

 

 

12.

Predicted Placement:

       5th North American Conference

     11th League

 

Positives:

Top 5 defenseman in scoring Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan(27-52-79pts) and Strong rookie season from Severus Targaryen @Banackock(22-36-58pts), Toby Kadachi  @ROOKIE745(6-7-13pts) and Simons Worst Nightmare @zepheter(6-36-42pts). Prospect Spanish Moon Moth (STO) @Renomitsu(46-46-92pts) should be ready to join the roster next season.

 

Negatives:

Aging players on the roster in goaltender Clueless Wallob @DMaximus (2.94GA & 0.926%) and defender Scoish Velociraptor Maloish @youloser1337(13-42-55pts) will need to be replaced sooner than later. Not to mention retirements to Calen McKay @Kendrick(2-17-19pts) and Svatopluk Puk @Otaznik(34-37-71pts) leave the team looking to UFA market and the draft to find replacements but they don`t have much draft stock. It could be an interesting off season as Seattle needs to decide to either start a full rebuild or retool with veteran players.

 

 

 

 

11.

Predicted Placement:

        2nd North American Conference

       7th League

 

Positives:

Most of the team returns next season and had solid goaltending from Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123(2.39GA 0.923% & 3SO). Managed to salvage the season by sneaking into the final wildcard spot in the North American conference and anything can happen as long as you make the play-offs. Still a young developing team so should only get better. Calgary has draft stock even if it is later in the three rounds and could be used to boost the future roster via trades.

 

Negatives:

Lack of scoring production almost cost them this season so they will look for improvement next season in the scoring department with most looking at Randy Bobandy @AJW(30-29-59pts), Sadie St-Louis @sadie(26-22-48pts) and Oreo McFleury @JB123(26-28-54pts) for these improvements but also expect them to look for help via trades. Calgary will also need to look at rebuilding the defense as they have a season or two left with Malum Maellard @frescoelmo(7-56-63pts) and Phil Strasmore @Phil(8-32-40pts). AirRig GoodBrandSun @Rhynex Entertainment(10-25-35pts)  is set to retire at the end of the season even further complicating the back-end.

 

 

 

10.

Predicted Placement:

      3rd North American Conference

     8th League

 

Positives:

Enter the play-off as one of the hotter teams in the final week and had a strong season from The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath (44-49-93pts) and Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007(35-43-78pts); both returning for at least another season with the Dragons. Jason @Jason kranz(44-45-89pts) also had a strong season and places D.C. in a difficult situation to try to resign the star forward or let him walk as he enters his finals season. Solid young defensive core lead by Mark Calaway @Beketov(15-52-67pts). Prospect Theo Allard (COL) @InstantRockstar(14-29-43pts) should be ready for the VHL next season.

 

Negative:

Will need to add a veteran presence on the back-end next season as Ryuji Sakamoto @der meister(9-51-60pts) is set to retire at season end and will look to boost the goaltending as Geoff Bezos @Quik(2.55GA, 0.927% & 4SO)is also looking for an extension. While they have a ton of prospects, they will look for some of them to take large steps in the next few seasons.

 

 

 

9. 

Predicted Placement:

          6th North American Conference

         14th League

 

Positives:

Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside(49-63-112pts) had an amazing season for a team that really had no business being in a play-off position yet making the play-offs. Goaltender Ryan Artyomov @Enorama(2.78GA, 0.926% & 2SO) had an amazing rookie campaign and should have heavy consideration for Rookie of the Year honors. Dank Turtle @DankTurtle(13-29-42pts), Legacy Gaming @Gaming Ringleader(39-47-86pts) and Tullemore Dew @Spade18(8-19-27pts) all had strong sophomore seasons and should be part of the core moving forward with new prospects joining the roster next season in Joshua Schwarzer (COL) @Velevra(35-38-73pts) and Lionel Collberg (COL) @Masu Chan(17-46-63pts). Two first round picks in the up-coming draft should add more overall depth prospects to the roster in a few seasons.

 

Negative:

Retirement of Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside will have the biggest impact on the team as they look for someone else to replace the offensive numbers. Stronger than expected season also means expected disappointment next season when they take a step back but this could be softened if they retool with veterans during the off season.

 

 

 

8. 

Predicted Placement:

     3rd European Conference

     3rd League

 

Positives:

John Jameson @Frank(46-45-91pts) and Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide(32-53-85pts) had good season with Jameson top 10 in scoring. Goaltender Matt Murdock @Acydburn(2.48GA, 0.929% & 5SO) had strong second half of the season and almost led them into a wildcard spot. Kyle Toms (VAS) @Ktoms22(28-38-66pts)  looks ready to replace retiring zack martinez @Sam_19(10-20-30pts) and defender Conference Prince-de-Galles (ROM) @UnkemptCL4PTP(20-42-62pts) will give the team options when it comes to back-end next season and if they extend Faith Hope Love @MMFLEX(6-30-36pts). Full complement of draft picks so they should have a solid pick this season and continue to add to future or have resources to trade in a retool.

