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ECL '25: Lite Spring Playoffs Ignite with Thrilling First-Round Matchups *this article was written as of May 21st Playoffs (BO7) Round of 32: Monday 26.5 Tuesday 27.5 Wednesday 28.5 Round of 16: Sunday 1.6 Tuesday 3.6 Wednesday 4.6 Quarterfinals: Sunday 8.6 Tuesday 10.6 Wednesday 11.6 Semifinals: Sunday 15.6 Tuesday 17.6 Wednesday 18.6 Finals: 23.6- 24.6* * Dates are subject to change as broadcast productions are confirmed. Kikkakirja (1) VS Hockeyholics (32) The ECL '25: Winter Lite playoffs are here, and all eyes are on a thrilling matchup between top-seeded Kikkakirja and the gritty Hockeyholics! Kikkakirja, a powerhouse relegated to the Lite division after a tough Pro qualifier campaign, enters with home-ice advantage and a commanding regular-season performance. They already bested Hockeyholics twice this season (4-3W, 7-4W), showcasing their offensive prowess with explosive plays and sharp teamwork. Led by the dynamic @PyroNiko, a former Pro standout who returned from a brief hiatus to captain this squad, Kikkakirja is hungry to dominate the Lite division and secure a triumphant return to Pro. Their high-octane style promises a barrage of goals, making them the team to beat. Hockeyholics, hailing from Central Europe, clawed their way into the playoffs despite a regular season marred by costly mistakes and defensive lapses. Their resilience, however, has earned them a shot at redemption. If they can shore up their own zone and find consistency, they have the potential to turn this series into a nail-biter. The key lies with @Hasek-39--, an Austrian veteran with Pro playoff experience, whose leadership and clutch performances could spark an upset. His ability to rally his team through tight games will be crucial if Hockeyholics hope to challenge Kikkakirja’s dominance. This series could unfold in two ways: Kikkakirja might steamroll to a quick 4-0 sweep, leveraging their offensive depth, or Hockeyholics could minimize errors, keep games close, and stretch the series into a dogfight. Fans are in for a treat either way, as both teams bring passion and flair to the virtual ice. Players To Watch: Kikkakirja: @PyroNiko A returning star aiming to lead his team to Lite glory. Hockeyholics: @Hasek-39-- The veteran whose experience could tilt the series. Series Prediction: Hifk_fani: Kikkakirja in 5 (4-1). AI Kikkakirja in 4 (4-0). Silver Sword Griffins (13) VS TikiTaka (20) The puck drops today as the ECL '25: Spring playoffs ignite with a thrilling first-round clash between the Silver Sword Griffins and TikiTaka! This matchup promises high-octane action, pitting the Griffins’ slick offensive prowess against TikiTaka’s gritty determination. Fans, buckle up, this series is set to deliver! The Silver Sword Griffins, a near-full Latvian squad, have dazzled all season with their mesmerizing play in the offensive zone. Their deft stickhandling and clever tactics left opponents scrambling, a reputation cemented after Latvia's standout World Cup performance. The dynamic duo of @LATMinx and @CapinsH-LV has been unstoppable, carrying the Griffins to a strong regular-season finish. Now, they’re poised to translate that momentum into playoff success. With their knack for exploiting defensive gaps, the Griffins are eyeing TikiTaka’s shaky backline as their ticket to the next round. Expect their high-flying offense to test TikiTaka’s resolve early and often. TikiTaka, meanwhile, has endured a rocky season, struggling to keep pucks out of their net. Their mid-season acquisition of veteran @snippystatue brings playoff experience, but his role remains uncertain. Captain @TansKungen has been the team’s heartbeat, setting a high standard and urging his squad to elevate their game. However, the gamble on rookie goalie @K3mpny has backfired, with defensive lapses plaguing the team. In the playoffs, TikiTaka will lean on their offensive flair and puck-possession skills to outlast the Griffins’ aggressive counters. This series hinges on execution. The Griffins’ precision attacks will challenge TikiTaka’s porous defense, while TikiTaka must capitalize on their offensive chances to stay alive. The team that best neutralizes their opponent’s counterattacks will emerge victorious. Players To Watch: Silver Sword Griffins: @kriteris A defenseman who can steer the game on both sides of the puck. TikiTaka: @TansKungen The leader needs to get his team going to have a chance. