Erik Summers 451 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 Playoff Previews: Semi-FinalsCalgary Wranglers v. Seattle Bears In a turn of events that, at this point, is no longer shocking, the Seattle Bears look to be headed to the finals again. In their way stand the Calgary Wranglers looking to deny them their third straight North American Conference title. First Round Results Calgary probably struggled more in the first round than they rightfully should have. Or, I should say, the series looked closer than I feel it actually was. Aside from one awful game, the Wranglers were in the driver’s seat the whole way. Game five could have easily gone their way, but some bad puck-luck and the craziness of overtime hockey in the playoffs sent the series to six games. That being said, I think we did see a glimpse of Calgary’s biggest weakness, their extreme variance. Throughout the season, it was really hard to predict which Calgary team would show up each game. One Wrangler’s roster was among the most smothering in the league and truly looked like this could be their year. The unfortunate dark side, however, showed up seemingly at random and when it did, it was always ugly. On the other side, Seattle seems to be returning to form as they return to where they seem most comfortable, the postseason. Many people joked about it, some even thought that the Bears had a good shot, but I don’t think anyone predicted they would dominate the Wolves so completely. Despite facing nearly two hundred shots, Rayz Funk showed up in a major way to keep them in every game. The downside for Seattle is this, they are hot right now, and if that heat runs out before the series is over, they are going to be in for a bad time. However, given the recent history, I think it would be hard not to call the Bears the favourite to take this series. Why Calgary will win Factor number one for Calgary is their depth. You have to get seventeen players deep in the list of first-round players by points per sixty minutes to find a Wrangler. However, as a team, their offence showed up in the first round to complement their always stellar defensive play. There is a reasonable chance that this will turn into a battle of the goaltenders and if it does I have to give the advantage to Calgary. JB Rift has been amazing all year and is undoubtedly hungry for more playoff success than he has seen in the past. The question mark that will really swing things for or against the Wranglers is going to be their top line. In big games or big series like these, you have to have your top guys show up. If Tyler Barabash Jr. isn’t a difference-maker they are going to struggle to keep up with how explosive Seattle has been so far. Why Seattle will win It is hard to bet against the reigning champs right now. After such a big upset in the first round, they have officially removed any underdog status from themselves. But maybe being doubted was doing something positive for this team psychologically. Let’s see if they can continue to perform when everyone is expecting them to succeed. The key to victory for the Bears is going to be straightening out their defence. Rayz Funk is a top tier goalie, but you can’t continue to allow him to face forty or more shots a game and expect him to hold the game together for your team. If this series becomes a shootout it will be too unpredictable to have a clear favourite. I believe Seattle can maintain their advantage by slowing the pace of play and dominating possession the way they do so well. For the Bears, the biggest hurdle is going to be overcoming a lack of depth. Their stars perform magnificently in the first round, but it is going to take a whole team effort to win the cup. Can some of the younger talent on the team rise to the occasion? That may very well be the deciding factor of this series. Spoiler Players Mentioned: @Rayzor_7, @Devise, @Bushito zepheter, Ricer13, Victor and 1 other 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePerfectNut 563 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 I hate to admit this, but if Banacock takes that team into the finals. I don't why he shouldn't be GM of the year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepheter 586 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 It doesn't help that Seattle has a 500 TPA defenseman playing around 27 minutes a game that's for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banackock 8,032 Posted March 4, 2020 Share Posted March 4, 2020 3 hours ago, Jtv123 said: I hate to admit this, but if Banacock takes that team into the finals. I don't why he shouldn't be GM of the year It’s not a playoff award! Hence the last 2 cup wins Walter Fizz and Hogan 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThePerfectNut 563 Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 18 hours ago, Banackock said: It’s not a playoff award! Hence the last 2 cup wins Yes, but I think Seattle had a really bad start and a lot of people thought they wouldn't be close to the finals.finals . this year for sure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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