VSN Presents S94 VHL Playoff Preview

[Alex 3,248]

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.

 

VHLM Playoff Preview | VHLE Playoff Preview

 

Conference Semi-Finals

 

Seattle (2) vs. Chicago (3)

 

In the regular season this matchup was all Seattle, winning 4 of the 5 games by a combined score of 19-8. With that being said Chicago does in fact have a path to victory here, namely MVP Candidate Francesco Mancini who will need to continue their play from the regular season along with needing Ryan Artyomov to stand on their head to hopefully stifle Seattle high-powered offense. For Seattle, there really isn’t much to say here, as long as they just keep doing what they are doing they’ll be in good shape. Don’t be surprised if Chicago steals a game or two, but this should be a quick one by all means.

 

Prediction: Seattle in 4

VSN vote: SEA 8, CHI 0

 

Toronto (1) vs. Vancouver (4)

 

Will the Victory Cup curse strike again? On paper this series is fairly close with both teams being near the top of the league, and the regular season was no different with Toronto winning 3 of the 5 games. Vancouver’s success will be dependent on their ability to best Joel Castle, who seems determined to take Toronto back to another Cup this season. That all starts with Logan Ninefingers, Mark Calaway, and Liv Slater who will need to find that next gear to get Vancouver through. This could be a close one, but realistically it’s Toronto’s to lose.

 

Prediction: Toronto in 6

VSN vote: TOR 7, VAN 1

 

Malmo (2) vs. Riga (3)

 

Of all the series that we have these playoffs this one is a true toss up as either team could easily come out on top, in the regular season Riga won 3 of the 5 games, however Malmo did score more goals in the 5 games. This series could very well be a defensive show as both goalies are similar on paper and both teams have really solid bluelines. If there’s one X-factor in this series it will be the performance of Randy Bobandy and The Frenchman for their respective teams. This series could go either way, but we’ve got Malmo finally making it out of the first round.

 

Prediction: Malmo in 7

VSN vote: MAL 7, RIG 1

 

London (1) vs. Moscow (5)

 

If there’s an upset it will be here. Moscow had an underperforming regular season and does have the top roster in the European Conference. However, London did finish 1st for a reason, their great offense supplemented by some solid play from Merome Dilson should be able to propel London through to the conference finals. With that being said Moscow’s young core is only getting better and by all means will be the best team in the league in short order. We’ve got London edging them out here

 

Prediction: London in 7

VSN vote: LDN 8, MOS 0

 

Conference Finals

 

Toronto (1) vs. Seattle (2)

 

Here we go again, it almost seems like these two teams clash every season Seattle came out on top last season, however in the regular season it was all Toronto as they went 4-0-1 and dominated most of the games. This series likely comes down to one thing; if Fuukka Rask can shutdown Toronto’s offense. This series could be close, but Toronto likely overpowers Seattle here.

 

Prediction: Toronto in 7

VSN vote: TOR 6, SEA 2

 

London (1) vs. Malmo (2)

 

These two teams have been in a back and forth battle all season trading places in the standings and with that they just about split the season series with Malmo winning 4 of the 7 games. This series could very well come down to if Malmo can best Merome Dilson, they’ll need Jacob Stone, Viktor Jensen and Philip Rave to be at their best. We’ve got Dilson and company shutting down the nighthawks and making it onto the finals yet again.

 

Prediction: London in 7

VSN vote: LDN 5, MAL 3

 

Continental Cup Finals

 

Toronto (1) vs. London (1)

 

Toronto and London have been at the top of the league for some time now and both their rosters are coming off of very strong regular seasons with both teams finishing at the top of their respective conferences. At the end of the day this will come down to how each veterans perform with Wann Kerr and Leonard Triller wanting to go out with a win, and Jimi Jaks and Mac Atlas looking to add another trophy to the collection. This series is really a coin toss, we’ve got Toronto taking it this time!

 

Prediction: Toronto in 6

VSN vote: TOR 6, 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.

 

[AJW 2,196]

LETS GO MALMO 

 

[Spartan 4,531]

On 7/8/2024 at 8:11 PM, Alex said:

London (1) vs. Moscow (5)

 

If there’s an upset it will be here.

 

On 7/8/2024 at 8:11 PM, Alex said:

Prediction: London in 7

VSN vote: LDN 8, MOS 0

So close yet so far