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🏒 Introduction The ECL Pro Division Playoffs are here, and with them comes a thrilling slate of first-round matchups that promise everything from offensive fireworks to tactical chess matches. Whether it's star-studded rosters chasing glory, underdog stories aiming to shock the league, or old rivalries reigniting on the virtual ice — this playoff round has it all. In this preview, we break down every series, highlight key players, expose tactical edges, and offer bold predictions from some of the community’s sharpest analysts. Buckle up — the road to ECL greatness begins now. PLAYOFFS SCHEDULE Playoffs (BO7) Round of 16: Monday 26.5 Tuesday 27.5 Thursday 29.5 Quarterfinals: Monday 2.6 Tuesday 3.6 Thursday 5.6 Semifinals: Monday 9.6 Tuesday 10.6 Thursday 12.6 Finals: 16.6- 17.6* Promotion & Relegation games are to be played shortly after the season, however, dates are flexible. * Dates are subject to change as broadcast productions are confirmed. Afterlife vs. Setelikerho : A Playoff Showdown to Watch After a rollercoaster regular season, the underdog Setelikerho has earned a first-round playoff matchup against the powerhouse Afterlife, one of the top-performing teams in the regular season. Setelikerho’s knack for upsetting giants while occasionally stumbling against lower-ranked teams has made them a wildcard in this series. Their gritty, opportunistic style contrasts sharply with Afterlife’s polished, high-octane game, setting the stage for a clash of philosophies. This series promises fast-paced action, tactical battles, and a test of whether experience or momentum will prevail. Setelikerho: The Giant Slayers Setelikerho’s journey to the playoffs has been anything but conventional. The Finnish squad, known for their relentless work ethic and cohesive team play, managed to steal crucial points from top-tier teams during the regular season. However, inconsistency against bottom-feeders exposed vulnerabilities that Afterlife will undoubtedly target. What makes Setelikerho dangerous is their veteran core, bringing elite playoff experience to the Pro divison. Players like forward @tbnantti, a clutch performer with a knack for game-changing goals, and defenseman @Tanski87, a shutdown blueliner with a booming shot, give Setelikerho the tools to disrupt Afterlife’s rhythm. The Finns thrive in high-pressure environments, often elevating their game when the stakes are highest. Their trap system is aggressive, aiming to force turnovers and capitalize on quick transitions. If Setelikerho can find their groove and maintain discipline while exploiting Afterlife’s occasional overconfidence, they could pull off a stunning upset and advance to the second round. The key will be their goaltender, @Jugi9, whose acrobatic saves and cool-headedness under pressure have bailed out the team in tight games. A hot goalie can steal a series, and Jugu has the pedigree to do just that. Afterlife: The Favorites Under Scrutiny Afterlife, hailing from Sweden (mostly), dominated the regular season with a blend of skill, speed, and depth that overwhelmed opponents. Finishing among the league’s elite, they enter the playoffs with sky-high expectations to not only win this series but to make a deep run. Their roster boasts a formidable forward group, with all players amassing 70+ points in the regular season. The addition of @SebbeLarsen86 , a dynamic playmaker with a knack for unpredictable passes has elevated their offense to another level. His ability to thread the needle in tight spaces makes Afterlife’s power play a lethal weapon. However, Afterlife’s relative lack of playoff experience could be their Achilles’ heel. While their regular-season dominance showcased their talent, the postseason is a different beast, where physicality, mental toughness, and adaptability often trump raw skill. The Swedes’ flashy style, coupled with a bold social media presence (by @Azzez_88) that’s both entertaining and polarizing, has painted a target on their backs. Setelikerho will look to exploit any signs of overconfidence if Afterlife’s young stars struggle to handle the playoff grind. Afterlife’s depth scoring is a major asset. Unlike many teams that rely on one or two stars, their balanced attack means anyone can erupt on a given night. This versatility makes them hard to game-plan against, as Setelikerho’s penalty kill will need to be airtight to neutralize Afterlife’s multi-faceted offense. If Afterlife can maintain their regular-season form and avoid early mistakes, they could overwhelm Setelikerho and fulfill expectations of a sweep or a gentleman’s sweep (4-1 series win). Tactical Breakdown Power Play: Afterlife’s power play is a well-oiled machine, converting at 28,3% during the regular season. @SebbeLarsen86’s vision and pinpoint passing create chaos in the offensive zone, while sniper @Bobban-21- buries one-timers from the slot. Setelikerho’s power play, while less prolific at 22.5%, relies on quick puck movement and deflections, with @Tehhola6837 often tipping shots from the crease. Penalty Kill: Setelikerho’s penalty kill is achilles heel, operating at an 74,47% success rate. With Afterlife's prowess on the powerplay, they will see some success. Goaltending: This could be the series’ deciding factor. @Monnig (juge9) (77,62%) save percentage and ability to steal games give Setelikerho an edge in net. Afterlife’s goaltender, @Bystrom_33 posted a 77% save percentage but has yet to face the intensity of playoff hockey. His composure will be tested early. Pace and Style: Both teams play fast, puck-moving hockey, but their approaches differ. Setelikerho’s game is built on capitalizing on mistakes, while Afterlife prefers controlled zone entries and cycling to create high-danger chances. The team that imposes its tempo will likely control the series. Key Players to Watch Setelikerho: @tbnantti – The veteran forward’s ability to score timely goals and lead by example will be crucial. His goal-scoring touch on the powerplay could tilt special teams in Setelikerho’s favor. Afterlife: @SebbeLarsen86 – The newcomer’s playmaking sets the tone for Afterlife’s offense. If he can unlock Setelikerho’s defensive structure, Afterlife will be tough to stop. Prediction This series has all the makings of a classic. Setelikerho’s experience and goaltending give them a fighting chance, but Afterlife’s depth and offensive firepower are hard to overcome. Expect a tightly contested battle, with Setelikerho pushing the pace early to test Afterlife’s resolve. If @Monnig (juge9) stands on his head, the Finns could extend the series to six or seven games. However, Afterlife’s ability to score in bunches and exploit special teams should ultimately prove decisive. Series Prediction: @hifk_FANI : Afterlife in 5 (4-1). @Pekedipeks : Afterlife in 6 (4-2). @jm98II : Setelikerho in 6 (4-2). @Pensasmies : Afterlife in 5 (4-1). For the Fans If you’re tuning in, expect end-to-end action, highlight-reel goals, and momentum swings that keep you on the edge of your seat. This series is a must-watch for anyone who loves teamwork, speed, and the raw emotion of playoff hockey. Whether you’re rooting for the underdog Finns or the favored Swedes, one thing is certain: Afterlife vs. Setelikerho will deliver a spectacle worth watching. Pirates vs. Carnages : A Playoff Showdown of Offense vs Defense This is the time for an electrifying playoff matchup in the Pro Division as the high-octane offense of Pirates eSports clashes with the suffocating defense of Carnages. This series promises to be a classic battle of contrasting styles, with Pirates looking to overwhelm their opponents with firepower and Carnages aiming to grind out victories through resilience and structure. Fans are in for a treat as these two teams battle for supremacy in a series that could define their seasons. Pirates: The Offensive Juggernaut Pirates eSports made waves in the offseason with a bold roster overhaul, and the gamble has paid dividends. Boasting the most potent offense in the Pro Division, they’ve steamrolled opponents throughout the regular season, averaging over four goals per game. Their dynamic attack, led by superstar center/winger @AdriF_23, has propelled them into the playoffs as a team no one saw coming. With a revamped lineup and a hunger to prove themselves, Pirates are poised to make a deep postseason run. The French phenom @AdriF_23 is the heartbeat of this team. Topping the division with an astonishing 116 points (46 goals, 70 assists), he showcased his versatility by dominating at center while also controlling the playmaking. His linemate, Central European star @Winci-_o, assists him perfectly on the wing. With 95 points (50 goals, 45 assists), ranking third in the division, @Winci-_o has been a lethal scoring threat. Together, they form one of the most dangerous duos in the league, capable of dismantling any defense with their speed, chemistry, and finishing. Rounding out the top line is @Jullee99, a gritty winger who adds physicality and defensive responsibility to the mix. His 72 points (33 goals, 39 assists) don’t tell the full story of his impact, as his ability to win puck battles and create space for his linemates has been crucial to Pirates’ success. With a deep supporting cast, including playmaking defenseman @Tromi13 (46 points), Pirates have the firepower to overwhelm even the stingiest defenses. Carnages: The Defensive Wall On the other side, Carnages enter the series as underdogs but with a chip on their shoulder. Known for their ability to wear down opponents, Carnages thrive in low-scoring, physical games. Their defensive structure, anchored by goaltender @Fin_S1su , has been their calling card, allowing one of the fewest goals per game in the regular season (2.38). This Finnish squad is built for the postseason, where every goal is magnified, and their disciplined approach could spell trouble for Pirates’ high-flying attack. Carnages’ regular season was not without its challenges. Scoring only 79 goals (15th among playoff teams), they struggled to generate consistent offense. However, the midseason acquisition of @Aarons _ has given them a much-needed spark. The versatile forward contributed 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) in six games, providing a secondary scoring threat alongside veteran @Kansan-edustaja (49 points). If Carnages can capitalize on their chances and keep Pirates’ offense in check, they have the potential to pull off an upset. At the back, @Kansan-edustaja is the player to watch. His .930 save percentage and calm demeanor under pressure make him a brick wall in net. Supported by shutdown defenseman @Nagneigel and @Saukkis923 (JAMJAM923), Carnages have the tools to frustrate Pirates’ stars. Their game plan will likely focus on clogging the neutral zone, forcing turnovers, and limiting high-danger chances, a strategy that worked against top offenses all season. The Matchup: Fire vs Ice This series is a textbook clash of styles. Pirates will look to push the pace, using their speed and skill to create odd-man rushes and capitalize on power plays. Their red-hot power play (32.65%) could be a game-changer since Carnages take penalties quite a lot (113, 4th among all playoff teams in regular season). Conversely, Carnages will aim to slow the game down, relying on their penalty kill (85.2%, third in the league) and physical play to disrupt Pirates’ rhythm. The key battle will be in the trenches. Can Carnages’ defense, led by @Nagneigel , neutralize Pirates’ top line? Will @AdriF_23and @Winci-_o find ways to exploit gaps in Carnages’ system? Goaltending will also play a pivotal role. While @Fin_S1su has been a rock for Carnages, Pirates’ @Horys20 (2.28 GAA) will need to step up against a team that thrives on counterattacks. Key Players to Watch Carnages: @Fin_S1su The goaltender’s ability to stand tall against Pirates’ barrage of shots will be critical. His clutch saves could swing the series in Carnages’ favor. Pirates eSports: @AdriF_23 The division’s leading scorer is a game-breaker. If he finds his rhythm, Carnages’ defense will have their hands full. Predictions This series will be a tough one for the Finns. The French side will be difficult to stop and @Fin_S1su needs a miracle to make the upset. @hifk_FANI : Pirates in 5 (4-1) @Pekedipeks : Pirates in 6 (4-2) @jm98II : Pirates in 4 (4-0) @Pensasmies : Pirates in 6 (4-2) For The Fans This series is a must-watch for esports fans. Pirates’ dazzling offense will light up the scoreboard, but Carnages’ stubborn defense and playoff mentality make them a dangerous foe. Whether you’re rooting for goals galore or a masterclass in defensive hockey, this matchup has it all. Tune in to see if Pirates’ stars shine brightest or if Carnages prove that defense truly wins championships. Vizio vs. Sawolanche : A Playoff Showdown Packed with Potential This particular matchup might not scream blockbuster at first glance, but don’t let the stat sheets fool you, this clash between Vizio and Sawolanche promises to be one of the most gripping battles of the ECL Pro Division first round in ECL Pro! Unlike other series where one team might hold a clear edge, this one is a true toss-up, with both squads bringing unique strengths and compelling narratives to the virtual ice. Expect tight, low-scoring games, clutch plays, and a series that could hinge on a single turnover or a moment of brilliance. Sawolanche: The Upstart Underdogs Sawolanche embodies the classic underdog story in the SportsGamer ecosystem. Starting their journey in the Neo division back in ECL 11, they’ve climbed the ladder with grit and determination. After cutting their teeth in the Lite division for several seasons, they’ve now earned a playoff berth in just their second season in the Pro division, a remarkable feat that signals their potential to break into the Elite tier soon. Their regular season was defined by defensive discipline and low-scoring affairs, with a league-low 75 goals scored among playoff teams. This defensive identity is Sawolanche’s calling card. Their ability to stifle opponents and keep games close has been their recipe for success, often dragging higher-octane teams into their preferred grind-it-out style. To advance past Vizio, Sawolanche will need to lean heavily on this strength, forcing low-scoring games where every chance is precious. Their captain and leading scorer, @I_LaiTi_I , is the linchpin of their offense. Known for his hockey IQ and knack for exploiting turnovers, @I_LaiTi_I will need to be at his absolute best, capitalizing on any mistakes Vizio makes in their own end. Sawolanche’s defensive structure is anchored by a disciplined team game and a goaltender who’s been a revelation this season. While their netminder’s stats may not jump off the page, their ability to make timely saves in clutch moments has kept Sawolanche competitive in tight games. If they can maintain their composure and force Vizio into frustrating, low-event hockey, Sawolanche has a real shot at pulling off the upset. Vizio: The Favored Contenders Vizio enters the series as the small favorite, and for good reason. Having already navigated the journey from Lite to Pro in prior seasons, they know what it takes to succeed in high-stakes playoff hockey. Their regular season was marked by offensive firepower and puck possession, with a style that emphasizes controlling the tempo and peppering opponents with shots. However, against a defensively sound team like Sawolanche, Vizio will need to be clinical with their chances, as opportunities to score will be few and far between. A key factor in Vizio’s favor is their mid-season acquisition of @Nieppii , a seasoned forward whose experience in high-level ECL play adds a new dimension to their attack. @Nieppii’s ability to create plays and finish in tight spaces makes him a perfect fit for the playoff grind, where every goal feels like a small victory. His presence not only bolsters Vizio’s forward core but also provides leadership and poise in critical moments. Expect @Nieppii to be a focal point of Vizio’s game plan, whether he’s setting up plays or taking on the responsibility of breaking through Sawolanche’s defensive shell. All eyes, however, will be on @Jetsu28 , Vizio’s 50-goal scorer and offensive dynamo. A nightmare for opposing defenses all season, @Jetsu28 has a flair for the dramatic, combining speed, skill, and a lethal shot to dominate games. His 50 goals in the regular season are a testament to his scoring prowess, but the playoffs are a different beast. Sawolanche’s defense will likely key in on him, using physical play and tight checking to limit his time and space. How @Jetsu28 handles this pressure will be a defining storyline of the series. If he can find ways to break free and light the lamp, Vizio could overwhelm Sawolanche’s defense. Vizio’s defense is their weakness, with one of the highest goals against in the regular season, they need to be sound in their own zone and cut down on turnovers in which Sawolanche thrive. Their netminder has posted solid numbers throughout the season, with a save percentage that ranks among the division’s best in high-danger situations. Their defensemen, while not as flashy as their forwards, are adept at moving the puck and shutting down opponents in their own zone. Vizio’s ability to maintain puck possession and limit Sawolanche’s counterattacks will be key to their success. Tactical Breakdown: A Clash of Styles This series is a classic battle of contrasting styles. Sawolanche’s low-scoring, defensive approach relies on patience, discipline, and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes. They excel at clogging the neutral zone, forcing turnovers, and turning those errors into quick-strike offense led by @I_LaiTi_I. Their penalty kill, one of the best in the Pro division, will need to be sharp against Vizio’s potent power play, which has been a weapon all season. Vizio, on the other hand, thrives on puck possession and offensive creativity. Their game plan will likely focus on cycling the puck in the offensive zone, wearing down Sawolanche’s defenders, and creating high-quality chances for @Jetsu28 and @Nieppii. However, they’ll need to avoid overcommitting, as Sawolanche is lethal on the counterattack. Vizio’s power play, driven by @Nieppii’s playmaking and @Jetsu28 ’s finishing, could be a game-changer if they can draw penalties. Goaltending will be a critical factor. Both teams have reliable netminders, but Sawolanche’s keeper has a slight edge in low-scoring games, with a knack for making game-saving stops. Vizio’s goaltender, meanwhile, faces more shots on average and has proven capable of handling high-pressure situations. The team that gets the better goaltending performance is likely to come out on top. Historical Context and Stakes For Sawolanche, this playoff appearance is a milestone in their rapid ascent through the SportsGamer ranks. A series win would not only cement their status as a rising force but also send a message that they’re ready to compete with the big dogs in Pro and potentially Elite. Vizio, meanwhile, is looking to solidify their reputation as a playoff team in Pro. Having been in Sawolanche’s position a few seasons ago, they understand the hunger of an upstart team but also the importance of seizing opportunities. A deep playoff run could propel Vizio into the Elite conversation, especially with their bolstered roster and star power. The pressure is on them to perform as favorites, but their experience gives them an edge in handling the spotlight. Players to Watch Vizio: @Artuzio With talent around him, Artuzio has the ability to raise his own game as well, with Nieppi and Jetsu taking some of the offensive load off of him, he might just be the guy to keep an eye on. Sawolanche: @Kussan82 The Swedish netminder came in the offseason from Gotham Knights where he played on a contending team that crashed out in the playoffs, now boasting similar stats he is looking to take a round 1 victory. Series Prediction This series is too close to call with certainty, and our analysts are split on the outcome, reflecting the razor-thin margins that will decide it: @hifk_FANI : Vizio in 5 (4-1) @Pekedipeks : Sawolanche in 7 (4-3) @jm98II : Vizio in 7 (4-3) @Pensasmies : Sawolanche in 6 (4-2) For The Fans Vizio vs. Sawolanche is the epitome of playoff hockey: a battle of wills, styles, and execution under pressure. Will Vizio’s offensive firepower and veteran presence prove too much, or can Sawolanche’s defensive tenacity and opportunistic play spring the upset? One thing is certain, this series will be a showcase of everything that makes ECL playoffs so compelling: heart, hustle, and high-stakes drama. Tune in, because every goal, save, and turnover could be the moment that swings this series. ROBE Esports vs. Aspyre : A High-Octane Playoff Clash in ECL Pro The ECL Pro Division first-round matchup between ROBE Esports and Aspyre is shaping up to be a thrilling battle that could go down to the wire. Both teams have the firepower, grit, and star power to make a deep playoff run, making this one of the most anticipated series of the opening round. Expect a clash of offensive juggernauts, with special teams and goaltending likely to play a pivotal role in deciding who advances. ROBE Esports: The Resurgent Offensive Machine ROBE Esports has made a triumphant return to the Pro Division after a brief hiatus, storming back into the playoffs with a statement. Their regular season was a masterclass in offensive dominance, averaging an impressive 4 goals per game, a figure that puts them among the elite scoring teams in the division. Leading the charge is their star forward, @punt1la98 , a