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Griffins in 6 (4-2). AI: Griffins in 5 (4-1)- Seinäjoki Noms (4) VS HC Last Resort (29) The 1st round of the ECL Lite playoffs is here once again, and now we’re highlighting the series between the Seinäjoki Noms and Last Resort, which is shaping up to be a nail-biter! These two teams already traded blows in the regular season, where the lower-seeded Last Resort snagged five out of six possible points (3-1 W, 2-3 OTW), giving the Noms a score to settle. This series promises a tightly contested battle that fans won’t want to miss. Get ready for a showdown packed with intensity and drama! The Seinäjoki Noms, a cohesive Finnish squad, earned their well-deserved fourth seed after battling heavyweights like Powerhouse Hockey and Lemmenvelhot for their group’s top spot. Led by the ever-loyal @Simbee434, a cornerstone of the franchise who’s never donned another jersey, the Noms are hungry to prove themselves in the playoffs. Their disciplined teamwork and relentless drive make them a formidable force, but they’ll need to outmaneuver a Last Resort team that knows their playbook inside out. The Noms’ success hinges on their ability to convert scoring chances and neutralize Last Resort’s key threats. Last Resort, despite a lackluster regular season, enters the playoffs with confidence, having already bested the Noms twice. They may not face the steepest climb among lower seeds, but they’re not underestimating their opponents. Anchored by @Tzon93, a former Elite and Pro player who racked up an impressive 52 points (33+19) in the Lite division, and supported by @eissi83, a battle-tested skater with experience in high-stakes games, Last Resort has the firepower to go toe-to-toe with the Noms. Their playoff pedigree could be the edge they need. This series will come down to the wire. Special teams and clutch scoring will decide the victor, with experience clashing against unity. Who will prevail? Players To Watch: Seinäjoki Noms: @Simbee434 His team needs him now more than ever. HC Last Resort: @Tzon93 The veteran forward has a knack for scoring. Series Prediction: Hifk_fani: Last Resort in 5 (4-1). AI: Seinäjoki Noms in 6 (4-2). Kokemus Puuttuu (5) VS Hokurit (28) Another tight series that is a must watch by SportsGamer fans, both teams have good blend of experience and talent, and now face each other in a round 1 matchup, after battling each other in the regular season and Kokemus Puuttuu winning both games, they now have the upper hand in this series. This electrifying matchup blends seasoned experience with explosive talent, promising a thrilling best-of-seven series. Hokurit, storming back into the Lite division, are determined to prove they’re elite contenders. Led by the clutch-scoring dynamo @Jondeezz, who racked up 27 goals and 18 assists this season, Hokurit has the offensive spark to turn games around. If @Jondeezz can ignite in high-pressure moments, Hokurit could pull off a stunning upset. Their renowned defensive grit, a hallmark of their past success, will be vital in shutting down Kokemus Puuttuu’s high-powered attack. Facing a team with Elite experience in the Lite division is no small challenge, but Hokurit has the worst defense of all the teams in the playoffs at GA/GP at 4.39; if they keep this up it’ll be a short series. Kokemus Puuttuu, a squad with Pro division aspirations, is primed to make a statement. Their regular-season sweep over Hokurit bolsters their confidence. At the forefront is @TeMeX a do-it-all leader who joined after TikiTalk’s collapse and has shone brightly in the Lite division. With 51 points (26+25), @TeMeX drives the team’s relentless offense. Kokemus Puuttuu’s ability to dictate tempo and capitalize on scoring chances makes them a formidable foe. This series promises tight, edge-of-your-seat games. Kokemus Puuttuu’s offensive depth will test Hokurit’s shaky defence, we’re bound to see a thrilling series. If Hokurit can tighten up defensively, this series could go either way. Players To Watch: Kokemus Puuttuu: @EPIZOR(Meemi_) A beast between the pipes, 2 shutouts is my guess. Hokurit: @Jondeezz The veteran needs to take his team on his back once again. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Kokemus Puuttuu in 5 (4-1). AI: Kokemus Puuttuu in 5 (4-1) (12) Jurricanes VS Wida (21) With a series like this, we’re bound to get some entertaining ehockey, both teams excel in the offensive zone, and face each other in a best-of-seven series. We get to see a nailbiter once more, and a series that will surely be close. Wida enters the playoffs after a somewhat lackluster regular season, falling short of expectations following their near-miss in the Pro qualifiers. The Finnish side now faces pressure to prove their worth. Leading the charge is @nikitikitin, a standout in the Lite division with an impressive 72 points (39+33) this season. After last year’s playoff stumble, @nikitikitin is hungry to show that setback was a fluke. Wida’s potent powerplay, clicking at an impressive 31.91%, gives them a clear edge. If they capitalize on special teams and maintain their offensive flair, they could overpower their opponents and advance deeper into the postseason. Jurricanes, also hailing from Finland, are making their playoff debut after a solid Lite division campaign last season. While their special teams have been a weak link, the playoffs offer a fresh start to showcase their potential. Anchoring the team is goaltender @Joniner, a reliable netminder with Pro experience who gives Jurricanes a steady presence between the pipes. If their offense, often likened to a diesel engine, can find its rhythm early, Jurricanes could pose a serious threat. Their ability to ignite their attack and shore up special teams will be critical against Wida’s relentless pressure. This series is a true toss-up, with both teams lacking a standout edge in any single category. Wida’s superior powerplay could tip the scales, but if Jurricanes find their groove and @joniner stands tall, they could steal the series. The team that seizes key moments and executes efficiently will move on. Players To Watch: Jurricanes: @VesKuLiNe An experienced leader who has the talent to take them far. Wida: @nikitikitin An offensive demon who can light up any team. