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NHLGamers, The days to the big finale are dwindling down as we eagerly await yet another clash of the titans. Tomorrow #2 seed and reigning champion Linkoping HC will be taking on HAVU Gaming in the third straight ECL Elite final between these two clubs. The score is even, who will take the advantage? As we interviewed LHC goaltender and ECL 10 cover gamer Casper @ICappeI Lundgren last time, it is only right that we turn to HAVU goaltender and ECL 9 cover gamer Hannes @Hansulinho Kettunen this time: Both Linkoping and HAVU have been dominating the scene for way longer than any other team in recent memory. What do you think is the key to success here? - A similarity is obviously that both teams have kept their core intact over their period of success. This has led to superior chemistry between the forwards and a suffocating defensive unit. This is your third straight final appearance where you meet Linkoping HC, what similarities or differences do you see in this season when comparing to the previous ones? - This time it was more of a surprise than earlier, thanks to JYP letting it slip in the playoffs 😅. ECL 10 was supposed to be the battle between three greats, but it turned out differently. In general I don't think much has changed - pokaali takas kotiin! How have you developed personally if we'd look back at ECL 8 for example? - ECL 8 was our championship season, so I've tried to emulate the same kind of game. Honestly, I don't think there's much development to be done, you do what you can and pray for the big man to give you fortunate bounces. Any last greetings to the fans or opponents? - Let's fight hard and put on a great show! How to watch? The ECL 10 Elite Finals will be played on Friday, 5th of June and Saturday, 6th of June with a broadcast on our Twitch-channel. The broadcast is also available on Ruutu.fi & ISTV. Friday, June 5th 20:00 CEST Games 1-3 (puck drop around 20:25) HAVU Gaming vs Linkoping HC Saturday, June 6th 20:00 CEST Games 4-7 (puck drop around 20:25) HAVU Gaming vs Linkoping HC

NHLGamers, So, here we are - again. Facing down the third straight ECL Elite finals featuring HAVU Gaming and Linköping HC. The most intense rivalry in EASHL gaming. The “El Clasico of NHL gaming”. The words are my own, printed in the first part of our ECL Elite Season Preview here at NHLGamer. A piece entitled “The Big Two”. Because that’s really what they are, HAVU and LHC; in a league of their own. (3) HAVU Gaming vs Linkoping HC (2) PLAYOFF RECORD 4-0 (BRAYCE Phantoms), 4-1 (hREDS) vs 4-0 (Roots), 4-1 (Farjestad BK) TOP SCORER Tuukka @FlyerKungen Kuha (7+13=20) vs Erik @Eki Tammenpää (5+22=27) GOALTENDER Hannes @Hansulinho Kettunen (8 W, 86,05 SV%, 1,33 GAA, 2 SO) vs Casper @ICappeI Lundgren (8 W, 80 SV%, 1,44 GAA, 3 SO) The big two. It was not some sudden realization that struck me, inspiring me to put those words on paper. I didn’t suddenly develop the gift of foresight and managed to read the future. I’ve simply been around these teams and players long enough to know that their skill, experience and drive to succeed is simply unmatched in this community. It has been for the past year and a half, give or take. That’s why we are here - again. However, even if the destination we arrived at was the expected one, it doesn’t take away from the journey there. HAVU and LHC once again had to earn their stripes. Finishing 2nd (LHC) and 3rd (HAVU) in the ECL 10 regular season behind JYP Jyvaskyla, both teams sported identical 26-3-1 records and amassed 53 points each. LHC was the highest-scoring team in the regular season, lighting the lamp an impressive 129 times. Helped in part by Paul @PleeMaker Aronties record-breaking 58-goal campaign, no doubt. The second-best offense in the league? HAVU, of course, with 103 goals. When it comes to the defensive side of the puck, none were better than HAVU. Allowing just 40 goals in 30 games, goaltender Hannes @Hansulinho Kettunen and his men kept opponents to 1,33 goals per game. Allowing a mere six goals more (46), ECL 10 cover athlete Casper @ICappeI Lundgren and his teammates were no slouches in the defensive category either. When it comes to the man-advantage HAVU finished 2nd, connecting on an intimidating 34,39 percent of their chances. LHC finished 10th in the league with a powerplay percentage of 24,49 - solid, but not game-breaking. When it came to killing penalties, these two showed why they are the best in the business. HAVU killed 86,49% of their PK situations (1st in the league) while racking up 74 penalty minutes (8th most). LHC neutralized 84,21% of their penalties (2nd) but displayed military-like discipline by only collecting 38 PIMs. In the playoffs, both teams once again proved their mettle by earning identical 4-0 series wins over Roots Gaming (LHC) and BRAYCE Phantoms (HAVU) in the first round. The second round offered more resistance as Linköping took on fellow Swedish SHL team Färjestad BK – a team who had just pulled off a massive upset against #1 seed JYP. LHC