seasoned acquisition from the now-defunct Dilac. With 38 goals in the regular season, @punt1la98 has proven he’s a clutch performer who thrives in high-pressure situations. His ability to find the back of the net, combined with his veteran presence, makes him the engine of ROBE’s attack. ROBE’s offensive prowess stems from their relentless forecheck and ability to create chaos in the offensive zone. Their cycling game is among the best in the division, with crisp passing and dynamic movement that overwhelms opposing defenses. However, their success in this series will hinge on their power play, which has been a weapon all season. Aspyre’s poor penalty kill (a league-worst 66.67%) is a glaring weakness, and ROBE’s special teams, led by @punt1la98 ’s lethal shot, could exploit it to devastating effect. If ROBE can stay disciplined and avoid taking penalties themselves, their offensive depth could make this a short series. Offensively one of the key aspects of ROBE’s game is @lycki10 , who broke the ECL Pro defensemen point record with 74 (14+60), if Aspyre can’t contain him it’ll be a short series. Defensively, ROBE is no slouch, with a balanced blueline that supports their high-octane attack. Their goaltender, while not the flashiest, has posted respectable numbers and excels at making key saves in tight games. ROBE’s ability to transition quickly from defense to offense will be crucial against Aspyre’s aggressive forwards. Adding a layer of intrigue to this matchup is @Tihizu , ROBE’s rising star who played for Aspyre last season, now facing his former teammates. @Tihizu brings insider knowledge and a potential revenge narrative. His 90 points (41+49) isn’t easily replaced, and now ROBE has that insider knowledge of Aspyre’s playbook. Aspyre: The Late-Blooming Contenders Aspyre’s journey to the playoffs was a rollercoaster, marked by inconsistency until a pivotal roster change sparked their turnaround. The arrival of @LeiskaViis7 , initially as a backup, proved to be a game-changer. Quickly seizing the left-wing position, @LeiskaViis7 led the team in scoring with an impressive 63 points, showcasing his playmaking flair and finishing touch. Now, in his first Pro Division playoff appearance, he’s poised to make a splash and cement his status as one of the division’s rising stars. Aspyre’s strength lies in their offensive versatility and ability to generate scoring chances in bunches. Their forwards, anchored by @LeiskaViis7 & @hifk_FANI , combine speed, creativity, and a knack for finding open ice. However, their Achilles’ heel is their penalty kill, which struggled mightily during the regular season. Against a team like ROBE, with a lethal power play, Aspyre will need to tighten up their special teams and stay out of the penalty box to have a chance. They have most likely spent the short break before the playoffs drilling penalty-kill strategies, but it remains a significant concern. In net, Aspyre relies on @Cash18 , a goaltender with the X-factor to steal games. When he’s dialed in, @Cash18 can be a brick wall, capable of making highlight-reel saves that shift momentum. His performance in the regular season showed flashes of brilliance, and the playoffs are his opportunity to prove he’s among the elite netminders in Pro. Aspyre’s defense, spearheaded by @letsgoat67, while not as structured as ROBE’s, is aggressive and excels at pinching to create offensive opportunities, though this can leave them vulnerable to counterattacks. Tactical Breakdown: Offense vs. Discipline This series is a clash of offensive titans, with both teams capable of lighting up the scoreboard. ROBE’s game plan will likely focus on sustaining pressure in the offensive zone, using their cycling and puck possession to wear down Aspyre’s defense. Their power play will be a key weapon, especially given Aspyre’s penalty-kill struggles. ROBE’s challenge will be maintaining defensive discipline to avoid giving Aspyre’s speedy forwards breakaway chances. Aspyre, meanwhile, will aim to turn the series into a track meet, leveraging their speed and transition game to exploit ROBE’s aggressive pinching. @LeiskaViis7’s ability to create plays in open ice will be critical, as will @Cash18 ’s performance in net. Aspyre’s biggest priority is improving their penalty kill, whether through better positioning or more aggressive shorthanded pressure to neutralize ROBE’s power play. Discipline will be paramount, as taking penalties could spell disaster. ROBE has also struggled mightily in the faceoff circle at 45.36%, with a lot of plays off the faceoff, Aspyre has the advantage here. Goaltending could be the X-factor. While both netminders are capable of stealing games, @Cash18’s flair for the dramatic gives Aspyre a slight edge in high-stakes moments. However, ROBE’s goaltender is more consistent, which could prove decisive in a long series. Players to Watch ROBE:@Tihizu A breakout star who played for Aspyre last season, @Tihizu has skyrocketed to prominence in the Pro Division. His 76 points (30 goals, 46 assists) showcase his elite skill set, making him a player every Elite team should monitor. Facing his former club, @Tihizu ’s knowledge of Aspyre’s strategies and his ability to create offense in clutch moments could be the difference. The playoffs are his stage to prove he’s ready for the next level. Aspyre:@Cash18 @Cash18 is the heartbeat of Aspyre’s playoff hopes. With an uncanny ability to make game-changing saves, he has the X-factor to swing a series in his team’s favor. His regular season was marked by moments of brilliance, and now, in the postseason spotlight, he has a chance to establish himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Pro Division. If @Cash18 is on his game, Aspyre could ride his heroics to an upset. Adaptation and Expectations ROBE Esports’ return to the Pro Division mirrors the resurgence of teams like Be a Bro or Golden Nights in past ECL seasons, who leveraged veteran leadership and offensive depth to make noise in the playoffs. A series win would validate their comeback and position them as serious contenders for an Elite Division promotion. For @punt1la98 and @Tihizu , this is a chance to prove they can carry a team in the crucible of playoff hockey. Aspyre’s story is one of adaptation and growth, reminiscent of teams like Herlev Eagles, who found success after key roster tweaks. @LeiskaViis7’s emergence as a star has given Aspyre a new identity, but their penalty-kill woes could be their undoing unless addressed. A deep playoff run would mark Aspyre as a team on the rise, with @Cash18’s goaltending potentially becoming the stuff of an ECL Pro legend. Series Prediction This series is a coin flip, with both teams boasting explosive offense and game-breaking talent. The team that finishes its chances and avoids costly penalties will likely emerge victorious. Our analysts are leaning toward Aspyre, but it’s far from unanimous: @hifk_FANI : Plays for Aspyre. @Pekedipeks : Plays for Aspyre. @jm98II : Aspyre in 7 (4-3). @Pensasmies : Aspyre in 5 (4-1) For The Fans ROBE Esports vs. Aspyre is a playoff matchup that has it all: star power, contrasting styles, and sky-high stakes. Will ROBE’s offensive juggernaut and power-play dominance prove too much, or can Aspyre’s speed, goaltending, and newfound chemistry pull off the upset? One thing is certain, this series will deliver edge-of-your-seat action, with every goal, save, and penalty potentially tipping the scales. Buckle up for a classic ECL Pro showdown! Golden Buffalos vs. Realistic : A Clash of Titans and Underdogs in ECL Pro The ECL Pro Division first-round matchup between Golden Buffalos and Realistic is one of the most intriguing storylines of the Spring 2025 playoffs. For many, the spotlight is on the Golden Buffalos, a newly formed team stacked with ECL Elite veterans who dropped down to Pro for a fresh challenge. As regular season champions, they face a scrappy, upstart Realistic squad eager to prove they belong among the division’s elite. This series promises high-stakes drama, tactical battles, and a showcase of why ECL playoffs are a breeding ground for unforgettable moments. Golden Buffalos: The Star-Studded Favorites The Golden Buffalos entered the Pro Division as the team to beat, and they’ve lived up to the hype. Assembled in the offseason with a jaw-dropping roster, they signed multi-ECL Elite champion @Patzlaf , alongside Elite veterans @Eken45jr and @FlyerKungen (among others), who left their established teams for reasons that remain a topic of speculation. Their regular season was a masterclass, clinching the top seed and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs. Led by center @Patzlaf ’s 84 points (36 goals, 48 assists), the Buffalos boasted the division’s best defense, allowing the fewest goals in Pro. The Buffalos’ strength lies in their blend of offensive firepower and defensive solidity. @Patzlaf , a cerebral playmaker with a knack for clutch performances, dictates the pace from the center position, setting up linemates with surgical precision. @FlyerKungen, a two-way force, anchors the blueline with physicality and puck-moving savvy, while @Eken45jr’s scoring touch adds dynamism to the forward group. The late-season addition of ECL legend @itspardytime , who played two games, hints at a potential wildcard in the lineup. His playoff pedigree could be a game-changer if he suits up, keeping Realistic’s roster guessing. Defensively, the Buffalos are a fortress, with a goaltender who posted a league-leading save goals-against average 1.67. Their structured system stifles opponents, forcing low-percentage shots and capitalizing on turnovers. To dominate Realistic, the Buffalos will rely on their depth, experience, and ability to control the tempo, turning games into a masterclass of execution. Realistic: The Hungry Underdogs Realistic, a newly founded team, is the new underdog story. After battling through qualifiers to earn a Pro Division spot, they scraped into the playoffs by a single point, edging out HC Lugano in a nail-biting finish. This young squad, lacking the star power of their opponents, faces a difficult task: toppling the regular season champions in a best-of-seven series. Their regular season was marked by resilience and low-scoring games, with a focus on defensive discipline to compensate for their lack of offensive depth. Leading the charge is @Ratamursu69, Realistic’s top scorer with 60 points (36 + 24). His respectable numbers highlight his ability to create offense in limited opportunities, but he’ll need to elevate his game to penetrate the Buffalos’ stingy defense. Realistic’s game plan will center on keeping games tight, relying on their young goaltender to make big saves and their forwards to capitalize on counterattacks. Their penalty kill, a middle-of-the-pack unit, must be airtight against the Buffalos’ potent power play. Realistic’s defense is gritty but untested against a team of the Buffalos’ caliber. Their blueliners excel at shot-blocking and neutral-zone traps, but they’ll face relentless pressure from the Buffalos’ talent. If Realistic can frustrate their opponents and force mistakes, they have a chance to steal games, but it will require near-perfect execution. Tactical Breakdown: Experience vs. Grit This series is a classic David vs. Goliath matchup. The Golden Buffalos will aim to impose their will through puck possession, using their cycling game and defensive structure to suffocate Realistic. Their powerplay, driven by @Patzlaf and @FlyerKungen, is a lethal weapon that could be tested by Realistic’s stellar penalty kill. Buffalos’ depth allows them to rotate players, mixing up the opponents over a long series. Their challenge is to avoid going in assuming an easy win against a hungry underdog. Realistic’s strategy will focus on low-scoring, defensive hockey. They’ll look to clog the blueline, disrupt Buffalos’ rhythm, and capitalize on turnovers with quick-strike offense led by @Ratamursu69. Goaltending will be critical, as Realistic’s netminders must match @McSavid save for save. Staying out of the penalty box is non-negotiable, as the Buffalos’ special teams could turn a single infraction into a multi-goal deficit. The goaltending matchup favors the Buffalos, whose netminder is a proven playoff performer. Realistic’s goaltenders ( @Sportage14 & @Torvelajr__), while talented, both are untested in high-stakes games, and their ability to handle the Buffalos’ relentless attack will be a defining factor. It’ll be seen who gets the starting nod, as both goaltenders have had a split of games in the regular season. Playoff Significance and Stakes The Golden Buffalos’ bold move to the Pro Division and call upon their Elite stars has made them the talk of the ECL Pro division. Their regular season dominance set a high bar, and a deep playoff run would validate their decision to begin their unusual ECL story, potentially earning them a call to Elite. For @Patzlaf , this is a chance to add another championship to his storied career, while the addition of @itspardytime could further cement his legacy in ECL history. For Realistic, this playoff berth is a milestone for a young team still finding its identity. Facing the division’s top seed is a chance to make a statement, with @Ratamursu69 poised to emerge as a breakout star. An upset would redefine their trajectory, establishing them as a force in Pro. Even pushing the Buffalos to a competitive series would boost their confidence and reputation, proving they can hang with the best. Players to Watch Golden Buffalos:@FlyerKungen The highly touted defenseman can play on both sides of the puck. With an unclear roster ahead of the playoffs, it’s highly unlikely they start the series without their puck-moving blueliner. Realistic: @Datsyykki13 A player unheard of for many, this young blueliner has the potential to be a force in the Pro division. Still learning, he amassed a solid 28 points (2+26) in his first season. Prediction The analysts are heavily favoring the Golden Buffalos. Realistic has an uphill battle but will give it all they’ve got. @hifk_FANI : Golden Buffalos in 4 (4-0) @Pekedipeks : Golden Buffalos in 4 (4-0) @jm98II : Golden Buffalos in 5 (4-1) @Pensasmies : Golden Buffalos in 6 (4-2) For The Fans This matchup is a treat for ECL fans, offering a front-row seat to see how Elite veterans like @Eken45jr & @FlyerKungen adapt to the Pro Division’s lower intensity. Meanwhile, Realistic’s underdog story, led by the promising @Ratamursu 69, adds a layer of intrigue. Can the young upstarts challenge the juggernaut, or will the Buffalos’ star power prove too much? Every game will be a test of skill, strategy, and grit. Almost Famous vs. POGGERS : A High-Octane Showdown in ECL Pro The ECL Pro Division first-round matchup between Almost Famous and Poggers is shaping up to be a fireworks-filled spectacle, pitting two offensively gifted teams against each other. With experienced playmakers, questionable defenses, and a mutual expectation to advance, this series promises high-scoring games and thrilling moments. Both squads are led by dynamic center @JaKurrii for Poggers and @Ikavalko for Almost Famous, who will drive their teams’ game plans. Buckle up for a clash that could light up the virtual ice. Almost Famous: The Offensive Juggernaut Almost Famous has been a force in the Pro Division since their triumphant ECL 24 Spring title run. After opting not to claim an Elite Division spot last season, they’ve returned with a vengeance, dominating the regular season with a group-leading 130 goals (4.33 goals per game). Their offensive prowess is unmatched, with a knack for dismantling defenses and even hitting double digits in one game. Leading the charge is former Elite standout @keranee , a forward whose playmaking and scoring ability make him a nightmare for opponents, even on his off days. Almost Famous thrives on fluid puck movement in the offensive zone. @Ikavalko ’s ability to control the puck and set up high-danger chances is the engine of their attack, often creating space for @keranee to unleash his lethal shot. However, their defense is a weak point, conceding 2.9 goals per game, which could be exposed by Poggers’ potent offense. Their goaltender @kkostiiii , while capable, relies on the team’s scoring to outpace defensive lapses. To dominate this series, Almost Famous will need to maintain their offensive tempo while tightening up in their own end. The powerplay is a key weapon for Almost Famous, with @Ikavalko and @keranee orchestrating plays that capitalize on penalties. If Poggers’ discipline falters, Almost Famous could run away with games. Their challenge is to avoid getting into a track meet, as their defensive vulnerabilities could give Poggers a chance to keep pace. POGGERS: The Playoff Perennials Poggers have been a fixture in the Pro Division playoffs since their demotion from Elite, maintaining a consistent core with minor roster tweaks. Their regular season was solid but not spectacular, earning them a playoff berth despite an average defense that allowed 2.78 goals per game. Now, they face a formidable challenge in Almost Famous, whose offensive firepower could exploit Poggers’ defensive inconsistencies. To advance, Poggers will rely on their playoff experience and a goaltender who thrives under pressure. The heartbeat of Poggers’ offense is center @JaKurrii , a veteran playmaker whose ability to drive the puck and create scoring chances is central to their strategy. His vision and puck-handling will be critical against Almost Famous’ aggressive forecheck. In net, @Hullued is the X-factor. Known for elevating his game in high-stakes situations, @Hullued’s clutch saves have kept Poggers competitive in tight games. His regular season save percentage was respectable (81.86%), but his ability to steal games in the playoffs could be the difference in this series. Poggers’ power play, led by @keranee , is dangerous and a bit more consistent than Almost Famous’. Their penalty kill, however, is a weakness, which could be dangerous against Almost Famous’ powerplay. If Poggers can keep games low-scoring and rely on @Hullued’s heroics, they have a shot at an upset. Tactical Breakdown: Offense vs. Goaltending This series is a clash of offensive titans with defensive question marks. Almost Famous will aim to dictate the pace, using their offensive prowess to overwhelm Poggers’ blueliners. Their power play, driven by @keranee’s scoring ability, and Almost Famous will target Poggers’ average penalty kill (77.55%). However, their leaky defense could allow Poggers to counterattack, especially if @Ghettomasi exploits open ice. Poggers’ strategy will focus on slowing the game down, using their experience to disrupt Almost Famous’ rhythm and capitalizing on defensive mistakes. @Hullued’s goaltending will be pivotal, as he’ll face a barrage of high-quality shots. Poggers’ penalty kill must be disciplined to limit Almost Famous’ special teams, and their power play needs to convert to match their opponents’ scoring. Discipline is key, as penalties could hand Almost Famous easy goals. Goaltending could decide the series. @Hullued’s playoff pedigree gives Poggers an edge in clutch moments, but Almost Famous’ netminder @kkostiiii i will rely on his team’s offense to outscore mistakes. The team that gets the better performance between the pipes, or exploits the other’s defensive lapses will likely advance. Playoff Significance and Stakes For Almost Famous, this series is a chance to reaffirm their status as Pro Division elites after their ECL 24 Spring title. A deep playoff run would solidify @keranee and @Ikavalko as top-tier talents and potentially earn them another shot at Elite promotion. Their high-octane style has set expectations sky-high, and anything less than a strong showing would be a disappointment. Poggers, meanwhile, are driven to prove they can return to Elite contention. Their consistent playoff appearances reflect their resilience, but a series win would mark a breakthrough, with @JaKurrii and @Hullued poised to become playoff heroes. For a team accustomed to scrapping for respect, upsetting Almost Famous would be a defining moment, boosting their confidence and reputation. Players To Watch Poggers: @LaurinHaavi Question will be if he will play offense or defense, Almost Famous will see once the series starts. He can bring it on both sides of the puck. Almost Famous:@kkostiiii Can the seasoned goalie step up when he needs to? Is the pressure of title contenders too much? Watch to find out! Prediction This matchup will feature a lot of close-call games. Unfortunately for Poggers, it won’t be enough — Almost Famous’ offense is too much and they advance. @hifk_FANI : Almost Famous in 5 (4-1) @Pekedipeks : Almost Famous in 5 (4-1) @jm98II : Almost Famous in 6 (4-2) @Pensasmies : Almost Famous in 5 (4-1) For The Fans This matchup is a treat for ECL fans, showcasing offensive fireworks from @keranee and @Ikavalko against the clutch goaltending of @Hullued and @JaKurrii ’s playmaking. Will Almost Famous’ scoring barrage overwhelm Poggers, or can the underdogs pull off a stunner? Every goal, save, and power play will be critical in this high-scoring thriller. Fury vs. Otukset : A High-Scoring Showdown in ECL Pro The ECL Pro Division first-round matchup between Fury and Otukset is poised to be a thrilling, goal-filled spectacle, echoing the offensive fireworks of the Poggers vs. Almost Famous series. Both teams boast Elite-level experience and rosters stacked with offensive talent, but their success hinges on which squad’s defensemen can balance their attacking instincts with defensive responsibility. With dynamic forwards and shaky bluelines, this series will test who can find the extra gear to advance to the second round. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring battle where every mistake could be costly. Fury: The Ambitious Newcomers Fury entered the ECL Pro Division as a newly formed team with sky-high expectations, bolstered by a roster of proven veterans. Finishing fourth in their group fell short of their lofty goals, but their offensive output was undeniable, driven by the dynamic duo of @rakkauspakkaus- and @Konsuk05 , @rakkauspakkaus-, a Pro Division veteran, elevated his game to new heights, amassing 102 points (45 goals, 57 assists) to lead the team. His partner, @Konsuk05, lit the lamp 50 times, forming a lethal forward pairing that can dismantle defenses with speed and precision. Don’t underestimate the trickery and experience of @LE1PAKONE (nordzman) — once defenseman turned center — he will be the wildcard for Fury. Fury’s strength lies in their offensive zone dominance, where their forwards excel at cycling, creating space, and finishing high-danger chances. @rakkauspakkaus-’s playmaking and @Konsuk05’s sniping make them a nightmare for opposing goalkeepers. New signing @localhefe (pinpinkeisari), an offensive-minded defenseman, whose lack of defensive capabilities are a glaring weakness for Fury. His 53 points (4 goals, 49 assists) are impressive, but his 304 turnovers highlight a reckless streak that opponents exploit. If Fury can rein in @localhefe ’s risky plays and bolster their defensive structure, they could overwhelm Otukset with their scoring. Fury’s power play, led by @rakkauspakkaus-’s setups, is a potent weapon, but their penalty kill struggles, often leaving them vulnerable. Staying disciplined and limiting Otukset’s power-play opportunities will be critical to their success. Otukset: The Seasoned Contenders Otukset, now in their fourth season in the Pro Division, are a well-oiled machine with a roster brimming with chemistry and versatility. Having narrowly missed Elite qualification before the season, they’re hungry to make a deep playoff run. Their regular season was marked by balance, with their forward group consisting of @Pursuitti , @James (machinegunkalle), and @Miguli36 almost sharing the scoring load evenly, each hovering just under 80 points. This depth makes Otukset a tough matchup, as they lack a single star but overwhelm with coordinated attacks. Defensively, Otukset are a standout, conceding just 82 goals (2nd fewest in their group). Their blueliners, while offensively inclined, are disciplined, balancing aggressive pinches with solid positioning. This defensive stability will be tested against Fury’s high-powered forwards, but Otukset’s chemistry gives them an edge in reading plays and shutting down rushes. Their goaltender @Roisto999 , a Pro Division veteran, boasts a mid-tier save percentage (79.75%) and thrives in low-scoring games, providing a backbone for their playoff push. Otukset’s power play, driven by @Pursuitti ’s vision, is efficient — the 2nd best in Pro (33.93%) — which could test Fury’s below average penalty kill (76.32%). To upset Fury, Otukset will need to exploit @localhefe ’s turnovers and keep games tight, leaning on their goaltender to outduel Fury’s inconsistent netminder, who at his best is a terrific goaltender. Tactical Breakdown: Offense vs. Discipline This series is a battle of offensive firepower and defensive discipline, with both teams’ offensive-minded defensemen under scrutiny. Fury will aim to dominate puck possession, using their cycling game to create chances for @rakkauspakkaus- and @Konsuk05. Their power play is a major threat, but @localhefe ’s turnovers could spark Otukset’s counterattacks. Fury must tighten their defensive zone coverage and avoid penalties, as Otukset’s penalty kill is above average. Otukset’s strategy will focus on structured play, using their defensive stability to frustrate Fury’s forwards and capitalize on mistakes. Their balanced forward group, led by @Pursuitti , excels at exploiting tight spaces, and their goaltender’s ability to handle high-danger shots could keep games close. Otukset’s power play must convert to match Fury’s scoring, and their penalty kill will be key to containing @rakkauspakkaus-’s setups. Discipline is paramount, as penalties could ignite Fury’s offense. Goaltending could be the decider. Otukset’s netminder has the edge in consistency, while Fury’s goalkeeper is a wildcard who can steal games or falter under pressure. The team whose defensemen better balance offense and defense, and whose goaltender stands tallest, will likely advance. Playoff Significance and Stakes For Fury, this series is a chance to validate their bold formation and high expectations. A deep playoff run would establish @rakkauspakkaus- and @Konsuk05 as elite playmakers and silence doubters about their defensive woes. Overcoming @localhefe ’s turnover issues could propel Fury toward Elite contention, making this series a defining moment for their new roster. Otukset, with their seasoned core, are driven to finally break through in the playoffs after years on the Elite cusp. A series win would highlight their chemistry and defensive prowess, with @Pursuitti , @James (machinegunkalle), and @Miguli36 proving they can compete with the best. Advancing would cement Otukset as a Pro Division powerhouse and boost their confidence for future Elite qualification. Players To Watch Otukset: @juhkis96 Will the seasoned player finally take that final step for the hardly sought after promotion to Elite, or will Otukset once again fall short in the playoffs? Time for the captain to step up. Fury:@localhefe A battle between defensemen, both drive their team forward, but will this once great Hokurit legend be a turnover machine in the playoffs? Time will tell and Otukset will surely take advantage. His 304 turnovers are close to a Pro division record. Prediction This matchup promises high-scoring chaos, with both teams exploiting defensive weaknesses. The team that stays out of the penalty box and gets the better goaltending will prevail. Analysts are split, reflecting the series’ unpredictability: @hifk_FANI : Fury in 4 (4-0) @Pekedipeks : Otukset in 7 (4-3) @jm98II : Otukset in 6 (4-2) @Pensasmies : Otukset in 7 (4-3) For The Fans This series is a masterclass in offensive hockey, with @rakkauspakkaus-, @Konsuk05, @Pursuitti , @James (machinegunkalle), and @Miguli36 showcasing their mastery of tight-space playmaking. Fans looking to sharpen their offensive game should study this matchup, as both forward groups exploit every inch of ice. The battle of offensive defensemen, especially @localhefe ’s high-risk style, adds intrigue. Don’t miss this high-scoring showdown! Three Stars vs. Falun : A Clash of Cinderella Magic and Veteran Grit in ECL Pro The ECL Pro Division first-round matchup between Three Stars and Falun is one of the most captivating storylines of the Pro playoffs, pitting a Latvian underdog with a good run under their belt against a seasoned Swedish squad with Elite experience. Three Stars, a team few expected to make the playoffs, has dazzled with their dynamic offense and aggressive playstyle, while Falun, a playoff regular, aims to leverage their veteran presence to overcome a lackluster regular season. This series promises high-energy hockey, tactical battles, and a test of whether youthful momentum can outshine battle-tested grit. Expect a hard-fought battle that could swing either way. Three Stars: The Latvian Cinderella Story Three Stars has been the surprise package of the ECL Pro Division, defying expectations with a breakout season that captured the imagination of fans. After scraping through Stage 2 of the Pro qualifiers, the Latvian squad exploded out of the gate with a stunning nine-game win streak, showcasing their flashy offense and relentless energy. Their regular season was a masterclass in balance: a league-best power play (35.42%), a strong faceoff win rate (52.15%), and an above-average penalty kill. Their defense, ranked second in Pro for goals against, combines aggressive play with disciplined positioning, creating turnovers that fuel their high-octane attack. Leading the charge is left winger @artusjo , whose slick playmaking and scoring touch have lit up the division. Since his Pro debut in ECL 23 Spring in the Neo division, @artusjo has evolved into a superstar, dazzling opponents with his speed and clutch goals. Complementing him is the lone Finn, @Stigi senko, who enjoyed a record-breaking season with 46 goals and a blistering 35.9% shooting percentage, making him a lethal finisher in tight spaces. Three Stars’ game plan hinges on their aggressive play, power-play dominance, and faceoff prowess, but their relative inexperience could be a chink in their armor against Falun’s seasoned roster. Their goaltender, a rising talent @Elvis Grundmanis (happymack29) boasts solid save percentage (81.31%), faces a stern test against Falun’s skilled wingers but has shown poise in high-pressure moments. Three Stars’ versatility leaves few weaknesses, but maintaining their momentum in the playoff crucible will be critical. If they can keep the puck in Falun’s zone, convert power-play chances, and stay disciplined, their cinderella story could extend deep into the postseason. Falun: The Experienced Contenders Falun, an experienced team in the ECL, entered the Pro season with high expectations but faltered after falling short in the Elite qualifiers. Despite a disappointing regular season, their playoff berth and surprising roster moves signal their intent to make a statement. The acquisition of @benuh_ , widely regarded as the best goaltender in Pro, was a masterstroke, with his elite save percentage and clutch performances anchoring Falun’s defense. Their offense, driven by talented wingers @STRANDMANNEN11 and @Buffy XII, is potent, capable of matching Three Stars’ firepower, but they face a formidable challenge against the division’s second-best defense. The return of @l-Furyan-l , an ECL legend, has been a game-changer. After a tough stint in Elite, he reasserted his dominance, finishing sixth among defensemen in points (7 goals, 46 assists) and second in blocked shots (46). His two-way play and physicality make him a candidate for the best defenseman award if Falun goes deep. Falun’s game plan revolves around their experience, goaltending, and offensive depth, but they must slow Three Stars’ relentless pace to avoid being overrun. Their goaltender, @benuh_, is the X-factor, capable of stealing games, but their average penalty kill could be exposed by Three Stars’ deadly power play. Falun’s challenge is to impose their tempo, leveraging @l-Furyan-l ’s defensive prowess and @benuh_’s heroics to keep games tight. If they can fluster Three Stars with physical play and capitalize on their inexperience, they could pull off the upset. Tactical Breakdown: Momentum vs. Experience This series is a clash of styles: Three Stars’ high-octane, aggressive approach against Falun’s structured, experience-driven game. Three Stars will aim to dominate puck possession, using their skill and power play to overwhelm Falun’s defense. Their faceoff dominance, led by @snipeLVcelly8 (jurajLV), ensures they start with the puck, and their aggressive playbook creates turnovers for quick-strike goals. However, their defensive aggression could leave gaps if Falun’s wingers exploit counter attacks. Falun’s strategy will focus on slowing the game down, using @benuh_ to neutralize high-danger shots. Their power play, driven by @STRANDMANNEN11, must convert to keep pace, while their penalty kill needs to step up against Three Stars’ lethal special teams. Discipline is critical, as penalties could ignite Three Stars’ power play. Falun’s experience gives them an edge in clutch moments, but they must match Three Stars’ intensity to avoid being overrun. Goaltending could be the decider. @benuh_’s playoff pedigree gives Falun a slight edge, but @Elvis Grundmanis (happymack29) has shown he knows what he’s doing. The team that gets the better performance between the pipes and exploits the other’s mistakes will likely advance. Playoff Significance and Stakes For Three Stars, this series is a chance to cement their cinderella story and prove their meteoric rise is no fluke. A deep playoff run would establish @artusjo and @Stigi senko as Pro Division stars and position the Latvians as serious contenders for Elite promotion. Their dynamic style has raised expectations, and advancing would send a message that their momentum is unstoppable. Falun, meanwhile, is fighting to reclaim their status as a playoff powerhouse. A series win would validate @benuh_’s acquisition, highlight @l-Furyan-l s resurgence, and restore Falun’s reputation after a lackluster season. For @STRANDMANNEN11 and @Buffy XII, it’s an opportunity to prove they can lead against a top defense. Advancing would reignite Falun’s Elite aspirations and boost their confidence for future campaigns. Players To Watch Three Stars:@artusjo The new star of the Latvian team now has big shoes to follow, his regular season campaign was a success and now we’ll see if he can find that little bit of playoff hockey resilience we all love. Falun:@benuh_ The seasoned veteran has seen a lot of different ECL scenarios in his career, and this is no different. We’ll see a great goalie take on a great offense. For those who are new between the pipes, this is a must-follow! Prediction This series is a toss-up, with Three Stars’ momentum clashing against Falun’s experience. The team that controls the tempo and gets the better goaltending will prevail. Analysts lean toward the Latvians, but the series could go the distance: @hifk_FANI : Three Stars in 5 (4-1) @Pekedipeks : Three Stars in 5 (4-1) @jm98II : Three Stars in 7 (4-3) @Pensasmies : Three Stars in 4 (4-0) For The Fans This series is a must-watch for ECL fans, showcasing Three Stars’ electrifying offense, led by @artusjo and @Stigi senko, against Falun’s veteran grit, with @l-Furyan-l and @benuh_ anchoring their effort. The battle of Three Stars’ power play versus Falun’s goaltending adds intrigue, and fans looking to study dynamic playmaking should tune in. Every goal, save, and power play could tip the scales in this high-stakes showdown! 🏁 Conclusion As the puck drops on the ECL Pro Playoffs, each team carries its own story — redemption, ambition, legacy, or breakout. While stats and predictions paint part of the picture, it’s the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey that makes it so captivating. From breathtaking saves to last-minute goals, these series will define seasons and shape future ECL legends. No matter who you’re rooting for, one thing is clear: fans are in for a postseason to remember.

The League Administration has conducted a thorough investigation into rule violations committed by members of Norrlands Hockey in the ECL Lite during the ECL ’25: Spring season. The findings involve multiple breaches of player eligibility and attempts to circumvent suspensions. Ban Evasion by eBjorken97_ Norrlands Hockey registered the player Valter27k, who was confirmed to be eBjorken97_, a player already banned from competition until February 13, 2026. By attempting to rejoin under a false identity, eBjorken97_ violated multiple core rules of SportsGamer. As a result: eBjorken97_’s ban is extended by 6 months, now ending on August 13, 2026. Captain abbelandit__ is banned for the remainder of ECL ’25: Spring. Captain Bjorkudd_39 is banned for 6 months, until October 9, 2025. All three – eBjorken97_, abbelandit__, and Bjorkudd_39 – receive a two-year captaincy ban, from April 9, 2025, to April 9, 2027. Rule Violations: Rule 2.4 – Number of Accounts eBjorken97_ used multiple accounts in violation of account regulations. Rule 4.2 – Rule Circumvention Both eBjorken97_ and Bjorkudd_39 attempted to deceive SportsGamer administration. Rule 14.11 – Acquisition of Banned Players The team registered a banned player, triggering captain bans and setting the foundation for team disqualification in the case of further violations. At the time of this ruling, the remaining players on the roster were allowed to continue competing in ECL '25, with a clear warning that any further misconduct would result in disqualification. Additional Violation – Playing While Banned It has now been confirmed that abbelandit__, while suspended, participated in matches by using another player’s account. This is a serious and intentional breach of the rules. As a result: Norrlands Hockey is disqualified from ECL ’25: Spring Further disciplinary action for any other players or captains involved in this violation is under review and will be announced in due course. Additional Rule Violations: Rule 2.4 – Number of Accounts No player may have more than one account on SportsGamer.gg. Rule 2.5 – Account in the Same Household Players sharing an IP address (e.g., family members) must report it to SportsGamer administration. No such report was made. Rule 14.11 – Acquisition of Banned Players Continued use of a banned player resulted in disqualification, as outlined by this rule. Playoff Implications As Norrlands Hockey fielded an ineligible player during the majority of their ECL '25: Spring - Lite season, all of their matches will be voided. The standings will be adjusted accordingly. Conclusion The conduct displayed by members of Norrlands Hockey represents a clear and repeated disregard for SportsGamer rules. Attempts to evade bans, use of unauthorized accounts, and deception toward league administration undermine the integrity of our competitions. We take these matters seriously and will continue to enforce all rules to ensure a fair and respectful environment for every participant.

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.

SportsGamer Twitch and YouTube Channels Are Now Reactio Media As part of a broader effort to grow and diversify our channel, the SportsGamer Twitch and YouTube platforms are now operating under the name Reactio Media. What’s changing? In short — just the name. All of the broadcasts, tournaments, and content you’ve come to expect from SportsGamer will continue as before. SportsGamer remains an active and central part of the channel’s programming. The new identity simply creates space for additional creators and content formats to emerge alongside our core esports coverage. While this new content may not always be tied directly to SportsGamer, the goal is to strengthen the entire platform — expanding reach, building a wider audience, and ultimately unlocking more opportunities for everyone involved. This shift also supports our ability to attract sponsorships and partnerships, which in turn helps us continue improving SportsGamer’s own content and production value. “How does this change things for me as a SportsGamer member?” It doesn’t — aside from giving you the chance to tune in to something different when there’s no SportsGamer content live. Everything you care about is still here. So when you see Reactio Media live on Twitch or YouTube — remember, it’s still us. Come say hi, join the stream, and be part of what’s next. 🎮 Up next on the channel: the ECL ’25: Spring Elite Quarterfinals, starting on Monday live at twitch.tv/ReactioMedia!   Follow SportsGamer on all platforms: 💬 Discord:  SportsGamer.gg/Discord  📘 Facebook: @SportsGamerGG 📸 Instagram: @SportsGamerGG 📺 Kick: @SportsGamerGG 🎵 TikTok: @SportsGamerGG 🧵 Threads: @SportsGamerGG 🎥 Twitch: @ReactioMedia 🐦 Twitter (X): @SportsGamerGG ▶️ YouTube: @ReactioMedia