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Wida in 7 (4-3). AI: Wida in 6 (4-2). Powerhouse Hockey (8) VS Carolus Icemen (25) The ECL '25: Spring playoffs are igniting, and the first-round clash between Powerhouse Hockey and Carolus Icemen is shaping up to be a must-watch spectacle! Both teams thrive on offensive firepower, but Powerhouse’s superior defensive play gives them a clear edge in this best-of-seven series. Expect dazzling highlight-reel goals and relentless offensive zone pressure from both sides, with this matchup poised to deliver thrilling eHockey action from puck drop. Carolus Icemen, hailing from Sweden, boast an impressive 3.5 goals-for per game, a stat that could have landed them in the regular season’s top four. However, their shaky defense has left them as the 25th seed, facing a steep uphill battle in the playoffs. Leading the charge is @Bror1326, a seasoned forward with experience in higher divisions. His 56 points (27+29), second on the team, make him the Icemen’s linchpin. For Carolus to have a shot at stealing a game or two, @Bror1326 must elevate his play and inspire a defensive turnaround, but the road to an upset looks daunting against Powerhouse’s well-rounded game. Powerhouse Hockey enters the playoffs with the X-factor to make a deep run and secure a Pro division spot next season. Their regular-season dominance showcased a lethal blend of offense, defense, and above-average special teams, making them a formidable force in the Lite division. Captain @Burritokuningas, with 54 points (21+33), is the heart and soul of the team, known for carrying his squad in clutch moments. Powerhouse’s 200-foot game—combining relentless forechecking, solid defense, and opportunistic scoring—makes them a nightmare matchup. They’re primed to fire on all cylinders. This series could swing between a tight contest and a Powerhouse blowout. While Carolus Icemen’s grit and offensive spark might snag a game, Powerhouse’s balanced attack and defensive edge should propel them forward. The team that controls the tempo and capitalizes on mistakes will prevail. Players To Watch: Powerhouse Hockey: @Eiteam Can rise up and be a challenge for the Swedes. Carolus Icemen: @Tlindgren96 If he can steal games, they have a shot. Series Prediction: Hifk_fani: Powerhouse in 5 (4-1). AI: Powerhouse in 4 (4-0). Follow the Playoff streams: Please post dates, times, and links for streams in the comments of this news story and on social media, to help everyone find your team streams.

After a tightly contested regular season that saw plenty of storylines across the table, eight teams have separated themselves from the rest of the field and have earned their right to play for an Elite division championship. In a playoff field mixed with new and old faces, just 12 wins separate them from their biggest goal for the season: being crowned champions. Let's break down each of the eight teams and all four Quarterfinals series. Also, a thank you to @Mozjayh for his contributions to this article. Playoffs schedule (BO7) Quarterfinals Monday 26.5 20:00 CEST Last Dance vs Tohtorit (G1-4) Wednesday 28.5 20:00 CEST Exen vs Mustaa Kultaa (G1-2) 21:20 CEST Mythix vs SSK Esports (G1-2) Thursday 29.5 20:00 CEST Exen vs Mustaa Kultaa (G3-4) 21:20 CEST Parasite vs Heimo (G1-2) Sunday 1.6 ⚠️19:30 CEST Parasite vs Heimo (G3-4) 20:40 CEST Mythix vs SSK (G3-4) Monday 2.6 ⚠️19:30 CEST Exen vs Mustaa Kultaa (G5-7) AFTER ABOVE SERIES Last Dance vs Tohtorit Wednesday 4.6 ⚠️19:30 CEST Parasite vs Heimo AFTER ABOVE SERIES Mythix vs SSK Semifinals Sunday 8.6 - 20:00 CET | 2vs3 & 1vs4 | Games 1-2 Monday 9.6 - 19:30 CET | 1vs4 | Games 3-7 Wednesday 11.6 - 18:30 CET | 2vs3 | Games 3-7 Finals Saturday 14.6 - TBC (1) Last Dance vs (8) Tohtorit Regular Season Series (May 4th): - Last Dance 4-2 W - Last Dance 4-1 W Last Dance Unquestionably the most consistent team in the regular season, Last Dance secured the #1 seed after a 77-point regular season that saw them win 26 games (including 24 in regulation). Despite such a dominant season, however, the storylines surrounding this team are plentiful. The obvious one is the "Last Dance" mantra. Could this potentially be the last shot at a championship for multiple players on this roster? Is retirement approaching for some of them? If so, who? Is it simply a matter of their core group each going their separate ways after ECL '25? These are all questions that we have yet to see answers to publicly, but we will more than likely find out sooner rather than later. Another story is: can some of these players finally