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After an exciting set of quarterfinals we're left with four teams looking to claim the trophy and also possibly a spot in the Elite division. Interestingly enough all these teams have already faced each other in the regular season as the semifinalists all played in Group 1. It is definitely a top four that not many would have predicted with many of the favorites falling short early in the playoffs. As always we'll be covering the playoffs on Tuesday the 21st of January. This time we'll be jumping into the matchup between Blackbird and NOVA. Stay tuned for more details. Pro Division Playoff schedule (BO7) Round of 16: January 6th – 9th Quarterfinals: January 13th – 16th Semifinals: January 20th – 23rd Finals: January 29th – 30th (7) Otukset - (16) SSK ESPORTS Otukset Round 1: 4-1 vs Bjorkloven Esport Quarterfinals: 4-0 vs Herlev Eagles Otukset have left nothing up to question after storming through the first two rounds losing only one game in the progress. @Roisto999 has been the key behind their success posting 4 shutouts and 88.68% save percentage and has given them a chance to win the tight games that you can expect to have in the playoffs. Their offense has been continuing to produce at a good rate with @Miguli36 (8+12=20) leading the way. Despite being the least experienced player in their lineup he's shown his skillset but it also doesn't hurt to have two seasoned veterans in @Pursuitti (6+10=16) and @James (MachineGunKalle) (10+7=17) beside him. @Mikka and @juhkis96 have been one of the best defensive duos in the playoffs so far and the team has allowed only 12 goals in the playoffs (6 of those came in their only loss). SSK ESPORTS Round 1: 4-2 vs NOSTREETSPORTS Quarterfinals: 4-3 vs POGGERS What a run have they made all the way from seed 16 defeating two of the highest scoring teams in the playoffs and now fighting for a spot in the finals. Could you say that defense wins cham... maybe not quite yet ;). They've continued to show their defensive excellence and found ways to win the tight games. During the regular season 10 out of their 15 losses were by one goal but now they've managed to turn that stat around. @zuppe_29 (14+11=29) has really stepped for them and has been their most important player with @PSchibra (10+8=18) is giving good support. They have two solid options between the pipes as @Brokenrice2000 (84.21%, 2 SO) and @Jonte05_ (85.07%, 1 SO) have been sharing the playtime so far. The regular season saw these teams both winning one game with SSK getting the extra point in overtime. Both of them have been rock solid in their own end and a low scoring series can be expected. Almost all of the statistics are on the side of Otukset but that hasn't stopped SSK so far. They will need to find new ways to score as Otukset is defensively much more solid than their previous opponents and also have one of the hottest goalies in the league. @Rubituss was SSK top scorer during the regular season but hasn't found his groove quite yet in the playoffs and will need to step up. They'll once again have a mountain to climb but if they can find that small improvement again it could be enough. Prediction: @Vamoux 4-2 Otukset (10) Blackbirds - (11) NOVA Blackbirds Round 1: 4-0 vs Aspyre Quarterfinals: 4-1 vs Ismon Valinta Blackbirds is one of the great success stories of the season and they were very close to sweeping their first two rounds of the playoffs. Offense has been their way to success and after scoring only 2.77 GF/GP in the regular season that number is now up to 4.22 in the playoffs. Their offensive trio in @aomyo6195 (12+16=28), @I0LL1 (9+17=26) and @sopuli04 (13+10=23) are all top five in playoff scoring and are showing that they could be future stars. @ONN123 (1+14=15) is leading the defensemen scoring has been their go to guy starting the plays from their own end. After having a tougher first round @Jeerik17 (83.49%, 2 GAA, 1 SO) also improved his numbers and has been looking solid. NOVA Round 1: 4-2 vs HC Lugano eSports Quarterfinals: 4-0 vs RYHTIC NOVA proved their doubters wrong with a sweep over the long time pro powerhouse in RYHTIC. Their starts to the games were particularly great scoring a goal within 4 minutes of game time in three of the games. After having 78.4% in the regular season @Baranizer has been the best goalie in the playoffs with 90.16%, 1.2 GAA and 4 shutouts and is having a playoff run to remember. @Nester4343 (12+16=28) is tied for the lead in playoff points and has scored five game winning goals. @Vladyan (8+15=23) is also in great form and has an impressive 54.7% faceoff percentage. You also can't leave out @KingOfApes_ (3+10=13) who's the backbone of the team and responsible for most of the playmaking in the team. These teams split their series in the regular season but a lot has changed since then. Blackbirds is the only team left in the playoffs who have no Elite experience but they have shown that they're definitely heading that way. They've made a huge improvement to the playoffs and at some points even made their opponents look like fools with their aggressive play. Many people have looked past NOVA so far but they've shown to be a force to reckon and looking at their roster, why wouldn't they be? They have the most experienced and accomplished player of the league in their team and their key players are performing. They are coming into the series in a 8 game winning streak in which they've let in only six goals. Both teams have been able to make some great plays off the rush but Blackbirds have been more relying on their counter attacks and breakaway chances and I don't expect them to get those at the same quantity in this series. Blackbirds will be facing their biggest challenge yet and their ability to adapt and keep improving will be the key for this series. Prediction: @Vamoux 4-2 NOVA Follow the Playoff streams: Please post dates, times and links for streams in the comments of this news story and social media, to help everyone find your team streams. You can watch SportsGamer's live coverage of the semifinal matchup between Blackbirds and NOVA on Twitch, YouTube, and X on Tuesday, January 21st. Exact time is still TBC. Follow our socials to stay up to date! Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!