ECL '25: Spring - Lite | Playoffs: Round 2 Preview - Epic Battles and Underdog Dreams The ECL '25: Spring - Lite Playoffs are in full swing, and the second round is delivering the high-stakes, heart-pounding eHockey action fans live for. Despite the challenges of limited writers causing delayed previews, the virtual ice is ablaze with thrilling plays, underdog heroics, and tactical showdowns. With the quarterfinals underway, the top seeds are fighting to maintain their dominance, while lower seeds are seizing their moment to shock the league. From veteran-led comebacks to star-studded rosters asserting their will, this round has it all. Fire up your consoles and dive into our comprehensive preview of the four second-round matchups, complete with key players, tactical breakdowns, and bold predictions from the community’s top analysts. The race to the semifinals is on, and the path to Lite division glory is heating up! Kikkakirja (1) vs. Hokurit (28) Series Status: Kikkakirja leads 2-1 as of June 3, 2025 One of the most captivating matchups in the ECL Lite second round pits the top-seeded Kikkakirja against the 28th-seeded Hokurit, a team that’s defied the odds to reach this stage. Kikkakirja, a powerhouse aiming for a return to the Pro division, survived a shocking seven-game scare against the last-seeded Hockeyholics in the first round. Meanwhile, Hokurit pulled off a stunning upset against the talented Kokemus Puuttuu, showcasing their veteran savvy and resilience. With Kikkakirja holding a 2-1 series lead, this matchup promises a thrilling clash of styles that could go down to the wire. Kikkakirja: Overcoming the First Hurdle Kikkakirja entered the playoffs as the team to beat, boasting a high-octane offense and a regular-season record that underscored their dominance in the Lite division. However, their first-round battle against Hockeyholics exposed unexpected vulnerabilities, as the underdogs pushed them to a full seven games. Led by captain @PyroNiko, a former Pro standout known for his playmaking and clutch scoring, Kikkakirja leaned on their depth to escape the upset bid. @j1mppa_, a versatile forward, has been a key contributor, averaging over a point per game in the playoffs and providing secondary scoring. With a 2-1 lead over Hokurit, Kikkakirja is in the driver’s seat, but roster availability issues and defensive inconsistencies could give Hokurit an opening. If @PyroNiko and @j1mppa_ can lead the way, Kikkakirja’s path to the semifinals—and a potential Pro division return—remains within reach. Hokurit: The Upset Architects Hokurit’s improbable run to the second round has turned heads across the Lite division. After a glorious comeback season, they stunned Kokemus Puuttuu in a 4-2 series win, thanks to a timely roster shakeup that saw @MCH_98 slot into the lineup and @jondeezz unleash his veteran trickery. @MCH_98, a dynamic two-way player, has been a revelation, contributing key goals and defensive stability. Hokurit’s 4-3 victory in game one against Kikkakirja showed they’re not intimidated by the top seed, but trailing 2-1, they’ll need to dig deep to keep their Cinderella story alive. Hokurit’s strength lies in their opportunistic play and goaltending, which has kept them in games against superior opponents. However, roster issues could hinder their consistency against Kikkakirja’s relentless attack. Key Matchups Offensive Depth vs. Counterattacking Prowess: Kikkakirja’s attack, led by @PyroNiko and @j1mppa_, thrives on quick transitions and power-play efficiency. Hokurit counters with a gritty, counterattacking style, with @MCH_98 and @Jondeezz capitalizing on mistakes. The team that controls the pace will have the edge. Goaltending Duel: Kikkakirja’s goaltender was tested against Hockeyholics but made clutch saves. Hokurit’s netminder, meanwhile, stole games against Kokemus Puuttuu. The goaltender who stands tallest in tight moments will be critical. Special Teams: Kikkakirja’s power play is a lethal weapon, but Hokurit’s penalty kill has been effective. Discipline will be key to avoiding costly penalties. Players to Watch Kikkakirja: @j1mppa_ Hokurit: @MCH_98 Tactical Breakdown Kikkakirja will aim to dictate the tempo with their high-flying offense, using @PyroNiko and @j1mppa_ to create scoring chances in transition. Their power play is a major weapon that could exploit Hokurit’s penalties. Hokurit, however, will look to slow the game down, clogging the neutral zone and relying on @MCH_98 and @Jondeezz for counterattacks. Their penalty kill must be sharp to neutralize Kikkakirja’s man advantage. The team that adapts better to the other’s game plan will take control of this series. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Kikkakirja in 5 (4-1). AI: Hokurit in 7 (4-3). Sticks Misfits (2) vs. Carolus Icemen (25) Series Status: Six Sticks Misfits lead 3-1 as of June 3, 2025 The second-seeded Six Sticks Misfits are firmly in control with a 3-1 series lead over the 25th-seeded Carolus Icemen, but this matchup is far from decided. The Misfits dominated their first-round matchup against Eisbaeren Lauf Gaming, while the Icemen pulled off a stunning upset against Powerhouse Hockey. The Icemen’s 5-2 win in game two shows they can compete with the best, but they’ll need a miracle to overcome the Misfits’ stacked roster. This series pits a powerhouse against an underdog with nothing to lose. Six Sticks Misfits: A Dominant Force Six Sticks Misfits entered the playoffs as a juggernaut, having cruised through the regular season with their balanced attack and veteran leadership. Their first-round sweep of Eisbaeren Lauf Gaming was a statement, as even Eisbaeren’s star @Kenu couldn’t slow them down. Leading the charge is @ROUHEEE, a postseason standout with 11 goals in eight games. The Misfits’ roster is loaded with experience, making them a favorite to go deep in the playoffs. Their relentless forecheck and lethal power play have overwhelmed opponents, but their game two loss shows they’re not invincible. With a 3-1 lead, the Misfits are poised to advance, but they must stay focused to avoid letting the Icemen back into the series. Carolus Icemen: Defying the Odds Carolus Icemen have already made waves by upsetting Powerhouse Hockey in five games in the first round. Led by the dynamic @Bror1326, who carried the team with his offensive flair, the Icemen showed they can compete with top teams. Their 5-2 victory in game two against the Misfits proved they’re not intimidated, but trailing 3-1, they face an uphill battle. @Tlindgren96s goaltending was a difference-maker in the first round, and his performance will be critical if the Icemen hope to stage a comeback. The Icemen’s strength lies in their ability to capitalize on mistakes and play a gritty, team-oriented game. If @Bror1326 can continue his heroics, they could make this series interesting. Key Matchups Offensive Depth vs. Clutch Scoring: The Misfits’ balanced attack, led by @ROUHEEE, overwhelms with depth and pressure. The Icemen rely on @Bror1326’s clutch scoring to keep them in games. The team that converts their chances more efficiently will control the series. Goaltending Battle: The Misfits’ goaltender has been steady, allowing their offense to shine. @Tlindgren96 for the Icemen has the potential to steal games, as seen in their upset of Powerhouse. The netminder who makes the big saves will be pivotal. Special Teams: The Misfits’ power play is a major weapon, but the Icemen’s penalty kill was effective against Powerhouse. Discipline will be key for the Icemen to stay in the series. Players to Watch Six Sticks Misfits: @ROUHEEE Carolus Icemen: @Bror1326 Tactical Breakdown The Misfits will look to impose their high-tempo, forechecking style, using @ROUHEEE’s scoring touch to create opportunities. Their power play is a constant threat. The Icemen will aim to keep games low-scoring, relying on @Bror1326's clutch play and @Tlindgren96’s goaltending to steal games. Their ability to capitalize on counterattacks and stay disciplined on special teams will be critical. The team that controls the pace and avoids mistakes will advance. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Misfits in 5 (4-1). AI: Misfits in 6 (4-2). Deadly Phantoms (7) vs. Silver Sword Griffins (13) Series Status: Silver Sword Griffins lead 2-0 as of June 3, 2025 The clash between the seventh-seeded Deadly Phantoms and the 13th-seeded Silver Sword Griffins is a throwback to ECL’s storied rivalries, with both teams boasting deep roots in the competitive scene. The Griffins’ commanding 2-0 lead has put the Phantoms on the ropes, but this series promises tight games and hard-fought battles. Both teams advanced comfortably from their first-round matchups, setting the stage for a gritty showdown that’s perfect for fans of close, physical eHockey. Deadly Phantoms: Fighting for Redemption The Deadly Phantoms are a franchise with a storied history, having competed across multiple ECL divisions. Now in Lite, they’re determined to return to the Pro division. Their first-round win was a statement, as they dispatched their opponent with ease. Captain @CashAllGreen has been a standout, racking up 39 points (24 goals, 15 assists) in 12 regular-season games and continuing his strong play in the playoffs. @CCBow-501, a rising star, has added secondary scoring and defensive stability. Trailing 2-0, the Phantoms need a team-wide effort to turn the series around. The Phantoms’ strength lies in their balanced roster, but their defensive consistency will be tested against the Griffins’ potent attack. Silver Sword Griffins: The Latvian Surge Hailing primarily from Latvia, the Silver Sword Griffins entered the playoffs as a dangerous underdog and proved their mettle by defeating TikiTaka in five games in the first round. Led by captain @martinssilins, the Griffins played with confidence and precision. @LATMinx, a dynamic forward, has been a postseason revelation, contributing key goals and playmaking. Their 2-0 series lead over the Phantoms shows they’re ready for a tougher challenge, but they’ll need to maintain their defensive structure to close it out. The Griffins’ goaltending has been a key factor, with their netminder making timely saves to keep games close. Key Matchups Offensive Balance vs. Defensive Stability: The Phantoms’ attack, led by @cashallgreen and @CCBow-501, is versatile, but the Griffins’ defense, anchored by @kriteris, has been solid. The team that controls the slot will have the upper hand. Goaltending Edge: The Griffins’ goaltender has been a difference-maker, while the Phantoms’ netminder has faced pressure but held firm. The goaltending duel will be critical in tight games. Special Teams: The Phantoms’ power play is a threat, but the Griffins’ penalty kill has been effective. Discipline will be key for both teams. Players to Watch Deadly Phantoms: @RPH_31 Silver Sword Griffins: @LATMinx Tactical Breakdown The Phantoms will aim to push the pace, using @CashAllGreen and @CCBow-501 to create opportunities in transition. Their power play is a weapon that could exploit penalties. The Griffins prefer a structured, defensive game, relying on @LATMinx’s counterattacks and a strong penalty kill. @martinssilins’s two-way play will be critical in neutralizing the Phantoms’ top line. The team that wins the special teams battle and controls the neutral zone will advance. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Griffins in 5 (4-1). AI: Phantoms in 7 (4-3). Lemmenvelhot (10) vs. Rusty X (11) Series Status: Tied 2-0 as of June 3, 2025 The matchup between the 10th-seeded Lemmenvelhot and the 11th-seeded Rusty X is a classic Lite division showdown, with both teams brimming with talent and hunger. Both squads dominated their first-round opponents, showcasing their offensive firepower and playoff readiness. As they square off in the second round, this series promises to be a high-octane battle where goaltending and efficiency in front of the net will decide the winner. Lemmenvelhot: Proving Their Worth Lemmenvelhot narrowly missed a Pro division spot in the preseason qualifiers, raising questions about their readiness. Their dominant first-round performance silenced doubters, as they dispatched their opponent with ease. @Jmaisema has been a postseason standout, racking up 19 points (12 goals, 7 assists), while @xMossee has provided secondary scoring and defensive stability. Lemmenvelhot’s aggressive forecheck and offensive depth make them a dangerous team, but they’ll need to shore up their defense against Rusty X’s star-studded attack. Rusty X: A Record-Breaking Pace Rusty X has been a revelation, with @Nester4343 and @SPB_AlexZver_22(thealexera) averaging a staggering three points per game in the playoffs. Their first-round dismantling of Saucer Hockey showcased their offensive firepower and special teams dominance. If they maintain that pace, they could set a postseason record. Rusty X’s ability to score in bunches and their effective power play make them a formidable opponent, but their defense will be tested against Lemmenvelhot’s relentless attack. Key Matchups Star Power vs. Team Depth: @Jmaisema and @Tptk00 give Lemmenvelhot a potent attack & goalie, but Rusty X’s @Nester4343 and @SPB_AlexZver_22(thealexera) provide a two-pronged threat. The team with better secondary scoring will have the edge. Goaltending Duel: Both goaltenders performed well in the first round, but Rusty X’s netminder has been stingy. The goaltender who makes the big saves will be the difference. Special Teams: Rusty X’s power play was lethal against Saucer Hockey, while Lemmenvelhot’s aggressive forecheck creates shorthanded chances. Special teams will be critical. Players to Watch Lemmenvelhot: @Tptk00 Rusty X: @Nester4343 Lemmenvelhot will rely on their aggressive forecheck and @Jmaisema’s scoring to pressure Rusty X’s defense. Their power play is opportunistic, but they’ll need to stay disciplined to avoid Rusty X’s lethal man advantage. Rusty X will look to stretch the ice with quick transitions, leveraging @Nester4343 and @SPB_AlexZver_22's (thealexera) speed. Their penalty kill must be sharp to counter Lemmenvelhot’s aggressive play. The team that executes with precision will advance. Series Prediction Hifk_fani: Rusty X in 6 (4-2). AI: Rusty X in 7 (4-3). Final Thoughts The ECL '25: Spring - Lite Playoffs second round is a showcase of everything fans love about competitive eHockey: high-scoring battles, upset potential, and tactical brilliance. Kikkakirja’s redemption quest faces Hokurit’s Cinderella story. Six Sticks Misfits’ dominance is tested by Carolus Icemen’s grit. Deadly Phantoms and Silver Sword Griffins revive a historic rivalry, while Lemmenvelhot and Rusty X promise a high-octane showdown. With every series poised to deliver drama, the race to the semifinals is heating up. Stay tuned for more thrilling action as these teams battle for Lite division supremacy!

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.

The ECL25 Spring Core Division regular season has wrapped, and what a ride it’s been. With 49 teams fighting for just 32 playoff spots, only the most consistent, balanced, and resilient squads made it through. This article breaks down the top-performing teams, highlights standout players, and provides a preview of the playoff matchups. Whether you're a competitor or a fan, here's everything you need to know about one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory. Playoffs schedule Playoffs (BO7) Round of 32: Tuesday 27.5 Thursday 29.5 Sunday 1.6 Round of 16: Tuesday 3.6. Thursday 5.6. Sunday 8.6. Quarterfinals: Tuesday 10.6. Thursday 12.6. Sunday 15.6. Semifinals: Monday 16.6. Wednesday 18.6. Thursday 19.6. Finals: 25.6 - 26.6 * * Dates are subject to change as broadcast productions are confirmed. Group Breakdown: Who Stood Out and Why Group 1 : Dynamo HC (47 pts): A model of consistency. With 91 goals scored and just 39 conceded, they bring balance and stability to the ice. Their power play efficiency sits at a healthy 28.13%, and their penalty kill is rock solid at 86.49%. VBO Stars (44 pts): Efficient and steady, they’ve allowed only 52 goals. While their power play leaves room for improvement (16.28%), they play with discipline and keep penalty minutes low. Viitapohja Vikings (43 pts): Dangerous offensively (83 GF) and nearly impenetrable on the penalty kill (96.3%). Their main concern lies in defensive consistency. HC Lisko (40 pts): A balanced contender with strong faceoff skills (54.71%) and defensive structure. NAM3LESS (32 pts): This team thrives on toughness. Their 499 hits lead the group. Scoring remains a challenge, but their defense and penalty kill (92.86%) give them a shot in low-scoring games. Beer Bears (26 pts), BACKCHECK BOYS (25 pts), TeNo (24 pts): Also qualified for playoffs, though with more inconsistencies. TeNo's power play is dangerous, but they concede far too many goals. BACKCHECK BOYS and Beer Bears need tighter defense. Group 2 : ARMEIJAN KURI (61 pts): A physically dominant team (665 hits) with a formidable goal differential (101 GF, 52 GA). Their 96.55% penalty kill rate makes them incredibly hard to beat. Nordic Nosebleed (57 pts): Lethal on the power play (34.55%) and aggressive in the offensive zone with 97 goals. Fallen Rangers (50 pts): The league's most explosive offense with 125 goals. Their challenge? Shoring up a defense that gave up 82. CapeTown Kings (37 pts), Bare Knuckles Hockey (35 pts), Auramo Hockey Club (34 pts), HC KOROBKA (33 pts), MIESKISSAT (33 pts): These teams round out the top 8 and secured playoff berths. Auramo and CapeTown offer balanced play. HC KOROBKA and Bare Knuckles bring physicality but must tighten defensively. MIESKISSAT combines strong scoring with faceoff dominance. Group 3 : Harhapassi: Strong defensively (57 GA) with a gritty style (441 hits). Their low faceoff win rate (46.46%) might hurt in close games. SKYFALL: Arguably the most dangerous team with the puck. They boast the best power play (35.14%) and penalty kill (92.31%) in the division. Prowlers: Their mix of solid defense, above-average faceoff wins, and physicality (389 hits) makes them well-rounded contenders. KELAGOLDCARD HC, Surte Sisu HC, Taifun Veterans, Wildcats esport I, Zamboni Zorros: All playoff-bound. KELAGOLDCARD is high scoring but defensively unstable. Surte and Taifun bring offensive threats. Wildcats struggle with control but stay aggressive. Zamboni Zorros sneak in with great faceoffs but need more scoring. Group 4 : HC Purijat (62 pts): The standard for defensive excellence. Allowing just 36 goals all season, they combine efficiency with a physical edge. Conexion (62 pts): Equal in points to Purijat, Conexion plays a disciplined, position-focused game. Their power play at 27.66% is a big factor in close games. Sopranos (47 pts): Built on elite defense and heavy physical play (523 hits). Their penalty kill (94.87%) gives them an edge in grind-it-out matchups. HC Vilttimiehet (44 pts), Koppibuutti (44 pts), Nordic Knights (38 pts), Pulp Odyssey (35 pts), Siniviiva Snipers (33 pts): These teams complete the top 8 and earn playoff spots. Vilttimiehet play tight defensively, while Koppibuutti brings the league’s most physical play. Pulp Odyssey shines in faceoffs; Siniviiva Snipers combine effort with scoring grit. Top Individual Performers Scoring Machines: @Sebko99 (Fallen Rangers): Dominant with 43 goals and 81 points. His ability to score under pressure (7 PPGs, 6 GWGs) sets him apart. @Timo Silakka (Harhapassi): 40 goals with a staggering 44.9% shooting accuracy. Rare efficiency. @nuariatte (HC Purijat): 42 goals, including 13 game-winners. He knows when to show up. Elite Playmakers: @Gadzovec (Taifun Veterans) Leads the league with 44 assists and and incredible vision on the ice. @JaakkoJoonas (HC Purijat): 37 assists with just one goal—a true pass-first player. Two-Way Forces: @Tuhoaja542 & @Bjorssi (xDallee_6) (HC Purijat): Matching +59 ratings show their importance at both ends of the rink. @hefezuk85 (ARMEIJAN KURI): A reliable two-way presence with 27 goals, 35 assists, and a +32 rating. Defensive Wall Builders: @JakkeDangles & @DobboJ90 (Conexion): +42 each. Defensive pillars that rarely take penalties. @Zamiboii (Zambouni_ )(HC Lisko): Another high + rating (+31) with low PIMs—an efficient shutdown D-man. Goaltending Aces: @Japemode (HC Purijat): A 1.41 GAA and 21 wins in 22 games is pure dominance. @Joe NHL (Gremlingswe) (Conexion): 8 shutouts and 1.58 GAA make him the goalie to watch. @Jiihooo86 (HC Vilttimiehet): Solid numbers across the board (SV% 84.15 2.17 GAA, 15W, 4 SO). @Mrantonn (Prowlers): A steady force with 87.64% SV% GAA: 2.25, proving he can handle playoff pressure. Playoff Matchups & Predictions This year’s playoff bracket is stacked from top to bottom. Here’s a full look at the 16 opening-round matchups, along with predictions based on team stats, form, and key player impact. Seed 1 vs Seed 8: HC Purijat vs TeNo: Purijat comes in with elite defense and depth scoring. TeNo’s high-pace offense might steal a game, but their leaky defense (94 GA) is a big liability. Expect Purijat to dominate puck control and capitalize on special teams. Prediction: 4–1 Purijat ARMEIJAN KURI vs Zamboni Zorros: Zorros will struggle to match KURI’s physicality and penalty kill. KURI’s structure is built for playoff grind, and their 665 hits say it all. Prediction: 4–1 ARMEIJAN KURI Harhapassi vs Siniviiva Snipers: Harhapassi brings heavy defense and discipline, while Siniviiva lacks in goal support. If Harhapassi avoids penalties, they should cruise. Prediction: 4–1 Harhapassi Dynamo HC vs MIESKISSAT: Dynamo scores over 4.5 per game and defends tight. MIESKISSAT will need heroics in goal to compete. Prediction: 4–0 Dynamo Seed 2 vs Seed 7: Conexion vs BACKCHECK BOYS: Conexion’s possession and structure give them a big edge. BACKCHECK has some bite but lacks defensive discipline. Prediction: 4–1 Conexion SKYFALL vs HC KOROBKA: SKYFALL’s explosive attack and elite special teams should expose KOROBKA’s defensive gaps. Prediction: 4–2 SKYFALL Nordic Nosebleed vs Wildcats esport I: Nosebleed’s power play will be a key difference. Wildcats are physical, but outgunned. Prediction: 4–2 Nosebleed VBO Stars vs Pulp Odyssey: VBO’s consistency gives them the edge, but Pulp’s faceoff win rate might create some close games. Prediction: 4–1 VBO Seed 3 vs Seed 6: Viitapohja Vikings vs Beer Bears: Vikings have an incredible PK (96%) and better balance. Beer Bears concede too many goals. Prediction: 4–2 Vikings Fallen Rangers vs Auramo HC: Rangers’ top line is dangerous. Auramo plays disciplined, but can't match the firepower. Prediction: 4–1 Rangers Sopranos vs Nordic Knights: A clash of styles—Sopranos’ elite PK vs Nordic’s faceoff control. Should go the distance. Prediction: 4–3 Sopranos Prowlers vs Taifun Veterans: High offense vs high control. Taifun scores more, but their 59% PK is a problem. Prediction: 4–3 Prowlers Seed 4 vs Seed 5: HC Lisko vs Bare Knuckles Hockey: Lisko controls the puck better and has tighter defense. Bare Knuckles will need to stay out of the box. Prediction: 4–2 Lisko HC Vilttimiehet vs NAM3LESS: NAM3LESS is physical but Vilttimiehet’s structured play and PK should hold. Prediction: 4–3 Vilttimiehet KELAGOLDCARD HC vs Surte Sisu HC: Surte has better faceoff numbers and slightly better defense. Could go either way. Prediction: 4–3 Surte CapeTown Kings vs Koppibuutti: Two tight defensive teams, but Koppibuutti hits harder and scores more consistently. Prediction: 4–2 Koppibuutti Final Thoughts From elite scorers to lockdown goaltenders, and from physical grinders to surgical power plays, this season delivered excellence. Now the playoffs are here—and every round promises drama. The top seeds are confident, but mid-tier teams like the Prowlers, Sopranos, and Surte Sisu HC could shake things up. Buckle up for a thrilling finish—the battle for the Core crown is on.