reach the top of the ECL mountain once again? Though Last Dance has players from 13 of 19 championship teams in division history, only @NikkeDangles has lifted an Elite division trophy since ECL 12, with @Eki not winning since ECL 11 with FILADELPHIA and @Hansulinho, @Puantso and @Zande95 last winning with HAVU GAMING in ECL 10. The group boasts a lethal offense that features each of the division's top three point producers in Nikke (87pts), Eki (81pts) and Puantso (73pts). As a team, Last Dance averaged 4 goals per game in the regular season, which is tied for the third-highest in the history of the Elite division. The only two teams to score more goals in a season were Parasite last season and Linköping in ECL 10. They were also one of the better teams in their own end, allowing just 2.13 goals allowed per game, which ranked third in the division. @J-_-Jamaltheman or @Lxndstrom have been stellar in their return as a defensive pairing this season and have long-standing chemistry going back to their time with JYP Jyväskylä, as well as with Hotbox and Hokurit in the Lite and Pro division. Neither have won a title yet in their respective careers, though each have made a semifinal appearance and will be looking to add a title to their resumes. Tohtorit If you had told me in April that Tohtorit would be the 8th seed and would have to wait until the final day of the season to even know if they'd make the playoffs, I honestly wouldn't have believed you. This team was the #2 seed last season and were just three wins away from playing in the Finals. Yet here we are, and that's what makes the Elite division so unpredictable and so tough to compete in. For context, this team had a measly 5.25% chance to qualify for the playoffs on the last Monday of the regular season. However, they clutched up at the perfect time, collecting 9 out of 12 possible points in their final two series against Parasite and Heimo while Polski Boys lost each of their final three games in regulation, giving Tohtorit a three-point gap and the final available playoff spot. In terms of their production, Tohtorit took a significant step back offensively, going from 2.79 GF/GP in the Winter season, to 2.47 in the Spring season. They also saw themselves slide a bit defensively, going from allowing 2.04 goals per game to 2.47 this season. That is a bad combination with the increased parity throughout the division this season, and it'll be imperative for Tohtorit to rediscover its form from the Winter against a dominant opponent in Last Dance. @Ojala16 (52pts, 28 goals) and @profiilipakki (48pts, 29 assists) led the way for this team offensively. @Kkarkass will also be someone to look out for as usual, as he finished second in the division in time with the puck at 210:52, and will be critical to Tohtorit's ability to generate offense in this series. @Stammer70 also had a nice season with an 81.25 SV% and 2.68 GAA in 22 starts. His stats suffered a bit at the beginning of the season, but he was able to find his way after the halfway point of the season. He's the defending Goaltender of the Season for a reason, and he'll need to play like it in this series for Tohtorit to pull off an upset. Prediction: I would've assumed that this series was a semifinals matchup earlier in the season, but that's why they play the games! I like this Tohtorit team and feel like they are a much better group than what they showed in the regular season. They got hot at the right time to end the season and had the results of other teams fall their way to earn a spot in the Top 8. Momentum is real, and I think that this is one of the more dangerous #8 seeds that we have seen in a long time. Unfortunately, they are running into a juggernaut with Last Dance that are hungry to win a title, and it feels like Tohtorit are just missing a gear compared to last season. I think that Tohtorit could make things interesting due to their chemistry and recent momentum, but I'd be stunned if Last Dance allowed for their title hopes to slip in the Quarterfinals. They're just too talented and too consistent. @bMaJuH: Last Dance in 5 @Mozjayh: Last Dance in 5 (2) Mythix vs (7) SSK ESPORTS Regular Season Series (May 4th): - SSK ESPORTS 5-2 W - Mythix 4-2 W Mythix As a team that found itself in the middle of the playoff table in each of the past two seasons, Mythix earned the #2 seed and were in the Top 3 for most of the season, earning its third playoff birth in as many Elite seasons. They went from 48 points last season to 67 points in the Spring, which was the second-biggest jump of any returning team, only trailing Last Dance (Voittamaton last season). So what was the difference between this season and their prior two runs? Multiple players are having a career season, and an elite offense is being paired with equally elite defense and goaltending. Along with averaging 3.5 goals scored per game, tied for the second-highest in the division and 1.18 improvement from last season, Mythix also allowed the lowest GA/GP at 1.77, being the only team in the division that allowed less than two goals per game. This team has