Returning top-four veterans flying new colours, newcomers making it past the first round of the playoffs for the first time, at least one completely new team guaranteed to be in the finals... welcome to the ECL ’25 Winter edition of the Elite Semifinals. First off, let’s congratulate GOONS, EXEN, The Black Jacks and Mythix on successful campaigns, even though they fell short in the Quarterfinals. Making the Elite playoffs is never not a herculean achievement and these teams and their players should feel a sense of pride in their performance this season. Now, let’s get into the first matchup – one between old rivals. (1) Parasite vs (4) Voittamaton We’ll hold off on proclaiming anything definitive, but for all intents and purposes this matchup is likely to contain the majority of players in the starting lineup for Team Finland at the upcoming SportsGamer World Cup. With the rule in place of “two starters per team, maximum” we’ll obviously see some diversity of roster, but with the skill, experience and winning pedigree featured among these players, it would come as no surprise if four out of the six starters came from Parasite and Voittamaton. Getting into the matchup itself, it's hard to overlook the fact that Parasite are the clear favourites – having completed a historically great regular season (27-1-0), including 6-2 and 2-0 wins over Voittamaton, followed by a 4-0-sweep against first-round opponent GOONS. There are no weaknesses on the Parasite roster. From the unparalleled goal-scoring of @Vattuyy (Elite-record 65 goals in the regular season, 6 goals in 4 playoff games), to the playmaking abilities of @NikkeDangles (league-leading 58 assists in the regular season) to the overall two-way abilities of captain and team heartbeat @Beniittto, the forward line is second to none. Combine that with the defensive lineup of @Teemuyy (Elite-record 64 points in the regular season) and @tomboo-_- (Elite-record 46 assists in the regular season) and goaltending duo @FINSeRe and @uhNikke – both playoff-hardened Elite champions – and it's not a secret why most are picking this team to win. On the other side, we find a whole lot of experience. And to quote Captain Rex from Star Wars: Clone Wars (2008): “In my book, experience outranks everything.” To offer a retort; does it, though? Because while no one can argue with the experience of the multiple Elite titles won by @Eki, @Patzlaf, @FlyerKungen and @Hansulinho, it has indeed been a while since they found themselves at the top of the ECL mountain. Even so, the team – then known as ‘Straikers’ – did push eventual ECL ’24: Spring Champions Tunnel Vision to seven games in the semifinals last spring, with a roster that contained 4/6 players from the current lineup: Eki, FlyerKungen, @temppanen and Hansulinho. But it is in the two “new” additions to the team we find the Voittamaton X-Factors for this matchup. The two-way play and playoff pedigree of Patzlaf, the captain’s captain of the ECL scene and long-time running mate to Eki, was sorely missed for Straikers last season. Here is a player who just seems wired to raise his game the bigger the stakes are. And if Voittamaton are to pull off the upset in this series, the team needs “Game 7 of the Finals”-level play from Patzlaf, right from the first puck drop. @J-_-Jamaltheman actually played in ECL Lite in the spring but made his grand return to the Elite scene this winter – and successfully so. While the defender's point totals (34 points during the regular season) are impressive, he also seems to have brought a wave of unpredictability and fun to the team – often being celebrated in the team party for his creative plays at key times. At least judging from the behind-the-scenes content Eki has been posting at the SportsGamer forums. We won’t offer any series predictions in this preview, but let’s just say Voittamaton needs a lot of things to go right if they are to knock off this generational Parasite roster. Next up, we have the battle between two comparatively “new” teams... (2) Tohtorit vs (3) Mustaa Kultaa Had someone predicted a Tohtorit – Mustaa Kultaa semifinal matchup going into the ECL season – with one of these teams being guaranteed to become first-time finalists – we’re not sure they would’ve gotten much backing from the rest of the community. That’s not to say these two teams aren’t filled with great players in their own right, it’s just that the odds were quite long for this particular matchup going into the season. Tohtorit were coming off a disappointing playoff appearance in ECL ’24: Spring, having been swept in the first round after finishing 4th overall in the regular season. Even so, the team opted to stay together – a rare occurrence in the ECL competitive scene – and fielded the exact same roster going into ECL ’25: Winter. The gambit, or lack of a gambit, ended up a huge success with Tohtorit improving their regular season result and finishing second in the league behind Parasite. More importantly, they improved upon their playoff performance by decisively ousting EXEN by a 4-1-series score in the first round of the playoffs. The team has had plenty of heroes during their run this season, including leading point- and goal-scorer (in both the regular season and the playoffs) @profiilipakki and the always calm @Kkarkass who has led the team in terms of puck possession both the in regular season and in the playoffs. But we’d be remiss if we didn’t highlight goaltender @Stammer70. Not only did this netminder lead the regular season in terms of save percentage (86,0) while making the most saves (350) out of any goalie in the league, he’s taken his game to a whole new level in the playoffs. Through the five games he’s played so far, Stammer is rocking a save percentage of 96,49 (!), with a goals against average of 0,40 and three shutouts. If there was such a thing as an ECL “Vezina Trophy”, Stammer would’ve already had that locked up. Not to mention he’d be a worthy Hart Trophy candidate, even with the historic Parasite run. Now, “all Stammer needs to do” is lead his team to the Elite Finals and he’ll