Claimed:Dynamo one game from returning to finals

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Dynamo one game from returning to finals

It's been over ten seasons since the Dynamo last played in the finals, the longest ongoing absence in the league and the longest in franchise history as well. The last time they made an appearance was in S39; this had been their fourth consecutive finals, a loss to the New York Americans. Prior to the current drought, they had never even gone more than six seasons without winning a Cup, let alone missing the finals. The league's top franchise has fallen on tough time lately, but they are looking to bring back the success this season.

 

After losing to Riga in the first round of the S49 playoffs, the Dynamo were determined to make it further this season. In a rematch, they took down the Reign in six games, moving on to face the Express, who represented Europe in the finals last season. The two teams were close in the regular season, with just two points separating them in the standings. The series has been very back and forth thus far. Cologne took game one thanks to a shutout from Artom Zhumbayev, but Davos took the next two thanks in large part to two of their retirees, Francis York Morgan and Jorma Ruutu. Cologne came back in full force for game four, scoring five goals, but that was just a blip in Sandro Clegane's semi-final performance. He returned to form in game five as the Dynamo took the lead again with a 2-1 victory, and that's where we currently stand.

 

The series has been highlighted by stellar play from both goaltenders, aside from one off game from each (Zhumbayev in game two, Clegane in game four). Even including those games, Clegane has a 0.932 save percentage in the series, while Zhumbayev is at 0.943. This season has been a good one for goalies, and the conclusion of this season, whether it ends at six or seven, will likely see some more outstanding play from these two. Clegane was very impressive in the series against Riga was well aside from a six-goal game two (a game which Davos still managed to take to overtime).

 

Sandro Clegane is pretty good -- most of the time.

 

Whoever wins this series will move on to face the winner of Toronto and Quebec. The Legion currently lead the series 3-2 after the Meute mounted a third-period comeback in game five to stay alive. If both the Dynamo and Legion and close out their respective series, it would be a familiar finals story. These two teams have met in the finals a record seven times, with Davos currently leading the matchup 4-3.

 

The Legion are seeking a third straight championship, having won in S48 and S49. The Dynamo's Francis York Morgan played on both of those cup-winning Toronto teams and is looking to close out his career on a high note. He had arguably the best season of his career, and he has been quite productive in the playoffs as well. During the regular season, he led all defenseman with 92 points, and in 11 post-season games, he has four goals and seven assists. Jorma Ruutu is another retiring player who, like Morgan, was acquired by Davos this season in order to bolster their roster. He led the team with 44 goals in the regular season, and he is continuing his strong play in the post-season, leading Davos with six goals and nine assists. He previously won a Continental Cup with the Americans in S47.

 

While ending the finals drought would be a great first step, ultimately the goal this season for the Dynamo is a championship. If they can finish off the Express, they will be considered the underdogs (but not insurmountably so) in the finals, be it against Toronto or Quebec. With Ruutu and Morgan retiring and William Covington and Shawn Muller becoming free agents, the future of Davos is unclear. This only amplifies the importance of this season for the Dynamo.

Edited September 4, 2016 by Streetlight

[JardyB10 4,839]

I'm wicked excited.

[Kendrick 4,733]

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