 

Negative:

With most of the roster returning it is hard to see this team missing the play-off again next season but a retool is not far away with all three of the forwards set to retire in the next season or two. Which is also the similar for the defensive core so the question is when do they start the rebuild or do they try to retool?

 

 

 

 

7. 

Predicted Placement:

        5th European Conference

       6th League

 

Positives:

Great offense led by the retiring Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877(53-48-101pts), Daryl Dixon @Ricer13(30-63-93pts) and Kronchy Kardashian @Garsh(31-45-76pts); the later showing that he is ready to lead the Titans as true number one defender making Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito(14-72-86pts) expendable? Fuukka Rask @Jubis(2.55GA, 0.925% & 5SO) took a step in the right direction in becoming a solid starting goaltender setting career best across all stats. Strong Sophomore season from YaBoi Oven @Doomsday(11-27-38pts) will see him looking for big role next season and a strong rookie season from Tommy Sleeves @dasboot(4-9-13pts); which Helsinki hopes continues develop into a solid depth defender in the near future. Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard(35-47-82pts) is more than ready to make the move to the VHL and the Titans next season (my early favorite for the ROY in S92)

 

Negative:

Snuck into the play-off otherwise it would have been a disaster of the season for the Blue & White team from Helsinki with Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 set to retire; Helsinki will need to look for someone to replace his offense. Add in aging Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito and Chip Stone @DoktorFunk(26-40-66pts); this teams are looking at a bit of a re-tool in the off season.

 

 

 

 

6.

Predicted Placement:

      1st North American Conference

      5th League

 

Positives:

Goaltender Joel Castle @animal74(2.06GA, 0.938% & 3SO) had a slow start to the season but simple was fire down the stretch as he finished the season top 3 in goals against and save percentage, top five in wins and top 10 in shut-outs; while leading the Legion to the best goals against in the league. Jimi Jaks @ke1vi(39-42-81pts)  and Mac Atlas @v.2 (46-42-88pts) still in their prime and still under contract for another season. Another strong season from Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer(10-56-66pts), who Toronto hopes will take another step forward in becoming a true number one defender for the team. Still have their first-round pick so they can use that asset to help retool.

 

Negatives:

Will need to address secondary scoring as Tomas Sogaard @Brandon(30-30-60pts) and Dens Oden @Snussu(16-43-59pts) retire. No prospects ready to join the roster means that they will need to look to the UFA or trade markets to retool the roster; made harder with an estimated eleven million after they extend Diego Machado @Dadam30(18-32-50pts), Harry Callahan @dstevensonjr(24-31-55pts) and Montgomery Burns @LastOneUp(16-29-45pts) , who are all looking for new contracts.

 

 

 

 

5.

Predicted Placement:

      4th European Conference

      4th League

 

Positives:

Long term extension of Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik(40-42-82pts) and the return of Henry Eagles @Greg_Di(42-54-96pts). Viktor Jensen @Advantage(25-50-75pts) continued development and solid defensive core of Skor McFleury @Alex(22-67-89pts) and Jacob Stone @scoop(17-52-69pts). Solid bounce back season after disappoint S90 and missing the play-offs.

 

Negatives:

Cap will be an issue with Henry Eagles @Greg_Di, Skor McFleury @Alex, Ronald Johnson MacWallace III @RJMW(8-26-34pts) and Yaroslav Trunov @qripll(34-40-74pts) all looking for new contracts so they will need to figure out the cap to bring back most of the current roster. Maybe a slight re-tool but no major repairs needed.

 

 

 

 

4.

Predicted Placement:

     1st European Conference

     1st League

 

Positives:

Second best goals against in the league only behind Toronto led by Jesse Teno @aimkin(2.02GA, 0.937% & 6SO), who should be in the running for an award or two at the end of the season. Two top ten scorers in Molly the Cat @JCarson(52-55-107pts) and Leonard Triller @Triller(24-79-103pts), both of whom should be returning for next season. Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ(44-52-96pts) did okay coming over to provide more offense for the United.

 

Negative:

Lack of secondary scoring after Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ, Molly the Cat @JCarson and Leonard Triller @Triller with the next closest 46pts behind; this will need to be fixed. Defense needs a complete retool with Deron Nesbitt @AW13(7-29-36pts) and Hunor Solyom @solyom(3-37-40pts) retiring. Add in Sjin @Sjin(21-23-44pts) and Thor Odinson @GoalPlays(8-6-14pts) looking for new contracts and half the roster is set to change. It will be an interesting and maybe stressful off season in London.

 

 

 

 

3.

Predicted Placement:

     4th North American Conference

     9th League

 

Positives:

Powerful offensive attack with three players over a hundred points in Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101(35-72-107pts), Todd Cooke  @KRZY(43-62-105pts) and Larry Abass Jr @RileyL(46-55-101pts). Continued development as true number one defender by Elias Lampi @Pifferfish(18-64-82pts) and solid secondary scoring by Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher(38-41-79pts) and Adam Rage @MrMom(29-36-65pts). All leading to the best offensive team in the league. Top team in the North American Conference, home ice advantage and will look to run it back to the Finals again this season.

