VSN Presents: S92 Weekly Predictions (Wk 6) & Season Review

[Gaikoku-hito 1,646]

@leandrofg

 

Wildcard rounds have started and everyone is excited to see who can win the Continental Cup this season but how did we get to this point of the season and how did my final predictions end up. We will also look back to the predictions made by the VSN at the start of the season on where the teams would finish in each conference; just a head of what should be the VSN Predictions coming hopefully in the next few days. Either way lets take a look at this weeks predictions and season review.....

 

 

 

 

Current Standings:

                    Standings                                        Record             Points                   Last Wk                          Prediction Last Wk                       

1.        Calgary Wranglers             46-20-6           98pts               (4-2-0)                        2nd North American Conference

2.        Los Angeles Stars             45-19-8            98pts               (3-1-2)                        1st North American Conference

3.        D.C. Dragons                       41-23-8            90pts                (4-1-1)                        3rd North American Conference

4.       Toronto Legion                    39-30-3           81pts                (3-2-0)                       4th North American Conference

5.        New York Americans       34-32-6            74pts                (4-2-0)                       5th North American Conference

6.       Chicago Phoenix                30-37-5            65pts                (3-2-0)                       6th North American Conference

7.        Vancouver Wolves            28-38-6            62pts                (4-2-0)                        7th North American Conference

8.        Seattle Bears                      14-52-6            34pts                 (0-5-1)                        8th North American Conference

 

Reason: I hate declaring ties so while I knew this was a highly likely I was hoping that this wouldn`t be the case. Well, fast forward the half week remaining and we end up with a tie at the top of the standing. Making my prediction correctly incorrect!! LOL!! You can also blame Europe for the messed up of a tie since Los Angeles dropped points to Riga, London and Prague; while Calgary dropped their only two games to Moscow and London. Thanks Europe!!

 

 

So how did the VSN do predicting each conference at the start of the season; well, let’s take a look shall we?

 

 

Start of Season Predictions:

 

 

          1.    

Calgary Wranglers during the off season looked at revamping their defensive core when they brought in Skor McFleury @Alex via a trade with Malmo Nighthawks while seemingly hoping that scoring would take care of itself. Well, scoring was still a bit of an issue at 8th overall but due to the improved defense meant that Calgary was able to win a lot of low scoring games as the Wranglers had the 5th best defense in the league. Randy Bobandy @AJW(35g-53a-88pts) came back into the form that Calgary expected when trading for him a few season back from Seattle Bears as the 6`4” center lead the Wranglers is scoring. Mean while Skor McFleury @Alex(18g-53a-71pts) struggled this season to find his form in Calgary posting his third lowest point tally since leaving Riga back in S88/S89 off season when he posted only 55pts; clearly no one expected this when McFleury joined the roster this off season. Expect a bounce back next season and a motivated player through the playoffs. Merome Dilson @MexicanCow123(40-17-6; 2.30ga; 0.935% & 6 SO) was clearly the Wranglers MVP this season as he should get consideration for Aidan Shaw Trophy; played a huge role why Calgary ended the season on top of the North American Conference.

 

 

       2.    

After finding a goaltender in the off season bring in Henry Tucker Jr @NSG(36-20-8; 2.60ga; 0.919% & 3 SO) from Riga Reign, it must have been huge relief for the team but still had a weakness on the back end. While the Dragons did try to address the issue by bring in Braeden Panarella @ThatCasual from Vancouver Wolves. It wasn`t enough for D.C. to really challenge Calgary Wranglers (2-3-0) or the Los Angeles Stars (3-1-1) as D.C. also struggled against top teams from Europe losing season series to Helsinki, Malmo and Prague. Offensively the team came as advertised with The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath (37g-71a-108pts), Jason @Jason kranz(47g-51a-98pts) and Vincent Laroche-Gagnier @vincentlg2007(38g-57a-95pts) all finishing top three in the league scoring with The Frenchman joint wining the Mike Szatkowski Trophy and should have his name consider for a few more awards at the end of the season. Mark Calaway @Beketov(30g-60a-90pts) led the defense taking a nice step forward this season off the back of what would have been a down season with only 67pt the season before; as Calaway led all defenders in points this season. Another name to watch for at the end of the season when awards for defensemen are handed out as he should be inconsideration for Sterling Labatte, Alexander Valiq and Jake Wylde Trophies; not to mention maybe the Dustin Funk Trophy as the most improved. D.C. Dragons will need to play better defensively in the playoffs in what should be a fairly even match against Los Angeles Stars.

 

 

       3.    