took the first game but FBK fought back and evened out the series 1-1. On the second gameday, FBK came dangerously close to collecting a 2-0 win in Game 3. But with mere minutes remaining of the 3rd period, LHC showed why they are the defending ECL Grand Champions. Striking lightning-fast three times over and turning the game into a 3-2 win, LHC broke FBK’s spirit and soon thereafter snagged two more wins to take the series. HAVU faced hREDS – a team known for their high level of individual skill. HAVU got out to a 3-0 series lead but had to fight tooth and nail for their advantage, winning the first two games in overtime and the third by a single goal. In Game 4, hREDS stepped up and managed to win an overtime game of their own but in Game 5 – once again overtime – HAVU punched their ticket to the finals. Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin. Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens. Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees. Sweden vs. Finland. Like all the great sport rivalries, there is a level of mutual respect between the players involved. Skill recognizes skill, winners recognize winners. But while the LHC and HAVU players may be cordial off the ice, friends even, don’t think for a second these twelve men wouldn’t do just about anything to make sure their squad is the one that comes out on top in the end. Strategy adjustments, hidden set plays saved just for this matchup – perhaps even some mind-games. You name it, we’ll probably see it. LHC are here to defend their ECL 9 title. HAVU are here to exact revenge for that very event, especially since they actually led that series 3-1 at one point. Forgive my indulgence, but I would like to end this Finals preview by including another quote from the ECL 10 season preview. Because if you’ve read this far and still don’t feel like you know what we’re talking about here, we’re talking about… Be there this Friday and Saturday. You’ll be sorry you missed it. How to watch? The ECL 10 Elite Finals will be played on Friday, 5th of June and Saturday, 6th of June with a broadcast on our Twitch-channel. The broadcast is also available on Ruutu.fi & ISTV. Friday, June 5th 20:00 CEST Games 1-3 (puck drop around 20:25) HAVU Gaming vs Linkoping HC Saturday, June 6th 20:00 CEST Games 4-7 (puck drop around 20:25) HAVU Gaming vs Linkoping HC Don't miss the afterparty! NHLGamer proudly presents the ELC 10 Elite Finals official afterparty! We'll be treated to a special one-hour B2B set by Luxonia, featuring artists NickyB & Samlight. The party will kick off Saturday on our Twitch channel right after the Finals!

NHLGamers, Third time's the charm? As customary, ECL 10 Elite culminates at the pinnacle of the season - this being the final series between #2 seed Linkoping HC and #3 seed HAVU Gaming. It feels like I've written this text before and as a matter of fact I have. This duo has been dominating the scene for the past three seasons with this being the third straight ECL Elite final series, in which these powerhouses will be going to battle. This season, it was evident that competition are closing in, but for now it's time to find out who takes the crown once and for all, as reigning champions LHC defend the throne against former titleholder HAVU. We reached out to Linkoping HC goaltender and ECL 10 cover gamer Casper @ICappeI Lundgren for a few comments on the season and the upcoming series: Paul @PleeMaker Arontie has had an outstanding season, possibly drawing attention away from the fact that Aleksi @loimmu Loimuvirta also has performed at extraordinary level throughout the season. How does it feel to have these guys on your side and what do you see as the base for their excellent performances? - Yeah, it's amazing to play behind these guys every night. A natural reason for the performances we've seen is the incredible amount of individual skill that both of these guys possess combined with the chemistry they have together with @Patzlaf, @Eki and @jtorro1233 on the ice. Every guy knows they can count on the one next to them and the high morale is one of the greatest assets we've utilized to come this far. A while ago, you became a member of the gaming chapter at The Goalie Guild. The club consists of several of the worlds top goaltenders, how has that helped your game? - It's a great asset and a helping hand. The greatest thing is being able to talk things through and exchange thoughts with some of the greatest in the world. In this years iteration of NHL, you've had to make a number of changes and GGG has been a great help in finding the right adjustments to make. This is the third straight ECL Elite final in which these two teams will go at each other. You're definitely familiar with the other team - what would you say will be the decisive factor? - As said, we're two teams that certainly have become acquainted over the years. I'll give you the same old answer. The team that is better defensively will win the series. Any final greetings before the puck is dropped? - Kom igen Cluben! Photo credit: Elias Gammelgård How to watch? The ECL 10 Elite Finals will be played on Friday, 5th of June and Saturday, 6th of June with a broadcast on our Twitch-channel. The broadcast is also available on Ruutu.fi & ISTV. Friday, June 5th 20:00 CEST Games 1-3 (puck drop around 20:25) HAVU Gaming vs Linkoping HC Saturday, June 6th 20:00 CEST Games 4-7 (puck drop around 20:25) HAVU Gaming vs Linkoping HC