After a quarterfinals that saw each of the favorites move on to the semifinals, four teams remain in the ECL Elite division playoffs, and just eight wins separate them from championship glory. With each of these teams having their own unique storylines and each series being first-time playoff matchups between the two teams, let's dive deeper into each matchup and give you an inside look at how each side stacks up heading into the series. A big thank you goes to @Mozjayh, @Allupekkaz, @antoniomannen004 and @sopulii_ for contributing to this! (1) Last Dance vs (4) EXEN Regular Season Series (April 16th): - Last Dance 4-2 W - Last Dance 4-1 W Last Dance Last Dance has carried over their dominant regular season into the postseason, as the #1 seed was able to make quick work of Tohtorit in the Quarterfinals by knocking them out in five games. Despite playing a Tohtorit team that was likely one of the most "complete" #8 seeded teams that we have seen in some time in this division, Last Dance looked every bit the part of a true, championship favorite. They saw four different skaters reach at least 9 points, with Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen leading the way with 13 points and 9 assists. Even their lone player who didn’t reach 9 points led their team in goals, as Ilmari @Puantso Lehkonen tallied 6 goals, which accounted for all of his points in the series. Along with a balanced offensive attack that saw everyone in their lineup score, they also were able to play a complete game in their own end. Last Dance only allowed 11.4 shots per game in the series, and the always-steady Hannes @Hansulinho Kettunen was phenomenal in net, posting an 85.96 % and 1.6 GAA. Last Dance have yet to really face any adversity this season. They were dominant in their quest for the #1 seed and never felt much danger of losing their series against Tohtorit (aside from a late two-goal lead blown late in Game 2). There aren’t a lot of reasons to pick against this team other than really believing in their opponent. The effect of a “Last Dance” is a legitimate thing. They don’t want this ride to end with anything short of a championship. Not making the Finals would be a bitter disappointment for this group; they’ll do everything in their power to ensure that doesn’t happen. EXEN From a team that was questionable to make the playoffs, to one that just knocked out one of last season’s finalists. That is the story that EXEN has written for themselves over the past month and a half, and it’s one that has seen them also emerge as arguably the hottest team in the Elite Division. Their battle with Mustaa Kultaa lasted six games, and was capped off with an overtime game-winning goal from their star transfer, Kristian @kriketski17 Veijola, who tallied 8 total goals for 9 points, including 3 game-winning goals. Väinö @Pikkarii Pikkarainen was also a standout performer, tallying 7 points with 5 of them being assists. In that series, EXEN were able to not only come up with critical, game-changing plays, but they were also great at limiting Mustaa Kultaa’s opportunities offensively. EXEN allowed more than two goals just once in the series, and only surrendered 1.67 goals per game in the series and an average of 12.5 shots per game in the series. Much of this had to do with the team’s phenomenal play in their own zone, especially by Kasper @Kaz_zu Ramstedt in goal, who managed a strong 86.67 SV% through all six games. EXEN have found their stride and have continued to grow in it. They may not be a team that wins games in blowout fashion, but they keep games tight and always seem to show up with timely plays. It’ll take a complete series from all six positions for EXEN to pull off the upset, but as a significant underdog who no one expected to be here, what do they have to lose? That’s a dangerous thing to play against, especially when that team has the form to back it up. EXEN does, so don’t count them out. Prediction Hot vs Consistent is always a fun matchup, especially when you have a spot in the Finals on the line. When these two teams played on April 16th, EXEN was a completely different team than they are today. Sure, their roster was the same outside of Krike, but the team was in the midst of a considerable losing spell at that time, losing 7 of their first 8 games of the season. Ever since that series, EXEN has a record of 21-5-2 (including playoffs). On the other hand, Last Dance has been as steady as ever since opening day. They were the best team in the division offensively during the regular season, and they’ve paired that with elevated play in their own end (which was already Top 3 in the division). Based on what we saw between these two in the regular season, this series could go a variety of different ways, and as much as I love EXEN’s ability to stay close in games and the way that their experienced playmakers have stepped up, Last Dance have the feeling of a team of destiny. That’s a tough thing to overcome, but EXEN has already defied large odds this season. We’ll see which of those two stories holds true. @bMaJuH: Last Dance in 6 @Mozjayh: Last Dance in 7 @Allupekkaz: Last Dance in 5 @antoniomannen004: Last Dance in 6 @sopulii_: Last Dance in 7 (2) Mythix vs (3) Parasite Regular Season Series (May 7th): - Parasite 2-1 OTW - Mythix 1-0 OTW Mythix Mythix was able to knock off a tough SSK ESPORTS team in relatively quick fashion, ending the series in a gentleman’s sweep. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that this series was much closer than what the five-game ending would make you believe. Three of the five games were decided in overtime, with Mythix taking two of those games, including the series-clinching Game 5. Despite how close this series was in nature, though, Mythix was able to separate themselves from SSK in the way of offensive opportunities and neutral zone defense. Mythix had more shots on goal and time on attack in every game other than Game 5 and they were able to hold one of the division’s most dangerous offenses to just 1.4 goals per game in the series (SSK came in averaging 3.07 GF/GP, which ranked 5th in Elite). This group saw many of its regular-season producers continue to make an impact in the Quarterfinals. Teemu @temppanen Karvonen led the way with 11 points and 7 goals, while Miika @zMikkeez Kauppila and Eemil @Sokkelo__ Soikkeli each earned 8 points of their own. Jani @TeikDaun Honkasaari also had the most successful playoff round of any goaltender, flexing an 88.89 SV% and 1.4 GAA on 63 shots. He also registered a shutout in Game 4. This team has proven they are a legitimate championship threat, no matter what happens from this point forward. The next step is proving that they can become a Finals team. It’ll be a tall order to do so against the defending champions, but anyone counting out this team could very well regret it. Parasite After eliminating an upset-minded Heimo team in six games, Parasite now find themselves just 8 wins away from successfully defending their championship crown. I’ve been on record saying that I don’t feel that this group is as overwhelmingly dominant as they have been in seasons past, and while you could argue that going to a six game series against a heavy underdog in the Quarterfinals would back that logic, the actual games themselves showed that Parasite is still a team that elevates their game in the playoffs. In a series that saw four one-goal games, including two in overtime, Parasite was able to take over the flow of the game at many different points in this series. Heimo played spectacular defense throughout the series and had stellar goaltending to boot, but it still wasn’t enough to stop Parasite from getting the chances that they always look for. There’s multiple players that you could point to in terms of impressive individual performances. Valtteri @Vattuyy Virtanen led the team in points with 10 while tying for the team-high in assists with Teemu @Teemuyy Polttila, with each of them earning six. Aaro @xAaro89x Aarvala played arguably his best hockey of the season in this series, notching 7 goals on 8 points, while scoring on 35% of his shots. Perttu @Beniittto Kemppainen also continues to prove why he’s one of the best playoff performers in the scene, as though his 7 points in six games may not immediately jump out at you, his numbers outside of his offense show you exactly how crucial his impact is. In the series, he posted a 56.4% face-off percentage, had 8 blocked shots, 20 interceptions, and even showed his physicality with 24 hits. To summarize all of this simply, Parasite is still Parasite. They’re undoubtedly one of the best teams in the division, and until there is a team that can beat them in a best-of-seven series, it’s a risky choice to pick against them. There’s just so little margin for error against this team, and they themselves don’t seem to make many mistakes. They’re the defending champions for a reason, and they continue to prove why time and time again. Prediction This is such a tough series to predict, and I truly believe that this is a series worthy of a championship final, but only one can advance to that final stage, and whoever does will certainly be battle-tested by the time they get there. Mythix is the lower seed and has everything going for them. Multiple dangerous scoring threats, a reliable defense pair that makes plays in all three zones of the ice, a special teams that is amongst the best that we have seen in the Elite division over the years and a goaltender in net who will likely be a candidate for Goaltender of the Season. Parasite, on the other hand, are the defending champions. Sure, they may not be breezing through teams the way they were a season ago, but they’re still winning no matter the circumstances, and they’re still a team with some of the best players in Europe at every position on the ice, including two different starting-caliber goalies. I’d be stunned if this series goes any less than six games, and I think there are plenty of valid reasons to pick either of these teams to win. @bMaJuH: Mythix in 7 @Mozjayh: Parasite in 7 @Allupekkaz: Parasite in 6 @antoniomannen004: Mythix in 7 @sopulii_: Mythix in 7 Want to keep up with everything happening in the ECL this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to us on Twitch, YouTube, and X.

* This article is written as of June 1st Introduction The ECL Pro Division Quarterfinals have arrived, bringing a high-stakes showdown of elite teams vying for a spot in the semifinals. Expect a whirlwind of jaw-dropping plays, strategic masterclasses, and fierce rivalries reigniting on the virtual ice. From powerhouse lineups battling for supremacy to dark horses looking to upset the odds, these matchups are loaded with intensity. In this preview, we dive into each series, spotlight key players, uncover tactical advantages, and share bold predictions from the community’s top analysts. Get ready — the path to ECL glory is heating up! Quarterfinals: Monday 2.6 Tuesday 3.6 Thursday 5.6 Semifinals: Monday 9.6 Tuesday 10.6 Thursday 12.6 Finals: 16.6- 17.6* Promotion & Relegation games are to be played shortly after the season, however, dates are flexible. * Dates are subject to change as broadcast productions are confirmed. Golden Buffalos (1) vs. Falun Coal Miners(11) The ECL Pro Division Quarterfinals are in full swing, and one of the most intriguing matchups pits the top-seeded Golden Buffalos against the battle-hardened Falun Coal Miners. After a grueling first round, both teams are primed for a clash that promises a blend of star power, defensive tenacity, and high-stakes drama on the virtual ice. The Buffalos, regular-season juggernauts, barely survived an upset scare, while the underdog Coal Miners are riding a wave of momentum after a stunning first-round victory. This series is shaping up to be a classic battle of offensive firepower versus disciplined defense. Let’s break it down. Series Overview Golden Buffalos: Surviving the Scare The Golden Buffalos entered the playoffs as the team to beat, having dominated the regular season with their dynamic offense and stout defense. However, their first-round matchup against Realistic was anything but a cakewalk. The underdog Realistic pushed them to the brink in a seven-game thriller, exposing vulnerabilities in the Buffalos’ game. Despite the rocky start, the Buffalos showed resilience, leaning on their star players to secure the series win. Heading the charge for the Buffalos is their assistant captain and offensive dynamo, @Patzlaf, whose availability was in question heading into the playoffs due to off-ice commitments. Patzlaf silenced doubters by suiting up for all seven games, delivering clutch goals and playmaking that kept the Buffalos alive. On the blue line, @FlyerKungen emerged as a postseason standout, racking up an impressive nine assists in the first round. His ability to quarterback the power play and neutralize opposing forwards will be critical against Falun’s disciplined system. However, the Buffalos’ depth was tested, and questions linger about whether their motivation to play in the Pro division will be tested against a tighter defensive unit. Falun Coal Miners: The Upset Kings The Falun Coal Miners, seeded 11th, are no strangers to defying expectations. In the first round, they stunned the heavily favored Three Stars, dispatching them in just five games. Falun’s success was built on a suffocating defensive structure and lights-out goaltending from @benuh_, who posted an astonishing three shutouts in the series. The Coal Miners’ blue line was a brick wall, limiting high-danger chances and frustrating Three Stars’ high-octane offense. Offensively, Falun proved they can keep pace with the best. Their top line, led by @Buffy, was a force, with the sniper potting eight goals in five games. The Coal Miners’ forward group is a balanced attack, with all three forwards contributing near-evenly in the points column. This depth, combined with their defensive prowess, makes Falun a dangerous opponent, even as underdogs against the top-seeded Buffalos. Key Matchups Goaltending Battle: @McSavid vs. @benuh_ The goaltending duel in this series could be the deciding factor. The Buffalos’ @McSavid was solid in the first round, posting insane numbers but facing criticism for allowing soft goals in critical moments against Realistic. Meanwhile, Falun’s @benuh_ was a revelation, recording three shutouts in the playoffs so far, and a jaw-dropping 89,87% save percentage. Benuh’s ability to steal games gives Falun a slight edge in net, but McSavid’s experience in high-pressure situations could level the playing field. Whichever goalie can outduel the other in tight games will likely tip the series. Offensive Firepower vs. Defensive Discipline The Golden Buffalos thrive on their high-octane offense, with @Patzlaf and company capable of turning games into track meets. Their ability to generate quick-strike goals and capitalize on power plays will test Falun’s defensive core. However, the Coal Miners’ team defense is their calling card. Led by their cohesive blue line and supported by @Buffy’s two-way play, Falun excels at clogging passing lanes and forcing turnovers. This series will hinge on whether the Buffalos can solve Falun’s defensive puzzle or if the Coal Miners can frustrate their opponents into costly mistakes. The X-Factor: Depth Scoring @xSauron_96 (edgard-ecn), a relatively inexperienced forward, needs to step up and contribute offensively to alleviate pressure from the top forwards. For Falun, their balanced scoring attack means they don’t rely on a single star, but their entire forward group must continue to chip in. If either team’s secondary scoring dries up, it could tilt the series in the other’s favor. Players to Watch Golden Buffalos: @xSauron_96 (Edgard_ecn) As the least experienced member of the Buffalos’ roster, @xSauron_96(edgard-ecn) is under the microscope. While his teammates carried the load in round one, the forward showed flashes of potential but lacked consistency. Against Falun’s stingy defense, he’ll need to elevate his game and prove he can hang with the veterans. A breakout performance could be the difference-maker for the Buffalos. Falun Coal Miners: Team Defense Rather than singling out one player, Falun’s entire defensive unit deserves the spotlight. Their ability to work as a cohesive group, from the blue line to the forwards, backchecking, was the backbone of their first-round upset. If Falun can maintain their disciplined structure and limit the Buffalos’ time and space, they have a real shot at pulling off another shocker. Tactical Breakdown The Buffalos will likely lean on their speed and skill, aiming to stretch Falun’s defense with quick transitions and stretch passes. Their power play, orchestrated by @FlyerKungen, is a weapon that could exploit any penalty trouble from Falun. However, the Coal Miners are masters at killing penalties and thriving in low-scoring games. Expect Falun to employ a tight-checking system, clogging the neutral zone and forcing the Buffalos to dump and chase—a style that frustrated Realistic in round one. Special teams could play a massive role. The Buffalos’ powerplay is lethal, but Falun’s penalty kill is among the league’s best. Conversely, Falun’s power play, while not as flashy, is efficient, with @Buffy's one-timer being a constant threat. The team that wins the special teams battle may well win the series. Series Prediction This series is a classic clash of styles: the Buffalos’ high-flying offense against Falun’s suffocating defense. The community’s analysts are leaning one way, but here’s what they’re saying: @hifk_FANI: Golden Buffalos in 6 (4-2). @jm98II Golden Buffalos in 6 (4-2). @Pekedipeks: Golden Buffalos in 6 (4-2). @Pensasmies: Golden Buffalos in 7 (4-3). Final Thoughts The Golden Buffalos vs. Falun Coal Miners series is a must-watch for ECL fans. The Buffalos have the talent and pedigree to make a deep run, but their first-round struggles exposed cracks in their armor. Falun, meanwhile, is riding high after their upset victory and has the defensive chops to make life difficult for the top seed. Expect a tightly contested series with low-scoring games and plenty of drama. Will the Buffalos’ stars shine brightest, or will Falun’s team-first mentality steal the show? Buckle up—this one’s going to be a grind. Afterlife (2) vs. Otukset(9) The ECL Pro Division Quarterfinals are heating up, and one of the most electrifying matchups features a classic Sweden vs. Finland clash between the second-seeded Afterlife and the ninth-seeded Otukset. This series promises to be a showcase of the Pro Division’s finest, blending high-octane offense, dazzling skill, and intense playoff physicality. Both teams are coming off contrasting first-round performances, setting the stage for a battle that could easily stretch to six or seven games. With offensive juggernauts on both sides and defenses looking to clamp down, this series will test which team can impose their will and outsmart their opponent. Let’s dive into the matchup. Series Overview Afterlife: Finding Their Groove Afterlife entered the playoffs as a favorite after a stellar regular season, but their first-round series against Setelikerho nearly derailed their championship hopes. Falling behind 2-1 early in the series, Afterlife looked vulnerable, particularly with their star center @Alpha borje struggling to find his rhythm. A bold tactical switch to move Alphaborje to right wing sparked a turnaround, as Afterlife rattled off three straight wins to close out the series. The adjustment unlocked their offense, with Alphaborje rediscovering his scoring touch and the team regaining its swagger. The Swedes are a well-rounded squad, boasting a potent top line and a mobile defense led by @azzez, who was a standout in round one. Afterlife’s ability to generate quick-strike goals and capitalize on transition opportunities makes them a dangerous opponent, but their early struggles against Setelikerho exposed a need for consistency. If they can maintain the momentum from their first-round comeback, Afterlife will be a tough out in this series. Otukset: The Finnish Freight Train Otukset, the ninth seed, came into the playoffs as underdogs but delivered a statement in round one by sweeping the experienced Fury in dominating fashion. The Finns were a defensive fortress, conceding just two goals across the entire series while averaging an impressive 3.75 goals per game offensively. Their disciplined system and relentless forecheck overwhelmed Fury, who couldn’t find answers for Otukset’s balanced attack. At the heart of Otukset’s success is their goalie anchor, @Roisto999, whose ability to shut down high-danger chances and anchor the defense was pivotal in the first round. Offensively, @James(machinegunkalle) led the way with timely goals and veteran leadership, proving he thrives under playoff pressure. Otukset’s ability to play low-scoring, mistake-free hockey while still generating offense makes them a legitimate threat to pull off another upset against Afterlife. Key Matchups Offensive Firepower: Afterlife’s Top Line vs. Otukset’s Balanced Attack This series pits two offensive powerhouses against each other. Afterlife’s top line, now clicking with @Alpha borje on the wing, is a constant threat with its speed and playmaking. Their ability to create in tight spaces and capitalize on power plays will challenge Otukset’s defense. However, Otukset counters with a balanced scoring attack, where every forward contributes. @James(machinegunkalle)’s knack for clutch goals and Otukset’s depth scoring could exploit any lapses in Afterlife’s defensive structure. The team that controls the pace and converts their chances will have the upper hand. Defensive Battle: @Azzez_88 vs. @juhkis96 & @Roisto999 The blue line will be a battleground in this series. Afterlife’s @Azzez_88 is a dynamic two-way defenseman who logged heavy minutes in round one, contributing offensively while shutting down opponents’ top lines. His mobility and vision will test Otukset’s forecheck. On the other side, @Roisto999 is Otukset’s defensive rock, excelling at making timely saves and keeping Otukset in it. If Roisto can neutralize Afterlife’s offensive might, Otukset could dictate the series’ tempo. This matchup of elite defensemen between @juhkis96 & @Azzez_88 will be critical in determining which team advances. Goaltending: A Hidden Key While Otuksetsr goaltender was the focal point in round one, both will face intense pressure in this series. Afterlife’s netminder @Bystrom_33 needs to be sharper after allowing some questionable goals against Setelikerho, especially against Otukset’s efficient offense. Otukset’s goaltender @Roisto999, meanwhile, was nearly flawless in the sweep of Fury, posting a league best save percentage 95,72% and providing confidence for the team’s defensive system. The goalie who makes the big saves in close games could swing the series. Players to Watch Afterlife: @Azzez_88 The dynamic defenseman was a revelation in the first round, logging big minutes and contributing at both ends of the ice. @Azzez_88’s ability