Not completely sure why my colleague placed the 10th best team league ranking and the 5th best in the conference in 3rd; as I can only assume this was due to the fact that Toronto are defending Champions and had the most chance to improve the team through the season. Which is actually what the Legion tried to do as they made a series of trades bring in Steve Lattimer @pugsood(30g-45a-75pts); via Prague through Seattle and Fraser Wallace @Hoopydog(7g-18a-25pts) via Moscow through Vancouver Wolves. How much have they improved only the wildcard and the playoff will tell the whole story. The 9th best offense was led by Jimi Jaks @ke1vi(38g-45a-83pts) as he managed to finish top 10 in league in goals. Defensively Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer(15g-56a-71pts) led the way as the defender set career highs in goals and points. Joel Castle @animal74(32-28-3; 2.56ga; 0.920% & 6 SO) is still one of the best goaltenders in the league and should give New York Americans some fits if he can regain the form he had during the teams run to the Continental cup last season.

 

 

      4.    

This team started the season completely unbeatable based around a high-flying offense of proven Stars!! Todd Cooke @KRZY(52g-53a-105pts) turned back the close and showed why he won the Scotty Campbell, Mike Szatkowski and Alexander Beketov Trophies back in S90; this time sharing the Kevin Brooks Trophy with AK92 Wit da Hoodie @hedgehog337 and should once again see his name mentioned in Scotty Campbell and Brett Slobodzian trophies conversation. Larry Abass Jr @RileyL(30g-56a-86pts), Jon Webber Jr @Webberj(33g-52a-85pts), Napoleon Dynamite @thadthrasher(29g-52a-81pts) and Sunglasses Joyo @JetsGoalie101(35g-43a-78pts) all finish with more than a point per game. If Defense was a question mark to start the season well, it simple remains an issue as no defenseman managed more than 55pts this season with Jens Lekman @Bobcat(13g-42a-55pts) and if they are going to get passed D.C. Dragons in the first round, they will need a very strong goaltending from Art Vandelay @Gustav (43-14-7; 2.51ga; 0.920% & 4 SO); not to mention the high-flying offense continuing to fire on all cylinders.

 

 

     5.    

What a up and down season for the Americans as the team was to say the least inconsistent which is sort of expected from a young team with three rookies in their lineup with the biggest surprise coming from Rookie 36W @rory(29-27-6; 2.15ga; 0.932% & 2 SO) winning the Greg Clegane Trophy for the goaltender allowing the Lowest GAA; not to mention front runner for the Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy all season long due to his strong consistent goaltending. So, why is New York playing in the wildcard round than? Well, Lack of scoring really hurt this team as Jasper Davis @Josh(21g-42a-63pts) and Francesco Mancini @GioSivo(31g-30a-61pts) took a huge step back from the one hundred points that they collected the season before. Top offensive player for the Americans was FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ(38g-37a-75pts) after coming over in a trade during the off season from Vancouver Wolves. Add in the fact that New York lacked a true number one defender this season as Callum Gary Yannick Janser @Daniel Janser(6g-49a-55pts) just wasn`t ready to take on this role completely as a rookie but should enough to know that he will be a top defender if he continues to develop. Trade during the season helped improve the team as New York brought in Alfred Champagne @Anthique(30g-25a-55pts) from Warsaw and Vinny Lecavalier @Spartakiller2(14g-22a-36pts) via Prague through Vancouver. If New York also won the season series against Toronto so watch out for this team as I feel they have unperformed so far this season; not to mention have no pressure after making the playoffs.

 

 

     6.    

Yaroslav Trunov @qripll(46g-48a-94pts) was brought in to replace the departing Scotty Sundin @fromtheinside and early in the season made most around the league go Scotty who? While it was a strange move or a move that suggest that Chicago expected to make more moves before the season started but somehow, they fell through. In the end, it was still very much a transition season with two rookies Joshua Schwarzer @Velevra(26g-31a-57pts) and Lionel Collberg @Masu Chan(8g-42a-50pts) joining a second year goaltender in Ryan Artyomov @Enorama(25-34-5; 3.03ga; 0.920% & 2 SO) so not that surprising that they ended up missing the playoff this season. Chicago has majority of the core in place for next season and will look to add pieces this off season via draft, prospect, UFA and maybe trades but either way they should be stronger next season.

 

 

      7.      