NHLGamers, We have reached the semifinals of ECL 10 Lite. This also means we now know the four teams that have earned Pro promotion for the next season. NHLGamer wants to congratulate teams Sack Brothers, HUIPPUPASSI, Ducktales BK and Angry Cats. You have achieved something that hundreds of players were after this season. Enjoy this moment and be proud of yourselves! Great challenge awaits you next season. However the battle isn’t over yet as the title of champions is still there for the taking. Here are the semifinalists of ECL 10 Lite: Sack Brothers (1) vs HUIPPUPASSI (10) Fast attacking hockey has been the theme for both of these teams as has been the overall trend for so many others this season as well. However, the reason why these teams are now playing in the semifinals is understanding the game both ways and bringing the balance to the ice - that is a game mentality that is really hard to break. There have also been two players in this matchup that have been especially fun to watch throughout the season: @Kucherov86 (SB) and @viba2008 (HP) have been the best attacking defensemen of this season. They were in a two way battle over winning the scoring title for defensemen in the regular season and have continued on the same path in the playoffs. Finally they will go head-to-head, who will take the upper hand? Sack Brothers faced GENESIS (18) in a quarterfinal series that ended 4-1 in their favour. However the score doesn’t tell the whole truth of that series. GENESIS was able to put on real pressure to the Sack Brothers defense and made their attacking really hard, but with the lead of keeper @mikeruud Sack Brothers defense held up and in the end it was the quality of finishing that made the difference in the series. @snippystatue played the key role for Sack Brothers in this series and he was chosen as a first star in every win that Sack Brothers took. While the left side of Sack Brothers formation has clearly been the attacking one, some credit is due to @Datupeijooni (Datzonee) and @Persusta95 on the right wing for keeping the balance in the back as well so the team won’t be too vulnerable for counter attacks. HUIPPUPASSI showcased a thriller against EBR eSports Official (2) in the quarterfinals. The series ended in overtime of game seven, where defender @Mikax222 had the honour of burying the puck into the net from a rebound. HUIPPUPASSI have had a quite different path to the semifinals when compared to their opponent. While Sack Brothers have been among the best teams right from the very first game, HUIPPUPASSI had a rough start to the season and in the middle of the regular season it looked like they were one of the mid-table teams that were fighting for the last playoff spot but then something happened and since then there hasn't been a team that has been able to stop them. Wingers @jjokke19 and @bergsti (pikkuroger) have found excellent scoring form in the playoffs and the team is definitely ready for the challenge. Goalkeeper @IMadeGod (iceiceice-.-) isn’t currently enjoying an as high saving percent as his colleagues in the semifinals but there is no doubt about his ability to stop pucks at the same level as other keepers at this stage. Both teams will want to start the series strong. They both know that their opponents strength lies in their attacking and I believe that this could change the way of playing from their earlier series. We could see two teams heavily trusting in counter attacks and a tight defensive in their own zone. Sack Brothers is so used to winning it could make things really interesting if HUIPPUPASSI would manage to win for example the two first games utilizing the slightly more defensive style than they usually do. How would the ‘’Sacks’’ respond? As always, the centermen will play a big role. In this series @Aitis (Aitis81) (HP) will face maybe the best center of the season so far: @luosttin (SB). Aitis81 will have to continue his good work in the takeaway department if he wants to keep talented luosttin in check. This is definitely the pair of players you should follow throughout the series. Prediction: Many have marked Sack Brothers as the favourites for the cup and I can see why. They are a great team all around and especially their victory over strong GENESIS proved that there might not be a team in the league that can stop them. On the other hand I believe that HUIPPUPASSI enjoys the underdog status here and they could have the element of surprise if they can take the lead in series and find the weakness in Sack Brothers playstyle that others haven’t figured out. In the end I believe that Sack Brothers have the quality to overcome