Wildcard Series Recap: Warsaw Predators vs. HC Davos Dynamo

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Wildcard Series Recap: Warsaw Predators vs. HC Davos Dynamo

Media Spot

By Vice

One of two wildcard races happening in the S95 playoffs, this European Conference matchup found itself to be quite the series of entertaining games. Both teams found themselves above the playoff cutoff line by quite comfortable numbers, with Warsaw ending the season 40-28-4 (84 pts) and Davos ending the season 42-21-9 (93 pts). The stellar performances this season from players like Antonia Bucatini and rookie Felicia Hardy helped Davos set themselves apart from their last few seasons counterparts. Warsaw, on the backs of the efforts from Thor Reingaard and Maxim Anisimov, sought to redeem their 1 and done performance from the playoffs last season.

Game 1
Warsaw 3 - Davos 1
Warsaw Leads 1-0
In a pretty physical and intense game, the Warsaw Predators came out on top, taking down HC Davos Dynamo 3-1. The first period had Warsaw striking first and fast, with Thor Reingaard and King Kisslinger finding the back of the net and putting their team up 2-0. HC Davos found themselves overwhelmed by Warsaw’s defense, and goalie Merome Dilson was not letting anything through. In the second, Davos managed to claw one back, thanks to a nice goal from Yaroslav Trunov, but Warsaw was quick to respond and Maxim Anisimov scored one on a power play soon after to make it 3-1. The third period was a show in pure defense. Warsaw shut the door, refusing to let Davos get back into it. Despite HC Davos’ push, they just couldn’t solve Dilson, and the Predators skated away with a solid W. Final shots were Warsaw 35, Davos 25.
 

3 Stars:

1 - Maxim Anisimov (WAR)
2 - Merome Dilson (WAR)
3 - King Kisslinger (WAR)

Game 2
Warsaw 1 - Davos 5
Series Tied 1-1
In another physical game, HC Davos Dynamo managed to keep the Warsaw Predators at bay, cruising to a 5-1 victory. The first period set the tone with Grimgor Ironhide hammering in the first goal, leaving Warsaw scrambling to respond. Despite some frantic attempts by Reingaard and Kardashian, Warsaw couldn't get any momentum. The second period was a show in how the Dynamo managed to win so many games this season. Bucatini and Ironhide hit home more goals, leaving Warsaw looking like prey rather than Predators. By the final period it was pretty much done. Ironhide put the nail in the coffin and Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen put an end to an amazing performance.

 

3 Stars:
1 - Grimgor Ironhide (DAV)
2 - Aleksanteri Kaskiniemi-Kekkonen (DAV)
3 - Antonia Bucatini (DAV)

 

Game 3
Warsaw 3 - Davos 5
Davos Leads 2-1
It didn't take long for Davos to set the tone for the game and it was almost like they never lost their momentum from the last game. 4 total goals from Davos in the very first period alone, all from different people. I think this is where Davos' strengths are really starting to shine. Each of their lines is as potent as the last and no matter where you are in the roster, you'll find a overwhelming teamwork presence. MacAvoy, Bucatini, Hardy and Ironhide all picked up a goal in the first, with Hardy picking up a 2nd goal in the 3rd to finish off a potently offensive game from Davos. Notably, Admir Bala makes his way to the scoring list by way of a goal in the 3rd to bring Warsaw to within two this game, an improvement from the last game at the very least.

3 Stars:
1 - Antonia Bucatini (DAV)
2 - Felicia Hardy (DAV)
3 - Admir Bala (WAR)

Game 4
Warsaw 2 - Davos 3
Davos Advances 3-1
Stolzschweiger winner Bucatini kept up the scoring attitude from the game prior and scored in the first period to put Davos up 1-0 off a pass from Ironhide and Forum Content. After a period of another physical back and forth between the two teams, Warsaw's Minion put one on the board to tie the game at 1. Another tit for tat in the 3rd period saw the game tied at 2 with 5 minutes left. Warsaw converted to a defensive positioning to see the end of the period but were caught between changes where James MacAvoy from Bucatini managed to put Davos ahead with 4 minutes left. This would see a very physical series out with Davos advancing to the next round where they will meet the top-seeded, Moscow Menace!

3 Stars:
1 - Antonia Bucatini (DAV)
2 - Forum Content (DAV)
3 - Ben Laas (DAV)

750 Words