have a good shot at the Conn Smythe Trophy as well. Standing in the way of that are Elite newcomers Mustaa Kultaa. One of the youngest and most promising teams in Elite, “MK” has truly had a Cinderella run thus far this season. Going from a promotion in the spring (by way of a 4-0 sweep against GOONS), to a shocking 3rd-place finish in their first Elite regular season, to eliminating The Black Jacks in the first round... nothing seems to faze this team. The only two players who are currently starters for the team that filled the same role in Pro last spring, are playmaking forward @Allupekkaz and goaltender @LatveX. But the players coming in, @xAaro89x, @Launonexx, @Miseee96and @NuariJamal, seem to have immediately gelled with the team and created an environment where the group collectively fears no one and nothing. Keep an extra eye out for left wing xAaro89x, who finished second in the regular season when it comes to goals (40), and is currently tied with teammate launonexx for the playoff lead (7) in that same category. Goaltender LatveX also seems to have found an extra gear for the playoffs, going from an 81,51 save percentage in the regular season to an 87,84 percentage in the playoffs. As for who’s going to come out on top in this battle between two distinctly separate team-building philosophies – keeping a roster together and honing chemistry vs. recruiting the “right” new players – we’ll just have to tune in to SportsGamer Twitch to find out. Semifinals Broadcast Schedule Want to watch it all unfold for yourself? Then make sure to tune into our live coverage of EVERY GAME of the Elite Division playoffs on Twitch, YouTube and X. Sunday, January 19th, 2025 Matchup 1: Voittamaton (#4) vs Parasite (#1) | Games 1-2 | ⚠️ 19:00 CET Matchup 2: Mustaa Kultaa (#3) vs Tohtorit (#2) | Games 1-2 | ⚠️ ~20:35 CET Monday, January 20th, 2025 Matchup: Voittamattomat (#4) vs Parasite (#1) | Games 3-7 | ⚠️ 19:30 CET Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 Matchup: Mustaa Kultaa (#3) vs Tohtorit (#2) | Games 3-7 | ⚠️ 19:30 CET Action kicks off today, Sunday, January 19th with the matchups between both semifinal matchups. Be sure to tune in at 19:00 CET! So who do you think will punch their ticket into the semifinals? Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments?

Quarterfinals Set in ECL '25 Winter Core The ECL '25 Winter Core Playoffs have reached the Quarterfinals. After a thrilling Round 2, only eight teams remain, each determined to fight for a spot in the Semifinals. The second round saw dominant performances from top contenders Silver Sword Griffins (4-1 over Salaseura) and Lutunilkat (4-2 over Pulp Odyssey), as well as the continuation of inspiring underdog stories, with Karmadillos (20th seed) defeating Maitojuna (3rd seed) 4-1, and HC Last Resort (21st seed) shocking Dynamo HC (2nd seed) in a  4-1 series victory. The quarterfinal matchups are now set, featuring a mix of powerhouse teams and dark horses ready to challenge the status quo. Let’s take a closer look at the matchups and what to expect as the journey toward the semifinals begins!     Quarterfinal Matchups:   Silver Sword Griffins (1) vs. HC Last Resort (21)  This series pits the top-seeded Silver Sword Griffins against the underdog HC Last Resort, who continue their Cinderella run after eliminating the second-seeded Dynamo HC in a thrilling five-game series. Both teams bring momentum into this matchup, and while the Griffins are the favorites, HC Last Resort has proven their ability to defy expectations.   Silver Sword Griffins: The Offensive Juggernaut The Griffins have been dominant throughout the playoffs, showcasing their offensive firepower in Round 2 against Salaseura. LATMinx @ProMinx24 (31 points in 11 games) continues to lead the league in scoring, combining speed, skill, and finishing ability. Alongside him, martinssilins @martinssilins (24 points) and Shmiha99 @Shmiha99 (24 points) provide critical secondary scoring, making this team difficult to contain. On defense, the Griffins rely on solid two-way play from kriteris @kriteris (12 points) and Rocket_Science72 @Rocket240593 , while goaltender gacorigavecit17 @gacorigavecit17 has been reliable with an 83.44% save percentage and 2.27 goals-against average (GAA). However, the Griffins did show moments of vulnerability, particularly in tight games against Salaseura, and they’ll need to tighten up defensively against a scrappy opponent like HC Last Resort. Key Player to Watch: LATMinx: As the league’s leading scorer, his ability to dictate play will be crucial in breaking down HC Last Resort’s defense. HC Last Resort: The Underdog Story HC Last Resort has been the story of the playoffs so far, pulling off upset victories against both ARMEIJAN KURI and Dynamo HC. Their strength lies in their balanced offense and incredible goaltending. Tolliikkii @Tolliikkii (28 points in 9 games) has been unstoppable, combining creativity with lethal finishing, while Burritokuningas_ @Burritokuningas (20 points) and eissi83 @eissi83 (19 points) add depth to their attack. In net, Vxxlle-_- @Vxxlle-_- has been nothing short of phenomenal, boasting a 90% save percentage and a league-best 1.89 GAA. His ability to shut down high-powered offenses has been key to HC Last Resort’s success, and he’ll need to maintain that form against the Griffins’ elite scorers. Key Player to Watch: Vxxlle-_-: If HC Last Resort is to pull off another upset, their star goaltender must continue to be the backbone of their defense. Keys to Victory Silver Sword Griffins: Utilize their depth and offensive firepower to overwhelm HC Last Resort early. Their ability to capitalize on power-play opportunities and dominate puck possession will be critical in wearing down their opponent. HC Last Resort: Lean on their disciplined defensive play and elite goaltending. Slowing the game down and keeping the Griffins to the outside will give them a chance to frustrate the top seed and create counterattack opportunities. Prediction: Silver Sword Griffins advance (4-2). The Griffins’ offensive depth and playoff experience give them the edge, but HC Last Resort’s stellar goaltending and resilience will make this a hard-fought series. Expect the top seed to move on, but not without some scares along the way.   