Rebuilding team had most of the excitement during the S92 draft when they selected what should be the core of the team future to come for many seasons when they drafted Logan Ninefingers @Scurvy; 1st overall; Riley Martin @Smarch, 4th overall; Vlad Von Carstein @Dom, 6th overall, Guntis Gavilrovs @Girts, 7th overall and DB IV @wcats, 12th overall. Add in the fact that the Vancouver could one again be picking in the top position of the draft depending in the draft lottery and the future is sky-high but what about this year’s team? Nick Sansoe @Tipskid97(32g-56a-88pts) led the team in scoring in what is a career shattering season and Liv Slater @Subject056(36g-51a-87pts) led the defense for the Wolves; not to mention set a new hybrid record for goals by a defensemen at 36 goals and also finished third in defensive points. Cannot also forget the strong play of Dalkr Vidarsson @KaleebtheMighty(26-32-6; 3.09ga; 0.925% & 5 SO) on a horrible Wolves team. Add in rookie Carson Walker Jr @Cwalker(32g-29a-61pts); who finished third in rookie scoring after start the season not even in the top ten rookie list. Impressive end to the season for the rookie forward. This team will make a step next season but will it be enough to make the playoffs? Time will tell.

 

 

      8.    

Another team entering a rebuild of sorts as the Bears have talent in Severus Targaryen @Banackock(40g-49a-89pts) as he led the Bears attack this season and finished top 10 in goals; as well as Gustav Mattias @Berocka(11g-8a-19pts), Toby Kadachi @ROOKIE745(20g-23a-43pts) and Simons Worst Nightmare @zepheter(11g-38a-49pts); who led the team defense. So, the goal for the Bears this off season is to add more prospect and more talent to the roster to help aid the rebuild. Finish last overall in the league means they should be able to add a significant piece in the S93 Draft, which should help!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current Standings:

                    Standings                                        Record             Points                   Last Wk                          Prediction Last Wk                       

1.            Malmo Nighthawks       52-14-6          110pts                 (3-2-1)                         1st European Conference

2.         Helsinki Titans                45-19-8            98pts                 (5-1-0)                        2nd European Conference 

3.         Moscow Menace             44-23-5           93pts                (2-2-1)                         3rd European Conference 

4.         London United                 39-23-10          88pts                (5-2-0)                        4th European Conference 

5.        Prague Phantoms           36-26-10          82pts                (3-1-2)                          5th European Conference

6.        Riga Reign                           34-32-6           74pts                (3-2-2)                         6th European Conference  

7.         Warsaw Predators          29-34-9            67pts                (1-3-1)                          7th European Conference 

8.        HC Davos Dynamo           20-46-6           46pts                (1-5-0)                          8th European Conference

 

Reason: It is easier to make prediction when the sample size is smaller so the fact that we had a short week aid me this week. Add in what was clearly an easier schedule for Helsinki Titans and second in the conference was always going to be theirs to lose. Simply too small of a game sample also to see a ton of movement in the standings so this was rather easy to get correct this week.

 

 

Start of Season Predictions:

 

 

        1.    

Entering the season on paper as the second-best team in the league so should have had a strong season; sounds familiar doesn`t it as I am sure this is what we said last season as well when Prague missed the playoffs on the final day of the regular season. So, what is wrong with the Phantom? Secondary scoring is the easiest answer when only two players on the roster score more than a point per game in the season; John Jameson @Frank(42g-61a-103pts) and Nikolas Kauppi @Tetricide(42g-45a-87pts). Both players finished top 10 in goals and Jameson also finished top 10 in points so if Prague had another player or two that could manage a point per game; one would assume that Prague would have been at the top of the standings. Defensively Prague was one of the better teams finish 4th in goals against led by Moritz Stauffer @GoodLeftUndone(10g-53a-63pts) and Velociraptor Greg @samx(19g-36a-55pts) with solid goaltending from Matt Murdock @Acydburn(30-24-10; 2.34ga; 0.932% & 3 SO). Changes will be coming sooner or later for Prague as four players will retire at the end of the season, Ben McLaughlin @Ben mclaughlin(19g-28a-47pts), Fred Hampton @TownBizness(29g-37a-66pts), Faith Hope Love @MMFLEX(5g-24a-29pts) and Velociraptor Greg. Add in the fact that Prague best three players are also set to retire at the end of the following season; John Jameson, Nikolas Kauppi and Matt Murdock; leave many wondering if they pull the trigger this off-season to start the rebuild or try to run it back for one more kick at the can? It could be a very interesting off season for Prague but they will be more focused on Wildcard round match up with London United and hoping for a deep run these playoffs.

 

 

       2.    