also been special on the man advantage, as their 51.11% power play is the highest power play percentage in Elite division history. Their transfer additions over the offseason have transformed this group. After transferring from the demoted and now-defunct Roots Gaming, @Sokkelo__ led the way for Mythix this season with 69 points and 37 goals, which both ranked amongst the Top 5 in the division. Not only was he one of the most productive players in the league this season, but this will also be his first playoff appearance in his 12 seasons in the Elite division; finally breaking the ill-fated streak that's been pinned to him over the years. Alongside him was his fellow forward @temppanen, who put up a career high 61 points, 31 goals, and 30 assists after transferring from Voittamaton. Their final addition was on the defense with @Akunkku, who leads the division in takeaways with 115 and is tied-4th in interceptions with 193. He has been a steady defense partner with @WeDuX_, who ironically is the one tied with him in interceptions. Speaking of WeDux he arguably been not only the best defenseman in the league this season, but arguably the Elite division's most improved player this season. In 30 games, WeDux tallied 58 points with 52 assists and 89 takeaways, some of the best numbers of anyone in Elite this season. His improvement this season has been drastic, as last season he had just 18 points, 15 assists, and 55 takeaways. @TeikDaun has also had a career season in net, posting an 83.49 sv% and 1.71 GAA in 30 starts. SSK ESPORTS Arguably the biggest surprise of the Elite division this season, SSK ESPORTS has continued to shock the world throughout ECL 25. Six months ago, this organization was in the Pro Division and just fighting to make the playoffs, eventually making it in by 1 point on their final game of the regular season. Three months later, they made the Pro Finals as the #16 overall seed and won a relegation playoff over Falun Coal Miners to earn their place in Elite. Now fast forward another three months, and SSK ESPORTS are now in the Elite playoffs as a #7 seed, and have shown the community that they are a legitimate, palpable threat in this division. This team has a great mix of youth and experience. Starting out with their youth, @xcurhed has had an unforgettable rookie campaign. After transferring in Week 1 from Brynäs IF Esport in the Pro Division, Curhed posted 61 points in 30 games played with SSK ESPORTS, including an Elite division rookie record 36 goals. Both his point and goal totals rank in the top 10 in the entire division. Another impressive rookie has been @Adam2, who transferred with Curhed from Brynäs IF Esport and has been impressive on defense since joining SSK. Their starting goaltender @Brokenrice2000 also put together a respectable rookie campaign, starting all 30 games while posting a 79.86 SV%. In terms of their more experienced players, @zuppe_29 was tied with Curhed for the team-lead in points with 61, while also ranking Top 10 in the division in points and assists (39). Alongside him has been the team's captain and center @Rubituss, who put up an Elite career-high 50 points, 23 goals and 27 assists. @bystrom___ was also one of the best defensemen this season statistically, putting up a 47-point campaign (8 goals and 39 assists) with 91 takeaways. The most impressive part about this team is that they have also been able to earn wins against multiple fellow playoff teams. They split their series with Last Dance, Mythix, EXEN and Tohtorit, and even managed to sweep their series vs Mustaa Kultaa. This isn't a #7 seed that simply got in by beating up on the teams at the bottom of the table. They've proven that they can compete with, and even beat some of the better teams in the league. They took the third-most shots in the division at 493, averaged over 3 goals per game which ranked Top 5 in the division, and had the division's second-best power play at 30.95%. They even tend to limit mistakes and were one of the least-penalized teams in the league; all things that will be vital for them in this series. Prediction: Call me optimistic, but I actually think that this series has the potential to be the surprise of the Quarterfinals. I'm not calling for an upset necessarily, but both of these teams have been pleasant surprises in different ways. Mythix emerging as a legitimate title threat, and SSK ESPORTS going from a team viewed as a relegation candidate to earning its place in the playoffs and being in the hunt for the entire season. These two also split the regular season series, though Mythix was dominant in the second game, doubling SSK in both shots and time on attack in a 4-2 win. This series will come down to which team will be able to carry over its strengths from the regular season. Both sides are first-rate offensively, but Mythix brings the complete package with high-level defense, goaltending, and special teams. I don't think SSK is terribly far off, but it'd be slighting Mythix to say that they aren't a cut above after what we saw from them in the regular season, plus bowing out in the