Lutunilkat (4) vs. Karmadillos (20)  The quarterfinal showdown between Lutunilkat, one of the top seeds, and the surprising Karmadillos, who continue their underdog journey, promises to be an intriguing battle. While Lutunilkat has relied on their high-scoring offense and strong structure to dominate, Karmadillos have thrived on resilience, clutch performances, and a never-quit attitude. Lutunilkat: The Offensive Powerhouse Lutunilkat enters the quarterfinals riding the momentum of a 4-2 series win over Pulp Odyssey. Their offense has been one of the most dangerous in the playoffs, led by lutuniemi @lutuniemi , who has been a standout with 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 10 games. Supporting him is mikkihiiri-- @mikkihiiri--, who has tallied 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists) and shown the ability to deliver in key moments. This dynamic duo is backed by a solid supporting cast, including Pyssyh @Pyssyh, who provides steady play on both ends of the ice. In net, Hiatala_ @Janne Hietala has been reliable, posting an 83.57% save percentage, though he will need to step up against Karmadillos’ opportunistic scorers. Lutunilkat’s game plan revolves around controlling possession, creating high-danger scoring chances, and putting opponents on their heels with relentless offensive pressure. Lutunilkat is easily the most hard-hitting team in the division, with 828 hits in the regular season. The 2nd team in this statistic was HC Ohiveto with 670 hits and the division average was 325 hits during the regular season. Not entirely surprising is that Lutunilkat also had the most penalty minutes, with 108 PIM recorded during the regular season. Lutunilkat continue as the #1 team in both hits (350) and PIM (40) in the playoffs as well, but while their penalty kill in the regular season was average at about 79%, their PK in the playoffs has been at an astonishing 95%. Ideally, Lutunilkat will have to stay out of the box, but assuming their trend of high-hitting action continues, their PK can do the next best thing and continue playing the full 2 minutes of PK 95% of the time.   Key Player to Watch: lutuniemi, with 35 points in 10 games, is Lutunilkat’s offensive engine. His ability to score and create plays will be crucial to breaking through Karmadillos’ defense.   Karmadillos: The Resilient Underdogs The 20th-seeded Karmadillos have defied expectations at every turn, knocking out Koppibuutti (13) in a dramatic seven-game series before stunning Maitojuna (3) with a dominant 4-1 victory. Their success has been driven by the exceptional play of stimperi @stimperi, who has tallied 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists) in the playoffs, and Julmuri89 @Julmuri89, who has added 25 points (12 goals, 13 assists) and emerged as a key difference-maker. Goaltending has been a cornerstone of their game, with VilppiSami @ChildishGerm8 posting an 87.84% save percentage and making critical saves in high-pressure moments. Karmadillos thrive on playing a gritty, defensive game, capitalizing on their opponents’ mistakes and turning defense into quick counterattacks. Their ability to play as a cohesive unit has been the foundation of their playoff run. Key Player to Watch: Julmuri89: For Karmadillos to continue their Cinderella run, Julmuri89 must deliver another standout performance. His clutch scoring and playmaking will be vital in overcoming Lutunilkat’s strong attack. Keys to Victory Lutunilkat: Lutunilkat needs to dictate the pace of play and lean on their offensive depth to overwhelm Karmadillos early in the series. Lutuniemi and Mikkihiiri-- must continue to lead the charge, while Hiatala_ will need to make key saves to keep Karmadillos’ opportunistic attack at bay. With the high-hitting and penalty prone hockey that Lutunilkat plays, their penalty kill needs to stay as sharp as it has so far in the playoffs. Karmadillos: For the Karmadillos, it’s all about playing disciplined, mistake-free hockey. They must stay compact defensively, frustrate Lutunilkat’s top scorers, and rely on counterattacks to generate offense. VilppiSami will need to maintain his stellar form in net to give his team a fighting chance. Prediction: Lutunilkat advance (4-2). While the Karmadillos have been impressive in their Cinderella run, Lutunilkat’s offensive firepower and depth give them the edge. Karmadillos will likely steal a couple of games with their defensive resilience and clutch scoring, but Lutunilkat’s ability to control the game and create scoring opportunities will ultimately secure their spot in the semifinals. This series promises to be a test of Lutunilkat’s offensive consistency against Karmadillos’ defensive determination, making it an exciting matchup to watch in the quarterfinals.   Tikitaka (5) vs. Rusty X (15)  The quarterfinal clash between Tikitaka and Rusty X promises to be a tightly contested series, with both teams showing strong performances in the playoffs so far. Tikitaka’s balanced offense and disciplined play meet Rusty X’s gritty defense and clutch scoring, making this an intriguing battle of contrasting styles. Tikitaka: Balanced and Efficient Tikitaka has proven themselves as one of the most well-rounded teams in the playoffs, advancing with a 4-1 win over BACKCHECK BOYS and a hard-fought 4-1 victory against KELAGOLDCARD HC in Round 2. Their offense is spearheaded by R2-ATTE- @R2-ATTE-, who has racked up 31 points (13 goals, 18 assists) in 10 games, and TansKungen @tanskuuzz (26 points), who provides consistent secondary scoring. The team’s ability to share the offensive load is one of their biggest strengths. On defense, Tikitaka relies on solid team play and the contributions of Niccoers @Niccoers and TTUSE98 @TTUSE98, both of whom have been key in transitioning play and shutting down opposing attacks. Goalie HakkisBro @HakkisMakkis has been reliable, with an 80.15% save