 

Negatives:

Goaltender Art Vandelay @Gustav (2.41GA, 0.928% & 6SO) was rather mid when compared to his counter parts around the league while tied for most shut-outs this season. He will need to be much better if Los Angeles is going to make a run at the Continental Cup and not be swept in the Finals for a second straight season. Age as this truly looks like the last kick at the can situation with half the team set to retire in the next two seasons. They can still run it back for another season if they think they can win but it would lead to a very long rebuild. Salary cap might be a bit of a concern but overall, I think they should be able to manage it.

 

 

 

 

2.

Predicted Placement:

     6th European Conference

     10th League

 

Positives:

Never really expected to be Cinderella of the league as most had predicted this team to retool with prospect ready to join the team next season as they currently have an aging core led by AK92 Wit da Hoodie @hedgehog337(50-47-97pts), surprise signing Babay Shrimp @Blazzer(25-66-91pts) and Sock Monkey @chikn(34-48-82pts). Better than expected defensive numbers from retiring Brian Kowalski @Wheaties(15-55-70pts) and James Marino @Adrest245(9-49-58pts) that seen this team play competitive hockey all season and surprise the European Conference. Prospect ready LW - Eric White Jr (COL) @Mysterious_Fish(20-40-60pts), RW - Mclean Hoover II (ROM) @McLean Hoover(24-33-57pts), LW - Martin Kemp (COL) @leafsman(14-15-29pts), D - Mina (BRA) @Baozi(21-51-72pts) and goaltender  Red Panda (BRA) @Lemorse7(2.91GA, 0.928% & 1SO) meaning the future is bright for Riga. Add in two first round picks this season and this team is set for a retool rather than a rebuild.

 

Negatives:

Only two players signed for next season will see the team very active in the off season as they try to extend players around what should be a rather young developing core. How they rebuild the team will play a huge role in how much the team falls back next season assuming they aren`t next season Cinderella again.

 

 

 

 

1. 

Predicted Placement:

     2nd European Conference

     2nd League

 

Positives:

Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg (55-57-112pts) had an amazing final season and tied for the league lead in scoring while leading the league in goals. Alfred Champagne @Anthique(39-41-80pts) improved his numbers for the second straight season and will be looked upon heavily in the future as someone needs replace Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg offensive numbers. Jake Thunder @Thunder(16-68-84pts) will finish his career with HOF aspirations after another strong season will see him nominated for a few awards. Lachlan Summers @kirbithan(2.24GA, 0.933% & 5SO) continues to be a top five goaltender in the league even after a slower than normal start to the season.

 

Negatives:

Consistent talk of rebuild by the GM @Alex will not happen as long as they have Lachlan Summers @kirbithan on the roster. Retool is more likely as they look for replacements for retiring Leandro Goncalves @leandrofg , Pete Mitchell @Crstats23(33-35-68pts) and Jake Thunder @Thunder but with estimated thirteen million and David Jokinen @Ahma(13-43-56pts) ready to take over number one defensive duties; this really shouldn`t be an issue.

 

 

Summary of the season:

Really unpredictable season with Chicago and Riga really having strong season. Death Conference in Europe seen the defending Champions miss the play-offs on the last day and last game of the season. Unexpected strong offensive season from Los Angeles Stars and great defensive efforts from London United and Toronto Legion. It really is setting up for an interesting play-offs and an interesting off season. What a great seasons!!

 

Edited December 9, 2023 by Gaikoku-hito

[Mysterious_Fish 399]

Really good article!

[v.2 1,411]

Amazing work!!

[Spade18 1,306]

Quote

Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside(49-63-112pts) had an amazing season for a team that really had no business being in a play-off position yet making the play-offs. Goaltender Ryan Artyomov @Enorama(2.78GA, 0.926% & 2SO) had an amazing rookie campaign and should have heavy consideration for Rookie of the Year honors. Dank Turtle @DankTurtle(13-29-42pts), Legacy Gaming @Gaming Ringleader(39-47-86pts) and Tullemore Dew @Spade18(8-19-27pts) all had strong sophomore seasons and should be part of the core moving forward with new prospects joining the roster next season in Joshua Schwarzer (COL) @Velevra(35-38-73pts) and Lionel Collberg (COL) @Masu Chan(17-46-63pts)

 

One of these things is not like the others!  

[Gaikoku-hito 2,111]

5 hours ago, Spade18 said:

 

One of these things is not like the others!  

 

You should have a bigger role next season in Chicago as younger player on the roster so maybe should see an improvement. Wanted to make sure that the core players moving forward where acknowledged and in Chicago that currently includes Tullemore Dew

[Baozi 1,660]

I approve of this message

[Subject056 1,239]

Nice article! It was a great read, always look forward to them