every obstacle HUIPPUPASSI will throw at their way and ‘’Sacks’’ will advance to the finals with a series score of 4-1. Angry Cats (5) vs Ducktales BK (7) This will definitely be a different kind of challenge for the Angry Cats than their earlier opponents this season. They will face Ducktales BK, who are one of the best defensive teams in the league. The theme of this series could actually be close to that of Angry Cats' series against Nordic Nosebleed in the first playoff round, where Nordic Nosebleed chose to pursue a very defensive style which led to three out of the five matches advancing to overtime. Only this time, the opponent will be a lot stronger and more dangerous in the offensive zone as well. This will also be a battle of two great goalkeepers. Angry Cats keeper @Giinis has an amazing 87,66 SV% in the playoffs and @Rymaan of Ducktales BK isn’t far away with his 85,57 SV%. Of course both goalkeepers will get help from their good defense but still these are really impressive numbers and deserve to be noted. Angry Cats played against Hokurit (6) in the quarterfinals. At the start of the series it was hard to say which of the teams was going to win but the more play we saw between the two, the more clear it became that Angry Cats were the better team and finally ended the series with a score of 4-1. It isn’t a secret that attacking trio @Korkokokorko , @Lowryy (Lowryy8) and @juusto18 have been the best attacking trio alongside Sack Brothers trio this season, but it was the defender @Jesse6115 who scored the biggest goals in the final games of the series against Hokurit. It is really important for Angry Cats that the defenders @Jesse6115 and @Demoni2016 (Myrkky_Maik) can help their talented attackers offensively in the series against a team that will make getting to the scoring areas really challenging. Ducktales BK have had a stable season and playoff run so far. In the quarterfinals they were able to beat HV71 eSHL (3) with 1-4 in a series that were expected to be as close as it was in the scoring department, but in the end Ducktales BK were the better team and deserved the spot in the semifinals. One of the key players for Ducktales BK in the series against HV71 eSHL was @Zidso, who seems to have found top form when it’s needed the most and as a result stirred the pot having a say in most of the goals that Ducktales BK scored. The team made some interesting changes to their roster in the playoffs, when @tokFan (ItokFanI), who started the season as a center and later switched places with @cHIIMEERa to the right wing, seems to be playing as a defender with experienced @J-Foppain the playoffs and its working very well. Also winger @Craig (oskuldsfull) started only half of the games in the regular season but has now been the starter for his team and there has been no problems finding chemistry right away. This is going to be a different kind of series compared to the other pair where both teams rely on putting heavy pressure on their opponent and countering from the takeaways. In this series the game will most likely be more balanced and not so much risks will be taken by either of these teams. As said before, Angry Cats faced some troubles playing against a tight defensive team earlier but they came out as a winners and I don’t believe Ducktales BK will go full defensive mode at least when the game is tied. Ducktales BK did a great job against HV71 eSHL in avoiding clear 2vs1 and 3vs1 counter-attacks by always keeping two players at the back and that will be crucial against Angry Cats as well, since they have the quality to punish from every odd-man rush they will get. Ducktales BK will also face the best powerplay in the league so they want to avoid any extra trips to the box. However it will definitely not be a series where Angry Cats are the only team that is trying to find the way to score, Ducktales BK have the individual quality and good form going, so Angry Cats can’t blink their eyes in the wrong moment or they will see Ducktales BK smashing the puck in the net. Prediction: Both teams have had quite a similar route to the semifinals. Both have survived a game seven and in the quarterfinals, both teams were able to play their best hockey and take convincing 4-1 wins over their opponents. I believe Angry Cats will start the series strong and take wins from the first games. However, if Ducktales BK manage to take the lead in matches, they have the ability to shut down the opposing attack and then Angry Cats could be in trouble. I still believe that Angry Cats will be the winner of this series. I have also predicted Ducktales BK to lose their series two times in a row now and they’ve won both times so I don’t want to jinx anything at this stage. Angry Cats will advance to the finals with score 4-2. Who will follow the path of Riven Johdolla and Sulkavan Sudet (ECL 9 Lite finalists) and play in the ECL 10 Lite finals? Follow the teams on social media to find out when the games are being played and give them your support. Enjoy the games and respect your opponents.