percentage and 2.6 GAA, and his ability to step up in crucial moments will be vital against Rusty X’s opportunistic offense. Key Player to Watch:  R2-ATTE-: Tikitaka’s offensive leader with 31 points in 10 games, R2-ATTE has been instrumental in their success. His ability to create and finish plays will be key in breaking through Rusty X’s disciplined defense. Rusty X: Grit and Goaltending Rusty X comes into this series full of confidence after a convincing 4-2 win of PANIC ON ICE in Round 2. Their standout player has been Kasterly_, who has amassed 20 points (6 goals, 10 assists) in 10 games, while Hrustyler has matched his output with 20 points as well. Their scoring depth is complemented by Lordkomar91, who adds another dimension to their attack. Defensively, Rusty X has leaned on elite goaltending from ksilentt, who boasts an impressive 87.2% save percentage and a 2.1 GAA. His ability to make key saves under pressure has been instrumental to their playoff success. Rusty X’s defense also benefits from physical play and timely interceptions, frustrating opponents and creating counterattack opportunities. Key Player to Watch: ksilentt: Rusty X’s star goaltender has been a rock in net with an 87.2% save percentage. If Rusty X is to pull off the upset, Ksilentt must continue his stellar form and frustrate Tikitaka’s high-powered offense. Keys to Victory Tikitaka: Tikitaka must continue to utilize their balanced scoring and disciplined play. R2-ATTE- and TansKungen need to lead the offense, while their defense and goaltending must stay sharp to counter Rusty X’s clutch scorers. Rusty X: Rusty X’s success hinges on their ability to frustrate Tikitaka’s attack and capitalize on mistakes. ksilentt will need to maintain his stellar form, while Kasterly_ and Hrustyler must produce offensively to keep their team competitive. Prediction: Rusty X advances (4-3). While Tikitaka has the edge in depth and discipline, Rusty X’s goaltending and ability to deliver in clutch moments make them a dangerous opponent. This series is likely to go the distance, with Rusty X pulling off a narrow victory thanks to ksilentt brilliance in net and their knack for scoring key goals under pressure. This matchup promises to be a battle of Tikitaka’s structured approach against Rusty X’s gritty, opportunistic style, making it one of the most exciting series of the quarterfinals.   KOST Wolves (8) vs. Turun Gasellit (11)  This quarterfinal matchup pits the offensive firepower of KOST Wolves against the balanced and resilient Turun Gasellit. Both teams have shown their strengths in the playoffs so far, let's take a closer look below. KOST Wolves: Offensive Firepower with Room for Improvement in Goal The KOST Wolves had a strong run in the first two rounds, defeating The Ghillie Gang and CapeTown Kings in back-to-back series. Their offense has been driven by MaroulCZE @MaroulCZE, who leads the playoffs with an incredible 36 points (11 goals, 25 assists) in 11 games. Supporting him is Pinci71 @Pinci71 (24 points), whose finishing ability complements MaroulCZE’s playmaking. Meanwhile, freez_skillers77 @freez_skillers77 (23 points) and TakableAxe5 @Jimmy21 (15 points) round out one of the deepest offensive units in the tournament. Defensively, the Wolves have struggled at times, with goaltender Lazan31 @Lazan23 posting a 73.44% save percentage and a 4.25 GAA. This defensive vulnerability could become a major issue against a team like Turun Gasellit, who thrive on converting scoring chances. Key Player to Watch: MaroulCZE: Leading the playoffs with 36 points in 11 games, MaroulCZE is the heart of KOST Wolves’ offense. His playmaking and goal-scoring ability will be crucial to breaking down Turun Gasellit’s strong defensive structure.   Turun Gasellit: Balanced Play and Strong Goaltending Turun Gasellit enter this series following a convincing 4-1 victory over Hiljainen Pikkukaupunki in Round 2. Their success has been built on a balanced roster, with johtaja_lebi leading the way offensively with 30 points (13 goals, 17 assists) in 12 games. pohjarzinho @pohjarzinho (25 points) and MestariLepi @Mestarilepi (24 points) add depth to the attack, while Kostea2nen @Kostea2nen and Niittyvirta @niittyvirta provide defensive stability. Goaltender SirRaitanen @SirRaitanen has been a standout performer, boasting an 85.32% save percentage and a 2.67 GAA. His ability to make key saves in critical moments has been instrumental in Turun Gasellit’s playoff success. The Gasellit’s defensive discipline and structured play make them a tough opponent for the Wolves’ high-flying offense. Key Player to Watch: SirRaitanen: Turun Gasellit’s goaltender has been a game-changer with an 85.32% save percentage. If Gasellit is to contain KOST Wolves’ explosive offense, SirRaitanen must deliver another standout performance in net. Keys to Victory KOST Wolves: The Wolves need to leverage their offensive depth to put pressure on Turun Gasellit’s defense. MaroulCZE and Pinci71  must continue their stellar play, while the defense and goaltending need to step up to limit scoring chances. Turun Gasellit: Turun Gasellit must focus on their defensive structure and frustrate the Wolves’ top scorers. Quick counterattacks and consistent goaltending from SirRaitanen will be crucial to their success. Prediction: Turun Gasellit advance (4-3). While KOST Wolves have the offensive talent to dominate, their defensive struggles could prove costly against Turun Gasellit’s balanced play and reliable goaltending. This series is likely to go the distance, with Turun Gasellit narrowly edging out the Wolves thanks to their superior defensive discipline and the heroics of SirRaitanen in net. This matchup promises a thrilling battle between KOST Wolves’ offensive explosiveness and Turun Gasellit’s structured, all-around play, making it a must-watch series in the quarterfinals.   Follow the Playoff streams: Please post dates, times and links for streams in the comments of this news story and social media, to help everyone find your team streams.   Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!