While Helsinki Titans did eventually finish second in the conference as predicted; it really only happened in the final week of the season. Which might be a bit concerning for the Titans as they look to get back to the Continental Cup finals after losing out to Toronto Legion. The biggest question mark coming into the season was replacing the retired Landon Wolanin @jacobcarson877 position on the top line beside star Daryl Dixon @Ricer13(50g-55a-105pts); who led the Titans in goals, points and should be receive some consideration for the Scotty Campbell, Brett Slobadzian and maybe the Scott Boulet trophies. Helsinki turned to rookie Grimgor Ironhide @FrostBeard(37g-45a-82pts) should be heavily consider for Christian Stolzschweiger Trophy after posting the highest points by a rookie since S83 when Bo Johansson @Shindigs; won the award with 81pts. Only one other Titan was over a point per game this season and that was the retiring Pierre Emile Bouchard @Gaikoku-hito(15g-73a-88pts); who will take home the Alexander Beketov Trophy for leading the league in assist and should receive some consideration for Sterling Labatte and Alexander Valiq trophies, maybe also Jake Wylde Trophy. Another solid season from Fuukka Rask @Jubis(38-18-8); 2.27ga; 0.935% & 5 SO), who should also get consideration for Aidan Shaw Trophy. Overall it was a strong season for a ranked 3rd in the conference and 4th in the league.

 

 

      3.    

Does a lack of a true number one defensemen hurt them that much? Well, I guess that is the biggest question when you look at the London United as London has top end forwards in Molly the Cat @JCarson(30g-45a-75pts), Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ(37g-43a-80pts) and Leonard Triller @Triller(37g-60a-97pts). Not to mention a top goaltender in Jesse Teno @aimkin(36-21-8; 2.51ga; 0.924% & 4 SO) so that means it has too be the defense right? Don`t get me wrong here as London on paper is one of the best teams in the league and the conference so even having them ranked as low as 3rd and the team finish the season in 4th just doesn`t feel right. When you look at the defense it is consistent with all four players in the 650-740 TPE range; so, Yeah, the only thing really holding back this team is a true number one defender that can put up 70-80pts while adding the offense. Lloyd Braun @Toast(8g-48a-56pts) led the back end this season. London is also enter a bit of a cross road period with only four players signed for next season and six players retiring over the next two seasons. But those are thoughts for the off season as London United are focused on Prague Phantoms in the Wildcard round and also hoping for a long playoff run.

 

 

     4.    

Malmo Nighthawks surprised everyone as they started the season in what should have been a season where they would take a step backwards after trading away Yaroslav Trunov @qripll to Chicago Phoenix for S92 CHI 1st (Olafur Gunnleifsson @JartY) and than top defender Skor McFleury @Alex to Calgary Wranglers for S93 CGY 1st. While quickly replacing the departing McFleury in another trade that seen the Nighthawks acquire Conference Prince-de-Galles @UnkemptCL4PTP from Prague Phantoms. Fast forward and Malmo Nighthawks smashed the league this season to claim the Victory Cup but how did they do it? Well, Every teams success starts with a goaltender playing really well and comments by college seemed to light a fire under Ash Sparks @DarkSpyro(46-13-5; 2.23ga; 0.930% & 5 SO) after being suggested that he was a second tier goaltender. Well, This second tier goaltender could possible have his name in the conversation for the Aidan Shaw Trophy at the end of a very strong season in net for the Malmo Nighthawks. Doesn`t hurt either when you have the best offense in the league with six players finish the season at the point per game pace lead by Viktor Jensen @Advantage(35g-55a-90pts), Jacob Stone @scoop(23g-61a-84pts), Yaroslav Bogatyrev @Bojovnik(32g-52a-84pts), Reese McFleury @Spaz(19g-57a-76pts), Henry Eagles @Greg_Di(39g-36a-75pts) and Ronald Johnson MacWallace III @RJMW(31g-43a-74pts). With Jacob Stone showing the importance of having a true number one defenseman that can chip in offensively as his name surely will be mentioned for a few awards at the end of the season. The question now is can Malmo continue the strong offense and defense play heading into the playoff as the clear favorites to win the Continental Cup or will they choke like former Victory Cup winners before them; making the legendary curse of the Victory Cup grow even more. Time will tell but it was a great season for the Nighthawks.

 

 

    5.    