to jump into the rush, quarterback the power play, and shut down opposing forwards makes him a game-changer. Against Otukset’s relentless attack, he’ll need to replicate his round-one heroics and elevate his game further to give Afterlife an edge. Otukset: @James (machinegunkalle) The veteran winger is Otukset’s emotional and offensive leader. @James (machinegunkalle) has a knack for stepping up in big moments, and his experience in high-pressure games will be crucial against a talented Afterlife squad. If he can continue his scoring ways and set the tone with his physicality, Otukset could ride his leadership to another upset. Tactical Breakdown Afterlife will look to push the pace, using their speed and skill to create odd-man rushes and exploit Otukset’s defense in transition. Their power play, revitalized by @Alpha borje’s move to the wing, is a weapon that could capitalize on any discipline issues from Otukset. However, the Finns are masters of a structured, low-risk game plan. Otukset will likely focus on clogging the neutral zone, forcing Afterlife to dump the puck and engage in board battles—a style that played to their advantage against Fury. Special teams will be a factor. Afterlife’s power play is dangerous, but Otukset’s penalty kill was perfect in round one, neutralizing Fury’s chances. Conversely, Otukset’s power play, while not as flashy, is opportunistic, with @James (machinegunkalle) providing a lethal shot from the wing. The team that wins the special teams battle could gain a decisive advantage in what promises to be a tight series. Series Prediction This Sweden vs. Finland showdown is poised to be a war of attrition, with both teams capable of lighting up the scoreboard and locking things down defensively. The community’s analysts are weighing in with their takes: @hifk_FANI: Otukset in 6 (4-2). @jm98II: Otukset in 7 (4-3). @Pekedipeks: Afterlife in 5 (4-1). @Pensasmies: Otukset in 7 (4-3). Final Thoughts The Afterlife vs. Otukset series is a marquee matchup that encapsulates everything fans love about ECL playoff hockey: speed, skill, physicality, and strategic chess matches. Afterlife’s high-flying offense, led by a rejuvenated @Alpha borje, will test Otukset’s airtight defense, anchored by @juhkis96. Meanwhile, Otukset’s balanced attack and veteran leadership from @machinegunkalle could exploit any cracks in Afterlife’s game. Expect a back-and-forth series with momentum swings and highlight-reel plays. Will Afterlife’s star power shine through, or will Otukset’s grit and discipline pave the way for another upset? One thing’s for sure—this series will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Almost Famous (3) vs. ROBE Esports(8) The ECL Pro Division Quarterfinals are delivering blockbuster matchups, and the clash between the third-seeded Almost Famous and eighth-seeded ROBE Esports is no exception. This series pits two tactically versatile teams against each other, each armed with dynamic playmakers, rock-solid defenses, and elite goaltending. Both squads are battle-tested after contrasting first-round performances, setting the stage for a fierce battle where neither team is likely to give an inch. Expect a chess match filled with strategic adjustments, highlight-reel plays, and intense physicality as these two heavyweights vie for a semifinal spot. Here’s the full breakdown. Series Overview Almost Famous: A Dominant Force Almost Famous entered the playoffs as one of the favorites, carrying the pedigree of past Pro Division champions. They lived up to the hype in the first round, steamrolling Poggers in a commanding 4-0 sweep. The series was a statement of intent, with Almost Famous showcasing their offensive depth, defensive discipline, and unshakable composure. Their ability to dominate all facets of the game left Poggers reeling and sent a clear message to the rest of the division: Almost Famous is here to reclaim the crown. Leading the charge is @xrikardo55 , a dynamic winger whose scoring prowess and flair make him a constant threat, amassing an impressive 20 points (10+10). The team’s balanced attack and veteran leadership ensure they thrive under playoff pressure, but their occasional defensive lapses could be a concern against a team like ROBE. With a loaded toolbox of offensive weapons and a battle-tested core, Almost Famous is primed to make a deep run, but they’ll need to stay sharp to avoid being caught off guard. ROBE Esports: Grit and Resilience ROBE Esports faced a much tougher road in the first round, surviving a rollercoaster series against Aspyre. After jumping out to a 3-1 lead, ROBE nearly squandered their advantage but sealed the series with a commanding performance in game seven. The X-factor in that series was @punt1la98, whose clutch playmaking and timely goals kept ROBE alive. Meanwhile, defenseman @lycki10 emerged as a postseason star, amassing an incredible 16 points (3 goals, 13 assists) in seven games. His offensive output from the blue line gives ROBE a unique weapon that could exploit Almost Famous’ defensive weaknesses. ROBE’s strength lies in their versatility, with a playbook that adapts to any opponent. Their goaltender was a wall in game seven, and their ability to grind out wins in tight games makes them a dangerous underdog. However, facing Almost Famous’ relentless offense will be their toughest test yet. Key Matchups Offensive Might vs. Defensive Prowess Almost Famous boasts one of the league’s most potent offenses, led by @xrikardo55, whose speed and goal-scoring ability can turn games in an instant. Their top line thrives in open ice, creating chances off the rush and capitalizing on power plays. ROBE, however, counters with a disciplined defensive system that frustrated Aspyre in round one. @lycki10's ability to join the rush while maintaining defensive responsibilities makes him a dual threat, but ROBE’s entire defense will need to be on point to contain Almost Famous’ firepower. The team that controls the tempo—whether it’s Almost Famous’ up-tempo attack or ROBE’s structured counterattacks—will likely dictate the series. Goaltending Duel Both teams have elite goaltenders who can steal games. Almost Famous’ netminder @kkostiiii was far from flawless in the sweep of Poggers, posting an average save percentage (77,96%) and exuding instability. ROBE’s goaltender @Viltzup, meanwhile, faced intense pressure against Aspyre and delivered in the clutch, particularly in game seven where he recorded a shutout. With both offenses capable of generating high-danger chances, the goaltending battle could be the difference-maker. Whichever netminder stands taller in tight moments will give their team a significant edge. Special Teams: Power Play vs. Penalty Kill Almost Famous’ power play is a well-oiled machine, with @keranee & @xrikardo55 serving as a lethal trigger man on the wing. Their ability to convert on the man advantage could exploit any penalties from ROBE. Conversely, ROBE’s power play, fueled by @lycki10’s playmaking from the point, is a growing threat. Their penalty kill was solid against Aspyre, but facing Almost Famous’ dynamic special teams will be a step up. The team that wins the special teams battle could swing the series in their favor. Players to Watch Almost Famous: @xrikardo55 The electrifying winger is the heartbeat of Almost Famous’ offense. @xrikardo55’s ability to light the lamp with highlight-reel goals makes him a game-changer, and his performance in the sweep of Poggers showed he’s ready for the playoff spotlight. ROBE will need to adjust their game plan to contain him, whether through physical play or tight checking. If Rikardo gets loose, he could single-handedly tilt the series in Almost Famous’ favor. ROBE Esports: @lycki10 The defenseman’s 16-point outburst in round one was a revelation, and @lycki10 is quickly becoming ROBE’s most dangerous weapon. His ability to drive offense from the blue line while holding the fort defensively gives ROBE a unique edge. Against Almost Famous’ occasionally shaky defense, @lycki10’s point production could be a game-changer. If he continues his scoring ways, ROBE could pull off the upset. Tactical Breakdown Almost Famous will look to impose their high-tempo, skill-driven game, using speed and quick puck movement to create chaos in ROBE’s defensive zone. Their power play, orchestrated by @xrikardo55 & @Jalkkin-, is a lethal weapon that could capitalize on any discipline issues from ROBE. On the other hand, ROBE prefers a more calculated approach, relying on a strong forecheck and opportunistic counterattacks. @lycki10’s ability to jump into the play adds an extra layer to ROBE’s offense, but they’ll need to avoid getting caught in Almost Famous’ transition game. ROBE’s penalty kill will face a stern test against Almost Famous’ power play, while their own power play must capitalize on any chances to keep pace. Expect both teams to make in-game adjustments, with Almost Famous trying to stretch the ice and ROBE aiming to clog the neutral zone and force turnovers. The team that adapts better to the other’s playbook will have the upper hand. Series Prediction This series is shaping up to be a clash of titans, with Almost Famous’ championship pedigree facing off against ROBE’s resilience and versatility. The community’s analysts lean heavily toward the favorites but acknowledge the challenge ROBE presents: @hifk_FANI: Almost Famous in 5 (4-1). @jm98II: Almost Famous in 7 (4-3). @Pekedipeks: Almost Famous in 5 (4-1). @Pensasmies: Almost Famous in 5 (4-1). Final Thoughts The Almost Famous vs. ROBE Esports series is a must-watch for ECL fans, combining elite skill, tactical intrigue, and playoff intensity. Almost Famous enters as the clear favorite, with @xrikardo55 leading a high-powered offense and a roster built for postseason success. However, ROBE’s resilience, fueled by @lycki10’s breakout performance and @punt1la98’s clutch play, makes them a dangerous underdog. This series will hinge on which team can impose their style of play and capitalize on their opportunities. Will Almost Famous continue their dominant run, or can ROBE pull off an upset? Get ready for a thrilling battle that could define the Pro Division playoffs. Pirates Esports (4)vs. Vizio 6) The ECL Pro Division Quarterfinals are delivering high-stakes battles, and the matchup between the fourth-seeded Pirates Esports and the sixth-seeded Vizio is shaping up to be a coin-flip thriller. Both teams cruised through their first-round series with relative ease, but now they face a far tougher challenge in each other. With a franchise-first Pro Division semifinal berth on the line, this series promises tight games, explosive offense, and a clash of contrasting styles. Pirates bring individual flair and boldness, while Vizio counters with experience and a balanced roster. Buckle up for a must-watch series that could go down to the wire. Here’s the full breakdown. Series Overview Pirates Esports: The Central European Contenders Pirates Esports entered the playoffs as a dangerous squad, and they proved their mentality in the first round with a convincing victory over a lackluster Carnages team. The Pirates’ blend of skill, speed, and confidence allowed them to control games from start to finish, showcasing their potential as a championship contender. As the only Central European team remaining in the Pro Division playoffs, Pirates carry the region’s hopes on their shoulders. Leading the charge are @Winci-_o and @AdriF_23 whose offensive prowess overwhelmed Carnages’ defense. The duo’s chemistry and ability to create scoring chances in tight situations make Pirates a formidable opponent. However, Vizio’s high-powered offense will test Pirates’ defensive structure in ways Carnages couldn’t. If Pirates can maintain their swagger and capitalize on their individual skill, they have a real shot at advancing to the semifinals. Vizio: The Finnish Rising Stars Vizio has been a team on the rise, taking significant strides each season, and their first-round performance showed they’re ready to compete with the elite. Bolstered by key acquisitions like @Nieppii and @SakkeTheEngineer, Vizio dispatched their opening-round opponent with ease, demonstrating a balanced attack and a stingy defense. The Finnish squad has exceeded expectations, but now they face a Pirates team that thrives on individual brilliance and bold play. Vizio’s strength lies in their experience and depth, with @Jetsu28 leading the way as a proven goal-scorer who can beat any goaltender. Their ability to play a structured, team-oriented game gives them an edge in tight contests, but they’ll need to shore up their defense against Pirates’ dynamic forwards. Vizio’s progress has them knocking on the door of greatness, and this series is their chance to prove they belong among the Pro Division’s elite. Key Matchups Offensive Firepower: Pirates’ Flair vs. Vizio’s Depth Pirates Esports rely on the individual brilliance of @Winci-_o and @AdriF_23, whose speed and creativity can break open games. Their ability to generate high-danger chances off the rush will test Vizio’s defensive discipline. Vizio, however, counters with a deep and balanced attack, led by @Jetsu28, whose lethal shot and knack for finding open ice make him a constant threat. The team that better exploits their opponent’s defensive lapses will likely control the series’ momentum. Defensive Structure: Pirates’ Backline vs. Vizio’s Blue Line Pirates’ defense held firm against Carnages, but Vizio’s offense presents a much tougher challenge. The Pirates will need to stay disciplined and avoid getting caught in transition, where Vizio’s forwards thrive. On the other side, Vizio’s blue line, bolstered by the goalie @SakkeTheEngineer, has been a strength all season. Their ability to break up plays and transition the puck quickly will be critical against Pirates’ aggressive forecheck. The defensive unit that limits high-danger chances will give their team a significant advantage. Goaltending: A Battle of Unsung Heroes Both teams feature goaltenders who quietly excelled in the first round. Pirates’ netminder was a steady presence, making key saves to preserve their dominance over Carnages. Vizio’s goaltender @SakkeTheEngineer, meanwhile, faced fewer shots but was nearly flawless, providing a backbone for their team’s success. With both offenses capable of lighting the lamp, the goaltending duel could be the X-factor. The netminder who makes the big stops in crunch time will play a massive role in determining the series’ outcome. Players to Watch Pirates Esports: @AdriF_23 The French phenom has been a revelation this season, combining speed, skill, and a nose for the net. @AdriF_23’s ability to rise to the occasion makes him a player to watch in this series. Against Vizio’s experienced defense, he’ll need to use his creativity and boldness to create scoring chances and test their goaltender. If Adrif can break through, Pirates could ride his momentum to the semifinals. Vizio: @Jetsu28 As Vizio’s premier goal-scorer, @Jetsu28 has the ability to take over games with his deadly shot and clutch instincts. His performance in the first round showed he’s ready for the playoff spotlight, and Pirates’ defense will have their hands full containing him. If Jetsu can find the back of the net consistently, Vizio could overwhelm Pirates’ backline and secure the upset. Tactical Breakdown Pirates Esports will look to play an up-tempo game, using their speed and individual skill to create chaos in Vizio’s defensive zone. @AdriF_23 and @Winci-_o excel in transition, and their ability to generate odd-man rushes could exploit any mistakes from Vizio’s blue line. Vizio, however, prefers a more structured approach, relying on weak defense and quick puck movement to create scoring opportunities. @SakkeTheEngineer's shot stopping ability adds a bit of an edge towards Vizio. Special teams could be a deciding factor. Pirates’ power play, fueled by @AdriF_23's flair, is a dangerous weapon, but Vizio’s penalty kill has been airtight. Conversely, Vizio’s power play, with @Jetsu28 as the trigger man, could capitalize on any penalties from Pirates’ aggressive style. The team that adapts better to the other’s game plan and wins the special teams battle will have a clear path to victory. Series Prediction This series is as close as it gets, with Pirates’ individual brilliance squaring off against Vizio’s experience and depth. The community’s analysts are split, reflecting the unpredictability of this matchup: @hifk_FANI: Vizio in 7 (4-3). @jm98II: Vizio in 6 (4-2). @Pekedipeks: Pirates in 7 (4-3). @Pensasmies: Pirates in 6 (4-2). Final Thoughts The Pirates Esports vs. Vizio series is a showcase of everything that makes ECL playoff hockey special: skill, strategy, and heart. Pirates bring a bold, high-skill approach, led by @AdriF_23 and @Winci-_o, while Vizio counters with a seasoned, well-rounded roster featuring @Jetsu28 and @Nieppii. Both teams are hungry for a semifinal spot, and their contrasting styles promise tight, back-and-forth games. Will Pirates’ individual brilliance shine through, or will Vizio’s experience and teamwork carry them to victory? This series is a must-watch for eHockey fans, with every game poised to deliver drama and excitement.

The first round of the ECL' 25: Spring - Core Playoffs has now been completed, and as in every season, there were surprises in this round. Going into the first round, the clear favorites were the teams that won their own regular season groups: HC Purijat, Armeijan Kuri, Harhapassi, and Dynamo HC. Of these, the only one who managed to get a sweep was Purijat. When it comes to surprises, third-placed Harhapassi struggled when they faced a team called Mieskissat. Mieskissat, which barely made it to the playoffs in their own group as the last qualifier, did not let the preconceptions affect their performance, but focused on bringing their best to the series despite being clear underdogs, and they managed to shock the Harhapassi team. Some other surprising results were seen, for example, in the series Sopranos vs. Nordic Knights, where Sopranos were also expected to advance directly, but the opposite happened. Let's go through some of the first round results and successful players. HC Purijat - TeNo (4 - 0) Purijat was a clear favorite going into this series, and the first-placed team in the entire regular season did not disappoint. The first two games ended with a goal difference of 10-3, as the team secured clear wins on the first match day with results 5-2 and 5-1, and on the second match da,y the advancement was secured with results 5-1 and 7-3. Successful players: @nuariatte 10+5 @Tuhoaja542 9+3 @Japemode 86.79% 1.75 GAA Armeijan Kuri - Zamboni Zorros (4 - 1) Armeijan Kuri showed excellent team play in the regular season, scoring just over 4 goals per game and conceding only 2.17 goals per game. The same continued in the first round of the playoffs. 25 goals scored and only 10 conceded indicated a huge difference in team play between the teams, and Zamboni Zorros simply could not match this. An easy 4-1 series win and Armeija marches on to the second round. Successful players: @hefezuk85 6+12 @MutainenMalik 10+7 @WIRTAAZKIN47 6+10 @kasuri1 88.1% 2 GAA Harhapassi - Mieskissat (2 - 4) As mentioned earlier, the favorite to advance from this series was Harhapassi. The team won their group while Mieskissat barely made it to the playoffs, yet they were able to give full resistance. The series surprisingly started with two straight wins by the underdog, though the games were close (5-3, 2-4). Harhapassi managed to open their win count only in the third game by beating Mieskissat in overtime 4-3. Mieskissat then immediately returned to the winning track with a high-scoring game 6-3, and Harhapassi narrowly won the next one 1-0. In the last encounter, many goals were scored as Mieskissat secured the upset with a 7-5 win. Successful players: @majavanaama50 10+7 @karhuperuna 5+10 @Muro (Murotkulhoss) 6+8 @Timo Silakka (SilakanTimo) 8+5 Dynamo HC - Siniviiva Snipers (4 - 1) Dynamo HC, placed fourth in the regular season, faced Siniviiva Snipers. Contrary to expectations, the games were surprisingly close. Three games ended 2-1 and two ended 3-1, with Dynamo HC winning the series 4-1. This series was entirely a goaltender battle, with keepers keeping the games tight until the end. For this reason, both goalies had to be included among the successful players. Successful players: @grontti88 86.64% 2 GAA @Calxm41 91.67% 1.4 GAA @Harten7 4+4 Conexion - Backcheck Boys (4 - 1) Conexion, which finished second in their group with the same points as the group winner, faced the worst-ranked seventh team. Conexion advanced convincingly to a 3-0 series lead, until Backcheck Boys managed to turn Game 4 in their favor 6-4. This was a very rare result since Conexion had only conceded 1.58 goals per game in the regular season. Somewhat angered by this, Conexion scored 7 goals in the final match and advanced to the second round. Successful players: @Jaks_10 (Jaksii_) 8+10 @Sweden2233 (SwedenFtW99) 8+9 @Jon LoL (itsWalsy) 7+5 Skyfall - HC Korobka (4 - 2) Skyfall, which was very strong in the regular season, scoring the second most goals of all teams, had to fight until the sixth game against HC Korobka. The key factors for Skyfall’s series win were Mikse94 and stu_rulez. In 6 games, these gentlemen scored a total of 20 goals and 25 assists against Korobka, sealing Skyfall's advancement. Successful players: @Mikse94 12+11 @stu_rulez 8+14 @lordkomar91 13+6 Nordic Nosebleed - Wildcats esports I (4 - 0) Looking at Nordic Nosebleed's roster, highlighting players like Eliekamel_ (who has previously played at Elite and Pro levels), Jean-Claes (a goalie with 85% save percentage at ECL 24 Winter and ECL 25 Winter Core levels), and cherrykicks (experienced at Lite level), the 4-0 series win was not surprising. Nordic Nosebleed, which has played nearly 700 ECL games, took an easy 4-0 series win and can confidently await their next opponent. A surprise was that the experienced Eliekamel did not play any games in the first round; only the team knows why. Successful players: @Lidaas79 8+7 @Sayatu14 5+5 @Jean-Claes 83.67% 2 GAA VBO Stars - Pulp Odyssey (4 - 2) The VBO and Odyssey series was predicted in favor of VBO mainly due to VBO’s scoring efficiency and defensive play. This was confirmed during the series where VBO conceded only three or more goals in two games, while their regular season GAA was 2.6. Odyssey managed to keep their GAA under the regular season average only once. VBO scored 20 goals in six games against Odyssey, which was too much for Pulp Odyssey. The series’ top scorer was nilsson04_, who scored half of VBO Stars’ goals. Successful players: @Nilsson04_ 10+4 @Valosaari92 9+4 @Liimp_92 84.47% 2.67 GAA Viitapohja Vikings - Beer Bears (3 - 4) Viitapohja Vikings met the already familiar Beer Bears, with both teams having played in the same group. The regular season game ended with points going to the Vikings, winning the first game clearly 6-3 and turning the second game in overtime 6-5. The playoff series provided entertainment all the way to the