VSN Presents: S93 VHL Playoff Preview

[Alex 2,903]

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.

 

Grading Teams Prospects

 

Wildcard

 

 New York (4) vs. Chicago (5)

 

Kind of a tale of two very different seasons, New York came into the season expected to be a top team in the conference, and while they were in the playoffs all season, not being near the top of the conference is rough. Chicago on the other hand, didn’t make the playoffs until the last game of the season! With that in mind, this series could be a quick one and New York is stronger in just about every position. We can expect Jasper Davis @Josh, and FISTED ANALLY BY A CIRCUS MONKEY Analfist @STZ to take over this round for New York. Standing in their way is Ryan Artyomov @Enorama, who will be looking to shut down the high-powered New York offense.

 

Prediction: New York in 3

VSN Vote: NYA 8, CHI 0

 

 Moscow (4) vs. Warsaw (5) 

 

This series is very similar to the NA Wildcard round as it features one top offensive team in Moscow, who had a very strong season and continues to improve each and every season. Warsaw did well this season by making the playoffs by a considerable margin. Moscow does have a considerable edge here with strong players in just about every position. Also similarly to Chicago, Warsaw’s playoffs will come down to goaltending with Lachlan Summers @kirbithan primed to steal a series.

 

Prediction: Moscow in 4

VSN Vote: MOS 7 WAR 2

 

Conference Semi-Finals

 

 Toronto (2) vs. D.C. (3) 

 

It’s rare that the two previous Continental Cup Champions meet in the playoffs, we have that in the first round this season. Both teams are closing in on the end of their window as both teams have goalies that are retiring this season or next. This series likely comes down to them as well, with Joel Castle @animal74 who will be tasked with shutting down The Frenchman @OrbitingDeath and company, and Henry Tucker Jr @NSG, who will be looking to get D.C. to the repeat. We’ve got Toronto taking what could be a real nailbiter.

 

Prediction: Toronto in 4

VSN vote: TOR 8, DCD 1

 

 Seattle (1) vs. New York (4) 

 

Seattle entered this season as a fringe playoff team, however with a series of massive trades, Seattle shot to the top of the conference. The main reason why is Fuukka Rask @Jubis, who came in and posted a remarkable 21-2-3 record with a 0.933 SV%! New York will probably has a bit of an uphill battle here, but with their offense and solid defense core, there’s no reason they can’t get it done, however, we've got to give the edge to Seattle.

 

Prediction: Seattle in 6

VSN vote: SEA 6, NYA 1

 

 London (2) vs. Prague (3) 

 

I honestly don’t know what to think of this series, it could easily become either a high-scoring affair or a defensive battle as both teams have strong offenses with Prague having a slight edge with Jameson @Frank, Kauppi @Tetricide, and McFleury @Alex, whereas Jesse Teno @aimkin does take the slightest of edge in goal and has built a reputation for stealing playoff series. We have London taking this one!

 

Prediction: London in 5

VSN vote: LDN 6, PRG 2

 

 Malmo (1) vs. Moscow (4) 

 

Malmo is coming off of their 2nd consecutive Victory Cup, Malmo will be looking to finally have some postseason success with their current core having never made the finals since S79 when they won their only Continental Cup. Moscow on the other hand has nothing to lose here, they’ll be a top team in the VHL soon, and have a very young roster. This series could very well go the distance, and while on-paper Moscow does have a slight advantage, we’ve got Malmo coming out just ahead here.

 

Prediction: Malmo in 7

VSN vote: MAL 6, MOS 3

 

Conference Finals

 

 Seattle (1) vs. Toronto (2) 

 

Seattle has had a great season and exceeded expectations, their offense has stepped up in a big way with the additions of Henry Eagles @Greg_Di, and Daryl Dixon @Ricer13 both breaking the 100 point mark! Toronto on the other hand has always had one of the league's most complete rosters, led by Jimi Jaks @ke1vi, Mac Atlas @v.2 and Bobby Bob @Baby Boomer. this series should be a very good one. In the regular season it was all Seattle with them winning 4 of the 5 games between the NA’s top two teams. We have Toronto just edging them out here, thanks to their experience and edge on the blueline.

 

Prediction: Toronto in 7

VSN vote: TOR 6, SEA 2

  

 Malmo (1) vs. London (2) 

 

Almost feels like the European Conference has been leading to this all season, as the league's top two defensive teams clash, if you like goalscoring, this might not be the series for you. It’s safe to say that London has a massive edge in goal with Jesse Teno who elevates their game in the playoffs and Wann Kerr @VattghernCZ who led the league in scoring with 127 points. Malmo will likely go as far as Victor Jensen @Advantage and Jacob Stone @scoop can carry them as they’ll have to led the charge if Malmo is to come out on top. We’ve got London taking the European Conference.

 

Prediction: London in 7

VSN vote: LDN 5, MAL 3

 

Continental Cup Finals

 

 Toronto (2) vs. London (2) 

 

London and Toronto is a fairly interesting final as Toronto boasts the league’s top offense, and London has one of the best defenses. In the regular season Toronto won three of the four matchups, in part due to Joel Castle finding their game and Toronto’s great offensive depth. As we know with London, it is Teno’s team, if they shut down Toronto it starts and ends with them. This series could be a great final, but we’ve got Toronto coming out on top and winning their second cup in three seasons

 

Prediction: Toronto in 6

VSN vote: TOR 4, LDN 2

 

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.

[Tetricide 598]

1 hour ago, Alex said:

Prediction: London in 5

[VattghernCZ 696]

1 hour ago, Tetricide said:

I think Alex has a point, I like everything but the finals

[Gaikoku-hito 1,732]

11 hours ago, VattghernCZ said:

I think Alex has a point, I like everything but the finals

But isn`t Wann Kerr always that guy that just always finishes second!!

[VattghernCZ 696]

4 minutes ago, Gaikoku-hito said:

But isn`t Wann Kerr always that guy that just always finishes second!!

Not anymore, he's won WC gold medal!