Quarterfinals would be an unmitigated disappointment for them after such a dominant campaign. It's a shame that only one of these teams will be able to earn their first-ever Elite semifinals birth, but that's the nature of the playoffs, and I think that Mythix should be seen as the favorite. Don't be surprised, though, if this series goes deeper than expected. @bMaJuH: Mythix in 6 @Mozjayh: Mythix in 5 (3) Parasite vs (6) Heimo Regular Season Series (April 14th): - Parasite 9-2 W - Heimo 3-2 W Parasite With the 30-game regular season officially behind them, Parasite's championship defense now officially begins with the postseason. Though their regular season performance wasn't at the same level of dominance as what we saw a season ago, Parasite still proved to be one of the division's best teams and a clear championship favorite. Their GF/GP (3.5) and GA/GP (2.13) were both 2nd in the Division, and they managed to register 583 shots this season, more than any other team in Elite. That's an average of 19.4 shots per game. The forward duo of @Beniittto and @Vattuyy were phenomenal as usual, as each of them eclipsed the 60-point and 30-goal mark, ranking Top 10 in the division in both categories. Their new addition in @xAaro89x saw his stats take a step back from him award-winning season with Mustaa Kultaa in the Winter, but his 50 points with 24 goals and 26 assists was still a solid contribution for this group. He seemed to really find his stride down the stretch of the season however, as he was able to earn 2+ points in seven of his final 10 games of the regular season. Look out for him to emerge for this team in their playoff run. @Teemuyy and @txmbo999 again formed one of the division's best defensive pairings, as both of them had 45+ points and 80+ takeaways this season. The two also combined for 57 blocked shots. Combine all of this with the steady and reliable goalie duo of @uhNikke and @FINSeRe, and it's easy to see why this team continues to find ways to rack up wins. Speaking of their goaltending duo, it'll be interesting to see how their time is split during the playoffs. FINSeRe started in 16 games and had an 80 SV% and a 2.13 GAA while facing 170 shots. Nikke, on the other hand, played in 14 games, posting a 79.4 SV% and 2.07 GAA while facing 141 shots. The only thing that really separates the two statistically is FINSeRe's three shutouts, and both of them are proven playoff starters. Last season, it was Nikke who started 10 of the 15 playoff games, including all six Finals games. This might be a bit harsh to say, but admittedly, I don't think that this group is as dominant as they were a season ago. Now, before you get upset and dismiss that statement, I want you to know that this isn't an indictment on them as a team. As odd as it is, Parasite is sort of a victim of having a near-perfect season in the Winter. They broke multiple ECL records, lost just one game in the regular season, and made quick work of their playoff opponents until the Finals, and even that series didn't go the full seven games. Replicating what they did in the Winter would've been borderline impossible, so seeing this team take a step back was expected, and they were still one of the best teams in just about every way possible. This team is skilled, experienced, and always seems to save their best hockey for the postseason, no matter who the competition is in front of them. A second-straight title will be tough, but they still have everything needed to make it happen. Heimo Coming into the season with one longest playoff droughts in the division, Heimo are back in the postseason after a strong end to the season, marking their first appearance since the ECL ’23 Spring season two years ago. This was also under the former JANO name and branding. If there is one word that I could use to describe this season, it would be "volatile". Heimo began the season looking like an offensive juggernaut. They averaged 4 goals per game during their first six games while winning five of those contests. They hit a bit of a slide after this, earning just 10 points in their 12 games since and sitting 12th in the standings with just 12 games to go. Heimo, however, ended the season with a 7-2-1 in their final 10 games, including wins over fellow playoff teams SSK ESPORTS and Tohtorit. To go along with their up-and-down results during the regular season, their stats also tell a tale of unpredictability. Heimo ended the regular season with the fourth-most goals scored while also allowing the third-most goals, as they both scored and allowed 3.13 goals per game. To their credit, they averaged just 2 goals for per game last season, so their offensive improvement was quite significant and is a big reason that they made it into the Top 8 this season. This team is one of the division's most balanced offensive attacks, as Heimo saw four skaters register 50+ points this season. The only other team in the division to do so was Mythix. @Eeemill_ led the way for this group with 57 points and 31 goals, both of which are career-highs for his time in the Elite division. Along with him was