seventh game. Viitapohja started with two straight wins with a goal difference of 9-2, but Beer Bears responded with two wins of their own with a goal difference of 10-3. The series went to a decisive seventh game where defenses were forgotten and a scoring competition started, which Beer Bears won 9-6. Successful players: @Tolliikkii (Tolliikkii) 14+6 @Atte Mathlin (SpeedyMcQueen64) 9+9 @Liimiz 10+8 Fallen Rangers - Auramo Hockey Club (4 - 1) Fallen Rangers is a team made up of players from Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Despite limited ECL experience, the team showed strong performance already in the regular season, finishing third in their group and maintaining a very high goals scored average (GF/GP: 5.21), indicating a very strong offense, but with some defensive weaknesses as they conceded just over three goals per game. Fallen Rangers defeated Auramo Hockey Club 4-1 by being more efficient offensively. How their scoring stands out in the second round will be interesting to see. Successful Players: @Sebko99 4+4 @Kiso69 5+1 @X-STE3FANO-X 85.19% 3GAA Sopranos - Nordic Knights (2 - 4) Sopranos’ player roster compared to Nordic Knights was like night and day. With experience at all series levels, including Elite and Pro, combined with a very strong goalie, Sopranos were expected to dominate. Nordic Knights’ roster mainly consisted of players who have played at NEO, CORE, and LITE levels, so the expectations for this Swedish team were not high. Knights got into trouble early when Sopranos won the first two games to take a 2-0 lead. The third game (the turning point of the series) went into overtime, which Knights won in the final moments with less than 4 minutes left in the first overtime. The games continued tightly, but with four straight wins (2-3 OT, 3-2, 3-4, 3-2), Knights surprisingly advanced to the second round. Successful players: @Jjomppa (jjombbaa) 7+6 @Elis is real 5+7 @sk1y 4+6 Prowlers - Taifun Veterans (4 - 1) Prowlers is also a team with many PRO-level players, so the favorite status was unquestionable. The player quality was the biggest deciding factor here, as Prowlers sent Taifun Veterans home in five games with a goal difference of 29-15. mayX-swe’s excellent faceoff percentage (59.1) combined with the team’s cohesive offense secured an easy 4-1 series win. Successful players: @RHannu 9+15 @mayX-swe 8+14 @jokkz- 11+7 HC Lisko - Bare Knuckles Hockey (2 - 4) There was no clear favorite in this series, and this was reflected on the ice. Goals were scored by both teams, and the series could have gone either way. This time Bare Knuckles Hockey’s efficient duo Taikatomi and GoDe45 managed to turn the series in their favor. Especially prolific goal scorer Taikatomi scored 10 of the team’s 22 goals. Successful players: @taikatomi 10+7 @GoDe45 3+13 @Vertti91 5+7 HC Vilttimiehet - Nam3less (4 - 2) The Vilttimiehet - Nam3less series was the second goaltender battle of the first round, with few goals scored. Both teams played excellent defense, and with good goaltending as a lock, it was a very tight series. HC Vilttimiehet succeeded better in these close games and won the series 4-2. Successful players: @s-ultz-i 87.64% 1.83 GAA @Jiihooo86 91.25% 1.17 GAA @Deussi_ (DeusManiz) 6+2 @Jnmxxx (jimmiNOhands) 4+2 Kelagoldcard HC - Surte Sisu HC (4 - 0) The series was fairly balanced going in, and there was no clear favorite. However, Kelagoldcard HC showed themselves to be the team wanting the second-round spot more. Kelagoldcard HC advanced with results (2-4, 3-2, 2-3, 6-2). Successful players: @karjalainensamul 82.22% 2 GAA @Leevijopo01 6+5 @1mmu9 6+4 @SWE_KARLSSON16 4+3 Capetown Kings - Koppibuutti (4 - 1) My personal opinion was that this series would go to game 7. However, Capetown managed to turn a first-game loss into a four-game winning streak. The games were not clear except for the 4-1 win, as the other matches were relatively low scoring and ended with a one- or two-goal difference or went to overtime. Capetown Kings used two goalies in the series, with Randomjanne playing well, supported by good defense. The other goalie, Jorkka82, had a save percentage of 80.6% and conceded 6 goals in three games, while Janne had 85.71% and three goals against. Successful players: @Jonza1990 (Hatsigaboom) 5+8 @sambleri 4+7 @Randomjanne 85.71% 1.5 GAA Playoff round 2 matchups! All matches from the first round have now been played, and the teams are ready to fight for a spot in the top eight. Here are the upcoming matchups, and we await to see whether there will be surprises in this round as well, or if the teams who played excellently in the regular season will take the wins. HC Purijat vs Mieskissat Armeijan Kuri vs Beer Bears Dynamo HC vs Nordic Knights Conexion vs Bare Knuckles Hockey Skyfall vs Capetown Kings Nordic Nosebleed vs Kelagoldcard HC VBO Stars vs HC Vilttimiehet Fallen Rangers vs Prowlers

The ECL 25 Spring Pro Semifinals are here, and the stakes couldn’t be higher! Europe’s premier hockey esports competition is reaching its climax, with four teams battling for a coveted spot in the finals. Expect dazzling plays, clutch moments, and individual brilliance as the continent watches to see who will rise to the occasion and who will falter under pressure. From underdog heroics to star-studded rosters, these matchups promise to deliver unforgettable hockey action.    Golden Buffalos (1) vs. ROBE Esports(8) The Stage is Set The Golden Buffalos, regular-season juggernauts, face off against the Cinderella story of the tournament, ROBE Esports. ROBE shocked the hockey world by upsetting Almost Famous in the quarterfinals, silencing doubters and analysts alike who underestimated their firepower. Now, they face their toughest test yet against a Buffalos squad that has proven they can grind out wins in high-pressure situations, emerging victorious in two grueling seven-game series. This matchup pits ROBE’s relentless offensive creativity against the Buffalos’ battle-tested resilience, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown.   ROBE Esports: The Underdog Firestorm ROBE has defied expectations with their aggressive, high-octane style, forcing opponents to adapt to their pace or risk being overwhelmed. Their playbook revolves around star-forward @punt1la98, a dynamic winger who leads the team with 14 goals in 12 games. His ability to shake free from defenders and either score or set up linemates @jyrki456 and @Tihizu has been the cornerstone of ROBE’s success. The trio’s chemistry is undeniable, with quick puck movement and creative plays that keep defenses guessing. On the backend, @lycki10 has been a revelation. The defenseman’s near-2-point-per-game pace (matching the output of many top forwards) anchors ROBE’s powerplay and facilitates smooth breakouts from their own zone. His ability to read the play and jump into the rush has made him a dual-threat, but the question remains: can ROBE’s defense hold up against the Buffalos’ offensive juggernaut? Goaltender @Viltzup will be under immense pressure, as his performance in net could make or break this series. While he’s shown flashes of brilliance, ROBE’s defensive zone coverage has been inconsistent at times, and they’ll need to tighten up to contain the Buffalos’ stars.   Golden Buffalos: A Star-Studded Challenge The Golden Buffalos entered the playoffs as the top seed, but their journey to the semifinals has been anything but smooth. A hard-fought seven-game series against Falun exposed vulnerabilities in their game, particularly in offensive consistency and defensive structure. Despite these challenges, the Buffalos have relied on the individual brilliance of @FlyerKungen and @Patzlaf to carry them through. However, rumors are swirling that @Patzlaf, the team’s star center, may miss the series due to unforeseen circumstances. If true, this could disrupt the Buffalos’ offensive chemistry, forcing them to rely on depth players to step up. One player to watch is @Eken45jr, a forward with the potential to elevate his game and fill the void left by @Patzlaf. His ability to find open ice and contribute offensively could be the X-factor for the Buffalos. On defense, the pairing of @FlyerKungen (19 points, 3 goals, 16 assists) and @Borjendahlen brings unmatched experience. @FlyerKungen's playmaking and ability to neutralize top forwards make him a cornerstone of the Buffalos’ backend. If their defense can contain ROBE’s trickery, particularly the dangerous @punt1la98 and @Tihizu, the Buffalos will have a strong chance to advance.   Key Matchup: Defense vs. Offense This series will hinge on the Buffalos’ ability to shut down ROBE’s high-flying offense. ROBE’s aggressive forecheck and quick transitions will test the Buffalos’ defensive structure, which has shown cracks in previous rounds. Conversely, ROBE’s shaky defense will face a stern test against the Buffalos’ star power, even if @Patzlaf is absent. Goaltending will also play a pivotal role, with @McSavid needing to be at his best to give the Buffalos an edge. If ROBE can exploit the Buffalos’ inconsistencies and maintain their offensive pressure, they could pull off another upset.   Players to Watch Golden Buffalos: @McSavid The veteran goaltender has been a steady presence all season, but he’ll need to elevate his game to stop ROBE’s relentless attack. His experience in high-stakes moments could be the difference-maker. ROBE Esports: @punt1la98 The heart and soul of ROBE’s offense, @punt1la98’s ability to create scoring chances will be crucial. If he can outmaneuver the Buffalos’ defense, ROBE could steal the series.   Series Prediction Hifk_fani: ROBE in 6 (4-2). “The Buffalos’ roster changes will disrupt their flow, and ROBE’s offense will capitalize on their mistakes.” JM: ROBE in 7 (4-3). “Can anyone stop @punt1la98? I’m not sure the Buffalos have an answer.” Pekedipeksi: ROBE in 7 (4-3). “The Buffalos’ roster uncertainty gives ROBE the edge in a tight series.” Pensasmies: Buffalos in 7 (4-3). “Experience wins out. The Buffalos’ veterans will find a way to advance.”    Afterlife (2) vs. Vizio(6) A Battle of Offensive Firepower The second semifinal promises a clash of titans, with both Afterlife and Vizio boasting forward lines capable of competing in the Elite division. This matchup will be a showcase of high-skill hockey, with both teams relying on their star forwards to drive the offense. However, as with any playoff series, defense and goaltending will likely decide who advances to the finals. Expect a fast-paced, end-to-end battle that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Vizio: The Surprise Contenders Vizio has been one of the biggest surprises of the ECL 25 playoffs, leveraging smart acquisitions and cohesive team play to exceed expectations. Captain @Artuzio, a veteran with Elite division aspirations, has built a roster tailored to his playmaking style. His ability to exploit defensive gaps and create scoring chances for his teammates has been pivotal. If opposing defenses focus too much on his linemates, @Artuzio is poised to make them pay with his vision and finishing ability. On the backend, @juusoskari has emerged as a two-way force, contributing 9 assists while anchoring Vizio’s defensive structure. His ability to transition the puck and join the rush has added a new dimension to Vizio’s game. In net, @SakkeTheEngineer has been a revelation, posting clutch performances throughout the playoffs. If he can maintain his form and steal a game or two, Vizio could upset the heavily favored Afterlife. Afterlife: The X-Factor Squad Afterlife is a team built on chemistry, execution, and raw talent. Their ability to seamlessly blend structured play with individual brilliance has made them a formidable opponent. Forwards @Bobban-21- and @Alpha borje have been the offensive catalysts, consistently creating scoring chances with their speed and creativity. However, @Putteekiing could be the key to unlocking this series. His elite skillset and knack for clutch plays make him a constant threat, especially if Vizio’s defense loses focus. Defensively, Afterlife has been rock-solid, blending aggressive forechecking with disciplined positioning. @Azzez_88, known for his offensive flair, has also stepped up defensively, shutting down top forwards in the playoffs. His partner, @JoakimOilers, has been the unsung hero, providing stability and physicality in their own zone. Afterlife’s ability to neutralize Vizio’s potent offense while capitalizing on their own scoring chances will be critical to their success. Key Matchup: Defensive Discipline vs. Offensive Creativity This series will be decided by which team’s defense can better contain the opposition’s forwards. Vizio’s high-flying attack, led by @Nieppii, will test Afterlife’s ability to stay disciplined and avoid costly mistakes. Conversely, Afterlife’s balanced approach and depth could overwhelm Vizio if their defense falters. Goaltending will also be a factor, with @SakkeTheEngineer needing to outduel Afterlife’s netminder @Bystrom_33 to give Vizio a chance. Players to Watch Afterlife: @Putteekiing This talented forward has the potential to take over games. If Vizio underestimates him, he’ll make them regret it with his scoring prowess. Vizio: @SakkeTheEngineer The goaltender will face a barrage of shots from Afterlife’s forwards. If he can stand tall and steal a game, Vizio could pull off the upset. Series Prediction @hifk_FANI: Afterlife in 5 (4-1). “Afterlife’s offense is too potent for Vizio to handle. The Swedes cruise to the finals.” @jm98II: Vizio in 6 (4-2). “Vizio’s new acquisitions give them the edge, and @sakketheengine will steal a game or two.” @Pekedipeks: Afterlife in 6 (4-2). “Afterlife’s depth and defensive structure will be too much for Vizio to overcome.” @Pensasmies: Afterlife in 7 (4-3). “This will be a close one, but Afterlife’s experience and talent will shine through.”   Final Thoughts The ECL 25 Spring Pro Semifinals are shaping up to be a showcase of skill, strategy, and heart. ROBE Esports’ underdog story will face its ultimate test against the Golden Buffalos’ star-studded lineup, while Afterlife and Vizio promise a battle of offensive firepower. With defense and goaltending likely to decide both series, you won't be disappointed as this matchup is guaranteed to be a treat and these teams leave it all on the virtual ice. Who will advance to the finals and etch their names in ECL history? Tune in to the broadcasts find out!

Upcoming Playoff Matchups – Towards Round 3 The first round of the Playoffs has concluded, and the advancing teams are now decided. Surprises, close matches, and some less close ones, outstanding individual performances, and excellent team play were all seen in the first round. Now the stakes get higher as the prize is a spot among the top 8 and a step closer to the championship. Three out of four group leaders made it through to the second round, and a few smaller surprises have mixed up the order for this round, so now we’ll watch how the underdogs heading into the series — Mieskissat, Beer Bears, Nordic Knights, and Bare Knuckles Hockey — handle a tougher level of opposition. 1. HC Purijat – Mieskissat Introduction: HC Purijat’s primary strength in this series will be their rock-solid defense. Having shown excellent defensive play in the regular season and first round, this team carries the pressure of being the favorite expected to deliver, while Mieskissat enters with a “nothing to lose” mentality. If Mieskissat wants to put at least some pressure on their opponent, they must significantly improve their defense and goaltending, as well as reach the next level in their fighting spirit and discipline. Decisive factors: Balance between five-player offense and defense : This is a clear indicator how Mieskissat would have even a thin chance. You have to block those attacks! Key players’ performance: How does @Japemode, @nuariatte and @majavanaama50 perform for their team is going to be the key factor for this series Special teams (power play and penalty kill) Players to watch: @Japemode (G) : Regular season stats: 87.30% save percentage – 1.41 GAA – 4 shutouts @nuariatte (LW) : Regular season stats: 24GP – 42G + 25A – 13 game-winning goals @majavanaama50 (LW) : Regular season stats: 23GP – 19G + 26A – 123 interceptions Match prediction (Jiihooo86): HC Purijat 4 – 1 Mieskissat 2. Armeijan Kuri – Beer Bears Introduction: True to its name, Armeijan Kuri embodies a disciplined attacking mentality. The team, averaging 4.21 goals per game in the regular season, surely trusts in their offensive efficiency to topple their upcoming opponent. Beer Bears, who were one of the surprises in the first round by defeating Viitapohjan Vikings in a seven-game series, come in as clear underdogs. This team won’t lack determination and is ready to take down one of the preseason favorites in the new playoff series. But does the team have enough skill, depth, and discipline against the systematicly playing Armeijan Kuri? The first two games will clearly show the direction the series is heading. Decisive factors: Power dynamics: Army Discipline vs. the “happy, drinking furballs” Goaltending: Who will start in goal for Armeijan Kuri? Can @J-PV86 (Pataruma) perform better in Beer Bears’ goal than in the first round and stop shots at a rate higher than 77% and 4 GAA? Special teams: Armeijan Kuri took 11 penalties in 5 games during the first round, so Beer Bears must capitalize on those chances. However, if their power play stays at 10% like in the regular season, it won’t help much. Players to watch: @MutainenMalik (LW) : Regular season stats: 24GP – 22G + 41A – 23.9 shooting % @kasuri1 (G) : Regular season stats: 86.11% save percentage – 2.19 GAA – 3 shutouts @Jezzezz (LW) : Regular season stats: 23GP – 19G + 26A – 123 interceptions Match prediction (Jiihooo86): Armeijan Kuri 4 – 0 Beer Bears 3. Dynamo HC – Nordic Knights Introduction: Battle of the countries! This series features players from many different nations. Switzerland, USA, Sweden, Great Britain... These are split so that Dynamo HC’s roster includes the mentioned countries, while Nordic Knights consists solely of Swedish players. Dynamo HC enters as the clear favorite, but Nordic Knights proved to be a worthy opponent by defeating Sopranos in the first round, even though Sopranos had more experienced and higher-ranked players. Definitely one of the most interesting second-round series! Decisive factors: Goaltending: Dynamo HC’s goalie @Calxm41 has shown excellent performance, stopping 91.67% of shots and averaging only 1.4 goals against — the second lowest in the playoffs. On the other side, @Melker Tongring (Tfue4173) may start for Nordic Knights, who played with a decent 82% save percentage and allowed 2.5 goals per game in the first round. Game speed: Nordic Knights’ counterattacks in the Sopranos series were fast and the puck moved quickly into the offensive zone, creating chances. This could be a big factor here as well, and if the Knights can utilize it well, an upset is possible. Which situation suits the teams better? Does the favorite’s role put more pressure on Dynamo HC or give them an advantage? Does the underdog role free Nordic Knights’ game and boost their confidence? Or will Dynamo HC sweep through, leaving the Northern Knights in the dust? Players to watch: @Calxm41 (G) : Regular season stats: 86.44% save percentage – 2 GAA – 2 shutouts @Dan Dcon2silly (LW) : Regular season stats: 20GP – 34G + 36A – 7 game-winning goals @Elis is real (RW) : Regular season stats: 22GP – 35G + 15A – 33% shooting percentage (106 shots on goal) Match prediction (Jiihooo86): Dynamo HC 3 – 4 Nordic Knights 4. Conexion – Bare Knuckles Hockey Introduction: Conexion showed exemplary defensive play in the regular season, finishing second in their group with the same points as the group winner, HC Purijat. They allowed only 1.58 goals per game, an impressive result over 24 games. However, in the first round of the playoffs, Conexion’s defense faltered somewhat, and their results were no longer as good — they conceded 14 goals in 5 games, statistically much worse than in the regular season. Bare Knuckles Hockey showed fighting spirit in the first round by beating a higher-ranked opponent in six games, scoring 22 goals. Can Bare Knuckles surprise and maintain scoring efficiency while stopping Conexion’s usually solid attacking play? Decisive factors: Efficiency of the top players: Conexion’s @Jaks_10 (Jaksii_) and @Sweden2233 (SwedenFtW99), and Bare Knuckles’@taikatomi and @GoDe45! Importance of the first two games! If Conexion takes a big win in the first game, what effect does that have on Bare Knuckles’ mentality? And what if Bare Knuckles wins the first and possibly the second game? The series’ fate could be decided in these first two games! Breaking through the opponent’s defense: What are the ways Bare Knuckles can penetrate Conexion’s rock-solid defense to create scoring chances? Teams that scored well in the regular season are now being tested, and defensive discipline is put to the test! Watch these players: @Joe NHL Gremlingawe (G) : Regular season stats: 81.37% - 1.58 GAA - 8 SO @Jaks_10 Jaksii_ (RW) : Regular season stats: 22GP - 20G + 35A - TwP: 128:06 min @taikatomi (LW) : Regular season stats: 20GP - 27G + 22A - 8 GWG Match prediction (Jiihooo86): Conexion 4 - 3 Bare Knuckles Hockey 5. Skyfall – Capetown Kings Introduction: Skyfall relies again on incredibly strong offensive play. The team with the second most goals in the regular season aims to defeat CapeTown Kings by relying on their top scorers @Koutsi (Koutsinaattori) and @stu_rulez. How will CapeTown respond, and in what way? The primary issue is fixing the defense. They allowed over 3 goals per game in the regular season, a major vulnerability considering Skyfall’s star players. Can CapeTown’s goalie @Randomjanne start in goal by the team’s decision and continue the good form seen in the last games of the first round, or will @jorkka82 be placed in goal despite Randomjanne’s better stats? Decisive factors: Unpredictability of CapeTown Kings’ defense and goaltending: Now is the time for goalies to shine for CapeTown. Skyfall’s offense has been crushing all season, so the last line of defense must be strong here. Can the defensive unit adapt to the strong offense and calmly build counterattacks, or will we see a breakdown and the kings’ downfall? Power play efficiency: Penalties against Skyfall must be minimized! The team’s power play percentage is an impressive 35.14% in the regular season, so this must be feared. Adaptation: How does the tougher opponent affect CapeTown’s play, and how well can they adapt? Watch these players: @Jonza1990 (Hatsigaboom) (C) : Regular season stats: 16GP - 11G + 19A - 81 INT @Mikse94 (C) : Regular season stats: 18GP - 18G + 37A - 126 INT @stu_rulez (RW) : Regular season stats: 22GP - 35G + 43A - 123 INT Match prediction (Jiihooo86): Skyfall 4 - 1 CapeTown Kings 6. Nordic Nosebleed – Kelagoldcard HC Introduction: Nordic Nosebleed, second in their group, face Kelagoldcard HC, seeded 4th in their own group. The teams’ strengths differ completely: Kelagoldcard relies on trusted scoring, while Nordic Nosebleed play a balanced game with good offense. I predict Nordic Nosebleed to take this series based entirely on their clearly better team play than Kelagoldcard. Of course, the possibility of an upset remains—if Kelagoldcard can disrupt Nordic Nosebleed’s team play with their own offense, there is a chance to beat them, even if small. Decisive factors: Symbiosis of scoring and defense Emergence of defensemen! This will definitely be crucial for Kelagoldcard. Can the defenders create dangerous shots from the blue line, distribute the puck, and be ready fast enough defensively so Nosebleed can’t launch quick counters? The main thing for the Defensemen is that their attacks last longer in the Nosebleed zone Counterattack play: Could this be one weapon for Kelagoldcard? Do the players have the courage for quick breakouts and slight guessing attacks to break Nordic Nosebleed’s team defense? Watch these players: @Jean-Claes (G) : Regular season stats: 81.38% - 2.56 GAA - 4 BA saves out of 7 @1mmu9 (LW/C) : Regular season stats: 22GP - 26G + 30A - TwP: 128:06 min @Jcarlton89 (C) : Regular season stats: 24GP - 36G + 30A - 37.9 S% (95 SOG) Match prediction (Jiihooo86): Nordic Nosebleed 4 - 2 Kelagoldcard HC 7. VBO Stars – HC Vilttimiehet Introduction: HC Vilttimiehet, who have struggled with team play in offense, get the toughest possible opponent for the second round in their own oppinion. VBO Stars scored nearly 4 goals per game in the regular season and are clear favorites going into this series. Vilttimiehet will again rely on good defense and keeping matches tight—this has been their style all season. The team’s defensive ability has been respectable throughout the season, with a veteran goalie as the last line of defense who has kept his joints in shape so the puck still sticks to the glove. But will the good form in goal (91.25% save percentage in the first round, with the lowest goals-against average in playoffs at 1.17 GAA) continue against this opponent’s offensive onslaught or will @Jiihooo86 finally become Swiss cheese? Decisive factors: Pressure tolerance: HC Vilttimiehet is an inexperienced team playing their first competitive ECL season. Veterans @Funkygames91 and @Jiihooo86 bear responsibility for preparing the team for the coming challenge. Will nerves break or can Vilttimiehet pull off an upset? VBO Stars’ offensive firepower: Can VBO Stars make Vilttimiehet’s defense struggle and generate a respectable number of shots on goal? Is time spent in the offensive zone the key factor in this series? Importance of defense: Neither team can afford poor defense in this series. Tight team play, good defense, and securing the series spot with no unnecessary risks. Watch these players: @Jiihooo86 (G) : Regular season stats: 84.15% - 2.17 GAA - 6 BA saves out of 7 @fisu123 The_Finisher90 (RW) : Regular season stats: 24GP - 24G + 23A - 159 Hits @Nilsson04_ (RW) : Regular season stats: 18GP - 33G + 22A - 8 GWG @priima-namu FeikkiNambo (C) : Regular season stats: 22GP - 20G + 29A - 111 Hits Match prediction (eSwahn): VBO Stars 4 - 3 HC Vilttimiehet 8. Fallen Rangers – Prowlers Introduction: Fallen Rangers was the most dangerous scoring team in the entire CORE division during the regular season. 