Quarterfinals Set in ECL '25 Winter Lite After an exciting and unpredictable Round 2 in the ECL '25 Winter Lite division, the stage is set for the Quarterfinals. The competition has been fierce, with several underdog teams making their mark and showing they belong among the best. Top-seeded Project X and fourth-seeded Sunne IK Esport continue to showcase their dominance, but underdogs like Including Me (22) and Seinajoki Noms (21) have defied expectations and emerged as serious contenders. Let’s dive into the matchups and what to expect in this thrilling stage of the tournament! Quarterfinal Matchups:  Project X (1) vs.Including Me (22)  The quarterfinal clash between Project X, the tournament’s top seed, and Including Me, the underdog story of the playoffs, promises to be a battle of contrasting styles. Project X has dominated with their well-rounded and high-powered gameplay, while Including Me has relied on clutch performances and resilience to reach this stage. Project X: The Tournament Favorites Project X enters the quarterfinals as the team to beat. They swept Coup de Grace in the opening round and secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Kolikot Esports in Round 2. Their offensive strength lies in their dynamic trio of Konsuk05 @Konsuk05 (27 points), JesseL2002 @JesseL2002 (26 points), and Fin_torspo @Fin_torspo90 (20 points), who have been instrumental in their success. These players have consistently found ways to break down defenses and create high-quality scoring opportunities. Defensively, Project X remains solid, led by goaltender niebulaa @Niebula, who boasts a 2.29 goals-against average and an 82.8% save percentage. Their structured play and ability to control the pace of games make them a formidable opponent.   Key Strengths: Offensive depth: Project X can rely on multiple players to deliver points. Defensive stability: Their ability to neutralize opponents’ key players is a significant advantage. Including Me: The Resilient Underdogs Including Me has captured the spotlight with their surprising playoff run. They survived a tough series against Hopfensmoothie HC in Round 1 and then delivered a stunning 4-2 victory over Puck Over Glass in Round 2. Their offense is led by the sensational Lotiseva @Lotiseva, who has put up 36 points (17 goals, 18 assists) in 12 games. Supporting him are Miklu19 @Miklu19 (36 points) and Thounimeister @Thounimeister (29 points), who provide additional firepower. Defensively, Including Me has been less consistent, with goaltender vaajanen @pera_peraa posting a 78.26% save percentage and a 3.13 GAA. While their defense may not be as strong as Project X’s, their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities has kept them alive in tough matchups. Key Strengths: Star power: Lotiseva has been one of the most dominant players in the playoffs. Offensive explosiveness: Their ability to score quickly can swing games in their favor. Keys to Victory Project X: Project X must stay disciplined and use their defensive structure to neutralize Lotiseva and the rest of Including Me’s attack. Offensively, they should rely on their balanced scoring and avoid unnecessary risks to maintain control of the series. Including Me: To have a chance, Including Me must continue to lean on Lotiseva’s offensive brilliance while tightening up their defensive game. They will need big performances from vaajanen in goal to contain Project X’s top forwards. Prediction: Project X advances (4-2). While Including Me’s offensive firepower is impressive, Project X’s depth, structure, and defensive reliability give them the edge. Expect Including Me to steal a game or two with Lotiseva's heroics, but Project X’s balanced approach should ultimately secure them a spot in the semifinals. This series will be a thrilling display of offense versus structure, with both teams bringing their unique strengths to the ice. It’s a matchup that promises excitement and high-scoring action.   Sunne IK Esport (4) vs. Seinajoki Noms (21)  This quarterfinal pits the high-powered Sunne IK Esport against the underdog Seinajoki Noms, a team that has already shocked the competition by making it this far. Both teams enter this matchup with momentum, but with vastly different paths to the quarterfinals. Sunne IK Esport: A Well-Rounded Powerhouse Sunne IK Esport has showcased their strength in all aspects of the game, advancing through the earlier rounds with dominant performances. Their top scorer, forreberra @forreberra, leads the way with 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) in 11 games, displaying a combination of skill and composure that makes him one of the key players in this matchup. Prolane @Prolane, with 22 points, adds another scoring threat, while Svana_22 @Svana_22 brings balanced play and reliability with 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists). On the back end, Sunne IK’s defensive effort is anchored by their goaltender benjamint737 @benjamint737, who boasts an impressive 87.67% save percentage and a league-best 1.64 GAA. His consistency and ability to deliver shutouts have given Sunne IK a solid foundation to build on. Key Strengths: Offensive firepower: With multiple high-scoring players, Sunne IK can overwhelm opponents. Defensive reliability: Their disciplined structure and elite goaltending make them tough to break down. Seinajoki Noms: Grit and Determination Seinajoki Noms have embraced their underdog status, pulling off surprises in the first two rounds. Their leader Kujumi @Kujumi has been on fire with 30 points (19 goals, 11 assists) in 13 games, making him the focal point of their attack. Simbee434 @Simbee434 (26 points) and zteeli @zteeli (24 points) provide strong support, ensuring the Noms have multiple scoring options. Goaltender mralisalo @mralisalo has been solid between the pipes, posting an 82.14% save percentage and a 2.69 GAA. While not as dominant as Sunne IK’s benjamint737, mraisalo’s ability to make clutch saves has been instrumental in getting Seinajoki Noms this far. Key Strengths: Star power: Kujumi’s scoring ability can change the outcome of games in an instant. Resilience: Their ability to stay competitive against higher-seeded teams has been impressive. Keys to Victory Sunne IK Esport: Sunne IK must leverage their depth and structure to neutralize Kujumi and the Noms’ top scorers. If their defense stays disciplined and benjamint737 continues his stellar play, they should have the edge in this matchup. Seinajoki Noms: The Noms need to disrupt Sunne IK’s rhythm by capitalizing on turnovers and maintaining an aggressive forecheck. Kujumi and Simbee434 must lead the way offensively, and mraisalo will need to elevate his play to keep them competitive. Prediction: Sunne IK Esport advances (4-2). While Seinajoki Noms have proven themselves as a resilient underdog, Sunne IK’s depth, balanced attack, and elite goaltending make them the favorites. Expect the Noms to steal a game or two with clutch performances from Kujumi and mralisalo, but Sunne IK’s overall strength will likely carry them to the semifinals. This matchup highlights the classic clash of a dominant favorite versus a scrappy underdog, promising exciting moments and plenty of drama along the way.   