Very young team that started season with four rookies entering their lineup left most wondering what would Moscow Menace be this season, either a solid team charging their way to the top of the standings or a team fighting to make the playoff via the Wildcard round. Well, Moscow should a team that developed quickly and quickly moved to the top of the European conference but that was also aid when they traded for Dogwood Maple @dogwoodmaple(35g-57a-92pts) of which 47pts game after being trade to Moscow Menace as Maple would produce at an incredible 1.5pts per game pace. With Maple in the lineup Moscow went on a impressive sixteen game winning streak and pulled themselves clear of the mid-pack of European teams.  Axle Gunner @Steve(33g-61a-94pts) and Left Alone @okochastar(38g-56a-94pts) led the offense charge again this season with no sophomore slump for Gunner. Rookie Leif Reingaard @Zetterberg(13g-49a-62pts) showed that he will be a true number defender for years to come and put the league on notice as he finished top 3 in Rookie scoring and fellow rookie Olober Syko @Spartan (38-22-4; 2.86ga; 0.919% & 2 SO) was solid between the pipes for the Menace. Who know face a tough test in the first round of the playoff against Helsinki Titans last season Continental Cup finalist but I am sure Moscow will be a menace for the Titans!!

 

 

     6.    

While Riga Reign surprised the league last season, this was never going to be the case this season as the team got younger with rookie Red Panda @Lemorse7(28-30-5; 2.98ga; 0.917% & 1 SO) taking over in net as Riga traded veteran goaltender Henry Tucker Jr @NSG for a S93 DCD 1st and a prospect in Eno Velvson @Nykonax. As this season can be summed up as transition year with Kimi Raikkonen @mattyIceman, Eno Velvson and Jussi Jokinenegg @HearnNation67 all looking to make the Reign next season. Add in the three first round picks in this coming off season draft and Riga will quickly be a team to watch starting maybe as soon as next season. AK92 Wit da Hoodie @hedgehog337(52g-56a-108pts) will retire with two more trophies on his selves as he claims Mike Szatkowski and Kevin Brooks Trophies. While also being consider for Scotty Campbell and Brett Slobodzian Trophies. Babay Shrimp @Blazzer(33g-50a-83pts) also had a strong season and might be looking for a new home this off season as becomes an UFA. Eric White Jr @Mysterious_Fish(20g-34a-54pts) and Martin Kemp @leafsman(16g-28a-44pts) both had solid rookie campaigns finish top ten in rookie scoring. Riga Reign will be a much better team next season as they add more youth to a team that is currently rebuilding.

 

 

     7.    

Feeling bad for a team that tried to add during the off season and tried to be competitive but ultimately fell way short of what the team expected when Warsaw traded for Dogwood Maple @dogwoodmaple, Alfred Champagne @Anthique, Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan, Clueless Wallob @DMaximus and Thor Reingaard @N0HBDY during this past off season. At first it looked like good moves that would give the team a chance to be competitive fighting for the final wildcard spots but as the season progress it became very obvious that it just wasn`t going to be enough. Warsaw made the decision to get younger by trading everyone that they brought in during the off season except for Rex Wolffe Gregor @oilmandan(24g-40a-64pts); who led the Predators defense this season and should do so for a few more season barring a trade to another team during the off season. Maxim Anisimov @McLovin(35g-53a-88pts) led the offense in his second season and seen a significant improvement in his numbers up from 57pts the year before. King Kisslinger @Kisslinger(17g-33a-50pts) also improved in his second season and rookie Thor Reingaard @N0HBDY(24g-34a-58pts) finished top 5 in rookie scoring on the season. Warsaw also have prospects ready to join the roster next season in Behrens Minion @UnknownMinion, Joseph Dubois @Dubois and  Hannibal Barca @DreMin15 but without any first round picks in the next two drafts will really need to hope that some of their other prospect develop. It isn`t all doom and gloom in Warsaw as some might suggest.

 

 

     8.    

The rebuild after the tear down starts really this off season for the HC Davos Dynamos with three first round picks and two in the lottery but don`t expect this team to become good overnight as the players that they select will need time to develop. Which brings to question the time frame of the rebuild and the two players under contract in David Jokinen @Ahma(22g-46a-68pts); who led the team this season offensively and defensively; and Lachlan Summers @kirbithan(17-40-6; 3.48ga; 0.922% & 2 SO). If we are correct in thinking the rebuild starting this off season mean another season of losing hockey before a up turn would be expected in S94 earliest, which would be Lachlan Summers finals season and David Jokinen second last season meaning wouldn`t it be better for these two player to be traded for future assets; if Davos can get the right asking price? Either way this will be a team to watch during this season draft as Davos drafts what should be their core future.

 

 

That it for the first week review and next week’s predictions. As always tell me below in the comment section how poor my predictions are and I will make sure to read them. Either way until next week Keep the sticks on the ice and your heads up!!

Edited February 17 by Gaikoku-hito

[Ahma 1,288]

I will never be traded from Davos! Inconceivable. 

[Daniel Janser 1,982]

38 minutes ago, Ahma said:

I will never be traded from Davos! Inconceivable. 

[aimkin 865]

Always appreciate the shout out!