defenseman @KingOfApes_, who returned to the Elite division in arguably even better form than when we last saw him here in ECL 24. The former champion led all Elite defensemen with 15 goals and 223:23 of time with the puck. His 55 points were also the second-most of any defenseman in the division. Though his offensive numbers will get most of the shine, he was also stellar defensively this season, racking up 93 takeaways and 138 hits. This will be his first Elite playoff appearance since his time with Radical in the ECL '24 Winter season, where faced off against his former team in the Quarterfinals, just like he will again this season. Someone else to keep an eye on will be @xSnaipperi. The second-season skater switched positions with @SadaPoika after 12 games played. Following the swap, Snapperi scored 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points in 18 games as LW. These two have been quite effective on the left side of the ice for Heimo, so don't be surprised if they make an impact in this series. Overall, Heimo's playoff success will come down to whether or not they can continue to utilize their strengths (generating offense and doing so with multiple different points of attack) while also cutting down on some of their weak points (own-zone play and penalties). If they can do this, they have the talent to compete and ended the regular season with positive momentum. They'll need to hope that this carries forward into the postseason after the two-week break. Prediction: Honestly, you could tell me that this series will end in 4 games or that it will end in 7 games and I'd probably be just as quick to believe either one. Heimo played some of their best hockey of the regular season when they needed to most, but they also got many of those wins against non-playoff teams. Parasite are the defending champions and have been nothing short of great, but they also haven't had the same feel of dominance that we've seen from them in the past. In my opinion, many of Parasite's strengths counteract the things that Heimo does well. They are also very familiar with arguably this team's most important player in KingOfApes and will gameplan to slow him down. Though I don't think that Parasite have played their best hockey yet this season, just 80% of their best is still a Top 4 team in the division, and I feel that this, in combination with Heimo's lack of consistency, will play to their advantage in this series. This shouldn't be a sweep, and I actually think that Heimo can make this a close series if everything is clicking, but Parasite hasn't given me a reason to go against them in a long time. I'm not going to do so now. @bMaJuH: Parasite in 6 @Mozjayh: Playing in series (4) EXEN vs (5) Mustaa Kultaa Regular Season Series (April 14th): - EXEN 2-0 W - EXEN 4-2 W EXEN After the first couple of weeks of the season, things were looking disastrous for this EXEN team. They were last in the standings and lost six of their first eight games of the season in regulation. This means that they earned just 4 points out of a possible 24 points during that stretch. Ever since that point, EXEN has gone 17-4-1, earning series sweeps against the likes of Tohtorit, Heimo, and their Quarterfinals opponent Mustaa Kultaa. The fact that they were able to recover from that and make the playoffs as a Top 4 seed is nothing short of impressive, and goes to show how outstanding this team was been over their final 22 games of the season. One of the biggest reasons for this team's turnaround was the addition of @kriketski17. Interestingly enough, Krike wasn't even on a roster to begin the season, and when he did join a roster, it was with GOONS, where he played for 12 games as a defenseman. Krike then transferred over to EXEN, ironically taking the place of Bobi, who transferred to Mustaa Kultaa after a slow start to the season. In 22 games with EXEN, Krike tallied 51 points, with 38 of them being goals. If you took away the four goals that he scored with GOONS, he would still rank second in the Elite division in that category. He also led the division in hits with 389 (252 of those coming with EXEN). Outside of Krike, they have also benefitted from @Pikkarii having a nice bounce back from last season. The former Elite champion saw his points jump from 38 in the Winter, to 55 in the Spring. His assist number also improved, going from 22 to 37. Both of these numbers are career-highs for his time in the Elite division. @h3rmu__ has also proven to be a very worthwhile addition to this team. The rookie LW earned 43 points with 23 goals and 20 assists in his first season of Elite action. This was also Hermu's first full ECL season since ECL 12, when he played with FILADELPHIA ACADEMY in the Lite Division. He played four games with Polski Boys in the Pro division as a reserve during ECL '23 Spring, a team that later went on to win the championship that season. @xDoumi and @wengerii will also be key factors in this series, as they were the most puck-dominant defense pairing in the division during the regular season. The two combined for 339:26 of time with the puck