Chicago heartbreak and Richmond ready for playoffs

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Chicago heartbreak and Richmond ready for playoffs

 

Chicago fails to qualify

 

The Chicago Phoenix have failed to qualify for the playoffs, dropping a 40-23-9 record with 89 points. Usually, this would be enough to easily secure a wildcard and contend for the playoffs, however, the NA was extremely competitive and Chicago missed by just two points. Meanwhile, in the European Conference, a team with 48 points and 20 wins was able to secure a spot in the playoffs. Regardless, Chicago could've made the playoffs with a couple more wins and they're in a tough spot moving forward. They've got an aging core and a rebuild looks like it's destined to happen, so it's an unfortunate way to send off a lot of their players. Failing to secure a playoff spot with a great team is always rough, but what's even more rough is they don't even have their first round pick. NYA has a shot at securing 1OA while being a playoff team, because Chicago failed to qualify for playoffs which would be the ultimate slap in the face. Despite amazing seasons from Spanish Moon Moth, Joshua Schwarzer, YaBoi Oven and more, it just wasn't enough at the end of the day. However, the good news is that Chicago will be able to secure a ton of assets should teams want these players, because they're coming off of amazing seasons and have shown they can compete at the top and be some of the best players in the league.

 

Richmond and NYA gear up for playoffs

 

On the flip side, NYA was able to secure a playoff spot on the last day of the regular season. Led by George Richmond, the Americans are looking to finally make some noise in the playoffs, but it'll all start in the wildcard game against the Seattle Bears. No game in the NA Conference is going to be easy, so NYA better be in for a grind this playoffs against some of the best teams in the playoffs. On top of that, should they win against Seattle, they're gonna have to match up against the Vancouver Wolves in the second round which won't be an easy series. George Richmond's point production has slipped a bit, going from 109 points on Moscow to 103 on New York, but New York historically is a more defensive team, explaining the drop off in points. Richmond was able to tally 44 goals, 59 assists, good for 103 points and a +24, with his goals being a career high. On top of that, he had way more hits this season, more shot blocks, and more penalties. Richmond stepped into a more two way role, helping his team offensively and defensively on both sides of the puck, while being a top player in the league. "I feel like I bought in to the systems this season for NYA and tried my best to impress," stated Richmond. Richmond will be competing in his 5th playoffs, making it to the post-season every single season in his VHL career. Regardless, New York is going up against Seattle who is a great team without a doubt, and it's going to be a tough matchup for the Americans!