Kertoimia Vastaan (7) vs. Setelikerho (18)  This quarterfinal battle sees Kertoimia Vastaan, the structured and disciplined 7th seed, take on the dark horse of the playoffs, Setelikerho, ranked 18th. Both teams have had strong showings in the postseason, and this series promises to be a clash of styles and strategies. Kertoimia Vastaan: Tactical Excellence Kertoimia Vastaan has earned their spot in the quarterfinals with a strong mix of offense and defense. They defeated DEG eSports 4-0 in Round 1 before overcoming HC Pustertal eSports 4-1 in a series in Round 2. Their balanced offense is led by Playmeikkeri @Playmeikkeri (20 points) and jorkkiiz @jorkkiiz (20 points), while Kasperi88 @Kasperi88 (14 points) provides additional scoring depth. In net, Masamone30 @Masamone30 has been stellar, posting an outstanding 88.89% save percentage and a league-best 1.64 GAA. His ability to make crucial saves has been instrumental to Kertoimia Vastaan’s success and could be the deciding factor in this matchup. Keys for Victory: Continue to rely on defensive structure and Masamone30’s goaltending. Leverage their depth scoring to keep Setelikerho’s defense on their heels. Setelikerho: Riding the Momentum Setelikerho has been one of the surprise teams of the playoffs, defeating Macho HC 4-3 in Round 1 and upsetting MoDo Hockey 4-2 in Round 2. Their success has been driven by their explosive offense, led by tbnantti @tbnantti (35 points), Kozeec @Kozeec (33 points), and Timotei_97 @Timotei97 (30 points). These three players have formed a formidable offensive core that has overwhelmed opponents throughout the postseason. Goaltender Jugi9 @Jugi9 has been solid, with a 2.15 GAA and an 84.36% save percentage, providing crucial support in tight games. Setelikerho’s ability to score in bunches makes them a dangerous opponent for any team, including the disciplined Kertoimia Vastaan. Keys for Victory: Exploit their high-powered offense to put pressure on Kertoimia Vastaan early. Ensure defensive consistency to counter Kertoimia’s structured attack. Keys to the Series Kertoimia Vastaan: Stay disciplined defensively and focus on limiting Setelikerho’s top scorers. Their ability to control the pace of the game will be key. Setelikerho: Use their offensive firepower to dictate play and force Kertoimia into a more open game, where Setelikerho thrives. Prediction: Setelikerho advances 4-3. While Kertoimia Vastaan’s defensive structure and elite goaltending will keep this series close, Setelikerho’s ability to score in bunches gives them the edge. Expect a thrilling series with plenty of offensive fireworks, culminating in a narrow victory for the underdog Setelikerho. This matchup is a classic battle of offense versus defense and promises to be one of the most exciting series of the quarterfinals.   Six Sticks Misfits (8) vs. Farmalaget (16) The final quarterfinal matchup features Six Sticks Misfits, the confident 8th seed, against Farmalaget, the dynamic underdogs seeded 16th. This series promises to showcase contrasting playstyles, as both teams have excelled in different areas during the playoffs. Six Sticks Misfits: A Cohesive Force Six Sticks Misfits have demonstrated why they deserve their spot in the quarterfinals. After dispatching VBO STARS in a tightly contested series and overcoming SSK Prospects, they are well-prepared for this next challenge. Their offense is led by Henkkaheinone @Henkkaheinone (26 points) and ROUHEEE @ROUHEEE (25 points), who have provided consistent production throughout the playoffs. Supporting them is Lamsa @Lamsa (22 points), whose all-around play adds depth to the Misfits’ attack. Defensively, goaltender Ranta83 @RaNtA has been outstanding, posting a 1.56 GAA and an 88.14% save percentage, providing the stability needed for their high-pressure offense to shine. Keys for Victory: Leverage their balanced offense to maintain pressure on Farmalaget’s defense. Continue to rely on Ranta83’s elite goaltending to secure tight games   Farmalaget: The Gritty Underdogs Farmalaget has embraced their role as underdogs, defeating Wida in a hard-fought series and taking down Ruuti with a commanding performance in Round 2. Their success has been driven by a well-rounded effort from their top players, including Disctrasan- @Disctrasan- (17 points) and Jarvinder @Jarvinder (16 points). These two have spearheaded the offense, with KetaKompis @KetaKompis (14 points) providing additional scoring support. In net, sallee42 @Sallee42 has been a revelation, posting a remarkable 0.89 GAA and a 92.31% save percentage, leading the playoffs in both categories. His ability to make clutch saves has been a game-changer for Farmalaget. Keys for Victory: Utilize their efficient goaltending to frustrate the Misfits’ attackers. Capitalize on scoring opportunities created by their top forwards. Keys to the Series Six Sticks Misfits: Stay aggressive offensively while maintaining composure against Farmalaget’s strong defense. Farmalaget: Continue to rely on sallee42’s elite goaltending while finding ways to exploit the Misfits’ defensive lapses. Prediction: Six Sticks Misfits advance 4-3. While Farmalaget’s goaltending gives them a significant edge, Six Sticks Misfits’ offensive depth and playoff experience will likely see them through in a thrilling seven-game series. This matchup promises to be a battle of attrition, with both teams bringing their best to the ice as they compete for a spot in the semifinals.   The semifinals begin soon after the conclusion of this round, so teams have no room for error. Every game, every play, and every decision will count. Buckle up—it’s going to be a fantastic finish to the Lite playoffs!   Follow the Playoff streams: Please post dates, times and links for streams in the comments of this news story and social media, to help everyone find your team streams.   Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!

