Ottawa Lynx Clinch the Playoffs

[StamkosFan 72]

Pat Svoboda scores Ottawa's only goal in a 4-1 loss to the Las Vegas Aces.

 

It is official now; Ottawa has clinched the fifth and final VHLM playoff spot with Oslo locked in last place in the standings. They currently are 20 points ahead of Oslo, with 53 points compared to the Storm's 33. The Lynx must be relieved to have the pressure off their backs; winger Pat Svoboda expressed a collective enthusiasm to be competing in playoffs hockey.

 

"We were in a rough spot when I joined here, but we finished really strong and we're reaping the rewards now that the season is over. I am so glad I came here, and I have no concerns about the caliber and diligence of our crew. There's no quit in anyone on this team, not even a bit of it. It's hard to play your best hockey when your team is looking over their shoulders in the standings and fearing elimination. But now, we're in and it's all settled, so we can just look ahead and focus on winning the opening series. I know we have what it takes, and I expect us to come out of the gates strong and surprise a lot of people. Don't let our record fool you; we're a lot stronger than we were when the year began," said Pat Svoboda. "The rest of the regular season doesn't really matter, but we can't relax too much. We have to hit the ground running in our first series, because in a best of seven, every game counts."

 

Svoboda was a much-needed addition to the Lynx roster, signing as a midseason free agent, and could be a potential number-one pick in the VHLM draft thanks to his excellent performance. Putting up 37 points in 40 games, the Swede has been drawing attention from scouts at all levels, and his draft stock has been ascending in the VHL draft as well. VHLM scouts, however, are wary that Svoboda may head to the pros straight away, as he has expressed boredom with the VHLM life.

 

"I hope to really finish strong with training and make it into the top-10 in the VHL draft. As for the VHLM, I'm not really sure I want to burn a year off my career to sit in the minors; it doesn't feel competitive. There's only 6 teams, and 5 of them makes the playoffs; I question why we have a regular season for that. It's anti-climatic and illogical really; I am ready to be in the spotlight and to grasp my dreams, to be in the VHL, as soon as possible," said Pat Svoboda. "Ottawa has been great to me, but it's a huge decision. I have to do what's best for my career at the end of the day, and that's what my heart is telling me. I am 25, not 18 or 19 like most if these kids. The clock is ticking for me. I won't be in my prime forever, so I have to make every year count. I want to make an impact on this league, and that's not going to happen by taking my good old-fashioned time."

[Fire Tortorella 2,653]

Hopefully we can pull off a surprise upset!

[diamond_ace 3,114]

I mean BESL has 9 teams, formerly 10, and they all make the playoffs - this is no stranger than that.

[diamond_ace 3,114]

On ‎11‎/‎27‎/‎2018 at 7:40 PM, Fire Hakstol said:

Hopefully we can pull off a surprise upset!

With all the new acquisitions (you and your brother, LaGarza, Coffey, S, etc) if everyone keeps active I wouldn't personally be too surprised if we can win the 4/5 series. Now the second round against the 1 seed... that would be a surprise.