and were the only duo in the division to both rank Top 10 in that stat for defensemen. This group also has @Kaz_zu in net, who ranked Top 5 in the division in save percentage (81.36 %) and saves made (336) of goalies that played at least 10 games. Had this team not dropped so many points to begin the season, they likely could've been in contention for the #2 or #3 seed, but losses to multiple of the Top 3 teams hurt them. Luckily for their sake, they bounced back valiantly and come into the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the division. They may not be perfect, but this team feels like a truly scary #4 seed. Mustaa Kultaa Mustaa Kultaa enters the postseason as arguably the coldest playoff team of the bunch. In a matter of just two weeks, last season's finalists went from being 1st in the standings and battling with Last Dance and Mythix for the top seed, to falling out of the Top 4 entirely. They went 4-7-1 in their final 12 games to end the season, and none of those wins were against playoff teams. This is a disastrous way to end your season, and I think that Mustaa Kultaa was probably happy to see the two-week break on the schedule before beginning their postseason run. Despite their rough run of form to end the season, though, this is still last season's finalists, and they return 5 of the 6 players who took arguably the best team in ECL history to six games in the Finals series. The team's long-standing captain and RW @Allupekkaz was phenomenal in his second Elite season, leading Mustaa Kultaa with 57 points and 29 goals. His opposite side winger @x-_-BoBi-_-x has also been impactful since joining this team midseason. After struggling with EXEN to begin the season, registering just 8 points in his 8 games played, Bobi came in with Mustaa Kultaa in Week 3 and immediately rediscovered his offensive touch, earning 35 points and 26 goals in 18 games played with his new club. This will be a fun story to watch, as I'm sure that he will have chip on his shoulder facing off against his old club. Luckily, both sides seemed to benefit from the move, so I doubt that there should be too many hard feelings from either side. Similarly to their opposition, this group also has a defense pairing that loves to have the puck on their sticks, as @Miseee96 and @NuariJamal combined for 320:26 of time with the puck. Mustaa Kultaa was also one of two teams that utilized a true split of the goaltending duties during the regular season. both @LatveX and @karlssonadam_ have proven to be phenomenal starters, especially in the playoffs. These are the last two winners of the Rookie of the Season award, and they're undoubtedly one of the best goalie duos that you'll find throughout the ECL (along with Parasite's duo of Finsere and UhNikke). Karlssonadam had the slight edge statistically, posting an 82.49 SV% and 2.21 GAA in 14 starts. LatVex was not far behind, though, as in 16 starts he earned a 79.79 sv% and 2.44 GAA. You genuinely can't go wrong with either guy. These are two of the best young goalies in all of Europe, and they even both represented their country in the recent SG World Cup (LatVex with Finland, Karlssonadam with Sweden). It'll just be interesting to see how this team decides to handle their playing time. Prediction: There are so many different storylines that you can sink your teeth into with this series. Not only is it a great 4v5 matchup, but it's also a matchup between two teams that ended the season going in completely opposite directions, and even features a player who transferred mid-season facing off against his old team. You also have two really talented lineups that both play exciting, but also different styles of hockey. Both of these teams have reason to feel both optimistic and pessimistic about their chances. For example, EXEN took the second-most PIMs in the league (95) while also having the worst penalty kill (56%), something that could haunt them against a Mustaa Kultaa team that are fast-paced and love to be deceptive with the puck. Not a great combination for success. On the other side, Mustaa Kultaa is the worst face-off team in the division at 42.7%, while EXEN is the second-best team in this category at 52.65%. This could be detrimental for Mustaa Kultaa, as EXEN would be plenty happy to just him them in their own zone and pepper them with shots, where they rank fourth in the division. This series will be fun to watch, and it wouldn't surprise me to see either team advance. Mustaa Kultaa's end to the season is undoubtedly concerning, and EXEN have looked like a different team since adding Krike to the mix. I could easily be proven wrong, but I'm going to roll with the team that played the best at the end of the season. Time will tell whether their contrasting forms will carry over. Regardless of who wins, I'd be surprised to see this series end in less than six games. @bMaJuH: EXEN in 7 @Mozjayh: EXEN in 6 Want to keep up with everything happening in the ECL this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to us on Twitch, YouTube, and X.

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