Neo Division Playoff schedule (BO5) We're down to the last eight teams in the Neo division as teams continue their battle in the playoffs. Similar to round one the second round saw very few surprises as the top-seeded teams continued their dominance from the regular season. Let's dive into the four exciting matchups that the Quarterfinals bring us! Round of 32: January 5th – 9th Round of 16: January 12th – 16th Quarterfinals: January 19th – 23rd Semifinals: January 26th – 30th Finals: February 9th QUARTERFINALS PREVIEW (1) Fallen Rangers - (16) Hawks HC Fallen Rangers continued their dominant season with a sweep in the second round outscoring their opponent 20-1. Nobody has found a way to stop their offense all season long and they're looking to be the lead runner for the title. @Sebko99 (17+17=34) is tied for the lead in the playoff scoring and @mildalempik93 is having an amazing playoff run with an 88.46% save percentage and 2 shutouts. Hawks HC pulled off the biggest upset in round 2 winning their series 3-1 after four high-scoring and tight games. @Hodja (18+13=31) has been leading them all season long and continued his great form. Hawks' HC high-scoring playstyle plays right into their opponent's hands. Fallen Rangers have the edge on all parts of the ice and are the clear frontrunners for the title at the moment. They should be able to handle this series without much trouble. Prediction: 3-0 Fallen Rangers (2) Salaseurue - (12) Nordic Knights Salaseurue vs Nordic Knights - Part 2. After beating Nordic Knights's second team in round 1 Salaseurue now face the first team. Their captain @nikezuki is coming off an 11-goal series and he's leading the whole playoffs with 20 goals and 34 points. Nordic Knights continued to show their defensive abilities stopping one of the highest-scoring teams of the league in a 3-0 series victory. @cassebassepowerer (86.79%, 2 SO) continued to shine between the pipes and has really stepped up in the postseason. @Torrannare has also found another gear in the playoffs and he leads the team with 24 points in 7 games. This matchup will be a very tight one but at this point of the season defense and goaltending play a bigger role. Nordic Knights have the edge on those departments heading into the series. They will still need to find a way to stop @nikezuki who will need his teammates to step up to help with scoring if they want to advance. Prediction: 3-2 Nordic Knights (4) Taifun Veterans - (10) Viitapohja Vikings Taifun Veterans had a rough start to the playoffs but swept their series in the second round. @Sqeek_40 (Hoklundd) showed up big time letting in only two goals and posting a 96.67% save percentage in the three games. The team had some trouble finding scoring with their top scorer @Chluda15 missing from the lineup and it will be interesting to see if he'll be available for this round. Viitapohja Vikings had no trouble finding goalscoring in their second-round matchup and also only allowed 5 goals in the four games. @Liimiz (18+13=31) has been red hot in the playoffs and @TepeV has posted a 86.05% save percentage and two shutouts. This is looking up to be a battle between two hot goaltenders. If both teams have their best lineups available it will be a tight and hard-fought series that can go either way. Both teams have struggled on the powerplay in the postseason and improving on that could be the deciding factor. Prediction: 3-2 Taifun Veterans (5) HC WOLVES - (7) The Worn Out Wiseman HC WOLVES had to battle from being down 0-2 in the second round but managed to turn the series around. Their starting goalie @AndyJester (90.16%, 2 GAA) was not playing in those two losses and that proved how important he is to this team. They've also been highly relying on @Skeleton-1978 (19+5=24) who has scored 67% of the team's goals in the postseason. The Worn Out Wisemen dominated their opponent in the second round and are looking like a very strong all-around team. @iWeeb22 had 16 points in the second-round series but he has played less than half of the games during the season. It will be interesting to see if his strong performance will shuffle their lineup in some way. This series showcases two of the best defensive teams of the season. HC WOLVES has been highly relying on their top players all season long while The Worn Out Wisemen are a more balanced team. That balance gives them the edge heading into the series. It will be a low-scoring one and @AndyJester can steal games for the WOLVES but will it be enough? Prediction: 3-1 The Worn Out Wisemen Follow the Playoff streams: Please post dates, times, and links for streams in the comments of this news story and social media, to help everyone find your team streams. Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!

The SportsGamer Wraparound looks to bring you weekly conversations around the league, recapping some of the events around the divisions throughout the week. Remember to post your highlights on socials using the hashtag #ECL25Clips and reach out if you would be interested in appearing on the Wraparound in the form of interviews or additional content.     We’re thrilled to launch a special perk for our valued ECL License holders: 🎁 3 Months FREE Membership to the SportsGamer Health & Performance Program! This program is designed to support your journey toward enhanced performance and well-being—both in and out of the game. Gain access to tools and resources aimed at improving your performance, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying at the top of your game. To claim your free membership as an ECL '25 Player License, simply check your email - we have sent you an email with the link and code to start your your journey. In case you can't find it - be sure to check your spam folder just in case.   Limited Time Offer: Get a free ticket to Assembly Winter 2025 on Thursday, February 20th! Come and enjoy the ECL ‘25: Winter - Elite Finals and hang out with the community. Once you’ve purchased your ECL license, fill out this form to apply for your free ticket. Act fast—tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. https://forms.gle/eZdDm63kdv3ksa4L9