125 goals in 24 games show a tremendous offensive threat, and Prowlers will have to be cautious against this firepower. On the other hand, Fallen Rangers’ defense was relatively poor as they allowed almost 3.5 goals per game. This series promises a goal fest, but which team will advance? Decisive factors: Momentum – who gets early success? Adapting playing style? Will either team change their style to focus more on defense? How does this affect the opponent? Pressure tolerance? How will the losing team turn things around? How important are the results of the first two games for mentality? Will frustrations arise? Watch these players: @Sebko99 (LW) : Regular season stats: 24GP - 43G + 38A - 261 Shots! @Kiso69 (C) : Regular season stats: 24GP - 29G + 44A - 41 BS @RHannu(LW) : Regular season stats: 22GP - 25G + 29A - 11 GWG Match prediction (Jiihooo86): Fallen Rangers 2 - 4 Prowlers

Welcome to the ECL ‘25 season and the NHL 25 competitive year! Hey SportsGamers! NHL 25 is just around the corner and if I've done my math right this means we're embarking on the the 10th year of the ECL! We started back at the end of 2015 with ECL 1 in NHL 16 and are coming into the 19th season of the ECL with ECL '25: Winter. It's been a wild ride and I want to thank everyone who's been a part of it - many still around since day 1! Let's start with some great news - the prize pool for the ECL ‘25 Winter season will be 24 000 EUR and the ECL Elite Finals will be returning to the big spotlights - featured on the Assembly Winter 2025 main stage! Keep reading to find out more! Before we go any further, if you’re reading this and find yourself wondering “What is the ECL?”, or you're looking for a blast from the past listing of all ECL Champions so far you can find an article about that here. One of the more frequent requests from our community every year has been transparency in terms of upcoming plans. The benefits are clear, as it will help teams with preparation, strategizing, and assembling rosters, and of course, help players plan their holidays, trips, or other activities without sacrificing the opportunity to partake in the eHockey season to the fullest. So, without further ado, here is what the NHL 25 competitive year looks like for Europe. Please keep in mind there are still lots of details being put into place, but we want to provide as good of an overview on the timing of the ECL ‘25: Winter and Spring seasons, as well as the National Championships, that are played in between the ECL seasons. ECL '25 Competitive Year ECL '25: Pre-season The ECL ‘25: Pre-season tournament will kick off on October 17th, giving teams the ability to get right into action, get familiar with NHL 25, and test their line-ups against teams of equal skill levels. The Pre-season will consist of the following groups: Elite & Pro - Sign up now! Lite & Core - Sign up now! Neo & Newcomers - Sign up now! The best news? You can sign up right now using the links above! Qualifiers The ECL ‘25: Winter - Lite & Pro Qualifiers are scheduled to kick off approximately between October 21st and November 1st. For this reason, we suggest that teams participating in the qualifiers skip the Pre-season tournament. We will get into the specifics within a couple weeks. ECL '25: Winter Season The ECL ‘25: Winter - Regular Season will start on November 17th and be completed just in time to wind down for Christmas and the New Year. The last round of games before the holiday break will be played on December 20st. The ECL ‘25: Winter - Playoffs will start after the holidays, on January 3rd. Most of the ECL ‘25: Winter divisions will be completed by the end of January, whereas the date for the Elite Finals is still locked in for Thursday February 20th at Assembly Winter! National Leagues After the end of the ECL ‘25: Winter season, it’s time to battle in the National Leagues, such as the CSCL, eHockey SM, GCL, SCL & WECL. Many of the details are still work-in-process, but rest assured weeks 6-14 are reserved for National League play. ECL '25: Spring Season The ECL ‘25: Spring season will commence with the Lite and Pro Qualifiers in weeks 12-14. The regular season will be played weeks 15-19, and the playoffs will be played after that, with most divisions done before midsummer and the Lite Champions being decided just after. Please keep in mind that there is always a possibility for the timeline to change and we will be keeping a close eye on e.g. the IIHF World Championship schedules to avoid collisions with those games as well as possible, as we know many of our viewers and players love to watch the games. Early Bird Offer on Player and Team Licenses Below you’ll find the pricing of the team and player licenses for ECL ‘25. Starting today and for the next two weeks (until September 19th), you can pick up the ECL ‘25: Winter Team license and the ECL ‘25: Player License (Winter + Spring) for the Super Early Bird pricing listed below. After that, we will offer a slightly elevated Early Bird price from September 20th - October 19th, and finally, the regular pricing from October 20th onward. PURCHASE YOUR ECL '25 LICENSES HERE For those of you participating in the qualifiers and unsure which division your team will play in for the ECL ‘25: Winter season, you can still take advantage of this offer; Purchase the Super Early Bird license for the division you are qualifying for and if your team is unsuccessful in the mission, we will refund you the difference to the Super Early Bird price for the division your team ends up in. For example, if you enter the qualifiers for the Lite division, purchase the Super Early Bird Lite license. If your team doesn’t qualify for the Lite division, you will play in the Core division and we will refund you the difference - in this example: 100 EUR. The ECL Neo division does not require a team license, however, we are introducing an ECL Neo Player license at the cost of 10 EUR per season. This will enable us to improve our coverage of the division, cover the finals broadcast and offer access to the two formats: the ECL Cup & the 4v4 tournament. Read more about them below. Please refer to this ECL Ranking in order to understand which teams are eligible to sign up for each division. Introducing two new formats - ECL Cup & ECL 4v4 We've been cooking up some extra fun to be had during the season and we can't take all the credit, as there have definitely been suggestions coming in from the community. ECL Cup is a knock-out type tournament that is played with your ECL 6v6 team. The Cup is played as a single elimination bracket populated by ECL teams from all divisions. The bracket is played at a slower pace and the action will go on for weeks, but if you lose - you're out! A bit dramatic perhaps, but oh boy are we expecting some drama! ECL 4v4 is exactly what it sounds like - a tournament played in the 4v4 mode of the game. All positions are to be filled with human-controlled players. We understand this game mode might not be for everyone, so the 4v4 tournament will not be a requirement for anyone to enter. ECL 1v1 is also back and we're excited to announce that we will be seeing some structural changes for the upcoming season, which we'll tell you more about in the near future. We'll have more info about all of these fun events in the coming weeks, but you may absolutely feel free to speculate and come with your wishes in the comments below, as there could still be time for adjustments! New License perks We're excited to share that we will be able to offer the following perks to ECL '25 license owners: Assembly Winter 2025 Tickets Limited Time Offer: Get a free ticket to Assembly Winter 2025 for Thursday, February 20th! Come and enjoy the ECL ‘25: Winter - Elite Finals and hang out with the community. Once you’ve purchased your license, fill out this form to apply for your free ticket. Act fast—tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. We would also love to see attendees from outside of Finland join us for the Finals event. If you’re interested, please fill out this form so we can assist you with travel advice and answer any questions you may have. Stay tuned for more news about Assembly Winter 2025 and read more about the event itself at https://assembly.org/en/events/winter25. SportsGamer Health & Performance Program Get premium access to the SportsGamer Health & Performance Program, free for an extended period to help you reach your peak performance. Introducing the SportsGamer Health Program, a cutting-edge wellness platform with content specifically designed for gamers. While the platform offers a comprehensive range of workouts, home exercises, and courses, it also includes specialized content to boost your gaming performance. All materials are crafted by leading fitness professionals, ensuring you get the best in physical training. The program features gamification elements, making it fun and engaging to stay active on the platform. Additionally, it includes a dedicated section of short lectures from professional mental coaches, helping you dive deeper into individual and team-based approaches to gaming. This blend of physical and mental training ensures that you can stay healthy and sharp, both in and out of the game We’re excited to share more details with you as we approach the start of the new season. In the meantime, we’re seeking volunteers to test out the platform and its content as we continue to develop it. We’re looking for a small, diverse group of people of all ages, nationalities, and physical conditions. So, whatever your situation, if this sounds interesting to you, please fill out this form to apply. New Initiative - Social Program We’re committed to growing NHL gaming and esports! As part of a new initiative, we want to inspire teams and players to focus on their social media presence. We’re excited to showcase the best goals, biggest hits, and epic fails, and highlight them across SportsGamer broadcasts, programs, and social platforms. Introducing the ECL Social Program – designed to spotlight the best content from around the league and reward those who go the extra mile. While we’ll be focusing on video content, exceptional overall social media coverage is also appreciated. Stay tuned for more details and specifics on how you can get involved! Rule Changes & Community Opinion We would like to raise two items up for a community vote and open up the floor for discussion. Zone & Superstar Abilities - Yay or nay? For the ECL ‘24: Spring season we decided to ban a selection of Zone & Superstar Abilities. As NHL 25 is a new release, and we haven't had a chance to test it out yet, our initial instinct is to start with a clean slate and not ban any abilities until the community gets to know the new game and has a chance to make up its mind about whether the abilities are working or not. While we have preliminarily set our minds on not banning any abilities for the first season, we welcome the discussion and would love to hear your opinion. You can discuss player abilities here. Are there some rule-related changes we’ve missed? Now is your chance to discuss and suggest what type of changes you would like to see in the rulebook. Sign up NOW for the ECL '25: Pre-season tournament and stay tuned for the official kick-off of the ECL ’25: Winter Signups, launching mid-September! Edit: Added clarification to Qualifier date.

Note: The information in this article is based on the situation on Sunday morning. See the updated statistics below. PLAYOFF RACE HEADING INTO FINAL WEEK OF REGULAR SEASON With just one week to go before the end of the regular season, let's take a detailed look of where each team's postseason dreams, or relegation nightmares, stand heading into the games of the regular season. To make things a little more interesting, however, I decided to add in a different element to this article. I decided to embrace the power of modern technology and used ChatGPT to come up with the mathematical chance for each team to clinch a playoff spot, as well as every other general seeding possibility. These numbers are based on 10,000 different simulations of possible outcomes. This is the first time that I've decided to do something like this, so if it's something that you enjoyed, let us know and we'll consider doing more stuff like this in the future! We'll be looking at all 16 teams in the division and giving a short summary of where they stand, what the numbers tell us, and what the next week could look like as they get towards the end of their schedules. Hopefully you all enjoy, and make sure to tell us what you think will happen and what you thought of the article! Last Dance (51pts) - 1st in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 100% Chance To Finish 1-4: 99.98% Chance to Finish 5-8: 0.02% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 0% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% Last Dance sit in a great position heading into the final week of the season. Not only have Last Dance all but clinched their place in the Top 4, but they have also pretty much clinched their place in the Top 4, barring a catastrophic end to the season. The next 10 games for Last Dance will be about strengthening their playoff positioning and looking to earn the #1 overall seed. The simulations gave them an 83.82% chance to clinch that top overall seed, the best of any team in the field. Based on their recent form (14-1-0 in their last 15 games) and their favorable remaining schedule, I'd tend to agree with those odds, and would maybe even argue that they should be higher. I'd personally expect for Last Dance to enter the playoffs at the #1 overall seed, barring a late-season slump, but at bare minimum, they should find themselves finishing somewhere in the 1-3 range. Remaining Series: Blackbirds, GOONS, vNexs, SSK ESPORTS and Tohtorit Mythix (46pts) - 2nd in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 100% Chance To Finish 1-4: 99.57% Chance to Finish 5-8: 0.43% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 0% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% Similarly to Last Dance, Mythix have virtually clinched a playoff spot and should very likely make the Top 4, meaning that they are merely fighting for seeding over the next 10 games. Considering that this group finished 6th and 5th the past two seasons, clinching a playoff berth with 10 games to go is quite the impressive leap for this team. It'll be a tough task for them to pass Last Dance for the top spot and their series against Parasite will likely shake up their seed projections dramatically, but at bare minimum they should be able to go into the postseason with a place in the Top 4. If they do, it'll certainly be well deserved. They also still have a chance to finish a to finish at the top of the table. Simulations gave Mythix a 13.51% chance to do so, second-highest of any team. Remaining Series: vNexs, NOVA, Parasite, SSK ESPORTS and The Black Jacks Mustaa Kultaa (45pts) - 3rd in standings - 8 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 100% Chance To Finish 1-4: 95.97% Chance to Finish 5-8: 4.03% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 0% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% Mustaa Kultaa is virtually a lock to make the playoffs, and are mostly playing to secure a Top 4 seed. They were able to do most of their work in the early to middle stages of the season, picking up 41 points in their first 18 games of the season. They also still have an outside shot to finish with the top overall seed, but simulations give them a slim chance to do so at just 0.86%, likely due to their limited amount of games left and the gap in points between them and Last Dance. They are the last team that is eligible to clinch the top spot. This group has cooled of a little bit over their last two series, as they were swept by SSK Esports and split their series with vNexs, but both teams are currently in playoff spots and are fighting hard to stay there, so those loses are nothing to be ashamed of. Their series against Parasite will undoubtedly be the biggest on their schedule and will likely be the difference between them finishing 4th or higher. Remaining Series: EXEN, Polski Boys, Parasite and Vapor Parasite - (42pts) - 4th in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 100% Chance To Finish 1-4: 96.19% Chance to Finish 5-8: 3.81% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 0% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% As another lock to make the playoffs, Parasite is in position to not only clinch another Top 4 seed in the playoffs, but they also still have an inside track to finish 2nd with their two series against Mythix and Mustaa Kultaa coming up. They would need some help in order to secure the top seed, as the simulations only gave them a 1.81% chance. What also helps Parasite is that they're 8-2-0 in the last 10 games and have yet to lose back-to-back games all season, so based on how they've paced to this point, I'd be surprised to not see them move their way up in the standings before the regular season ends. Though you could argue that this team has the toughest remaining schedule of any team in the Top 4, you could also make the point that they have the best opportunity because of that. Passing up Last Dance will tough to pull off, but I do believe that finishing right behind them is a more likely possibility; especially if they can earn at least 4 points against Mythix. Remaining Series: GOONS, Mustaa Kultaa, Mythix, NOVA and Tohtorit Tohtorit - (36pts) - 5th in standings - 6 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 67.68% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0.13% Chance to Finish 5-8: 67.55% Chance to Finish 9-12: 31.42% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 2.0% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% This is where the "playoff hunt" really starts. Even though they currently sit 5th in the standings, Tohtorit's position is far from secured. Their situation actually reminds me a bit of the situation that GOONS and Polski Boys were in during the Winter season. A tough remaining schedule, very few games remaining, and a point tally that doesn't give them the comfort needed to drop many more points. Those two teams finished 8th and 9th in the standings respectively. Simulations seem relatively confident about Tohtorit's chances though, as their 67.6% chance to clinch ranks 8th amongst all 16 teams. The scary thing about where they stand is that there is a realistic chance that they could leave their last six games with no more than 6 points earned, as both Last Dance and Parasite are averaging over 4 standings points per series. That would give them 42 points in the standings, which would put them in a dangerous spot. Simulations projected that 46–48 points would be the mark for a team outside of the cutline to make their way into the Top 8. As of now, six of the bottom eight teams could realistically reach that threshold, though Blackbirds would have to win all of their remaining games to do so. Tohtorit need to steal some points against Last Dance and Parasite to feel good about their chances. Remaining Series: Heimo, Last Dance, and Parasite GOONS - (35pts) - 6th in standings - 4 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 7.43% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 7.43% Chance to Finish 9-12: 77.85% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 14.72% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0.03% Unfortunately for GOONS, their playoff hopes appear to be grim even though they enter the final week placed 6th in the standings. The problem that GOONS faces isn't just their remaining schedule against two of the toughest teams in the league, but it is also their lower point-tally and the limited chances that they have to earn more points. Because of this, simulations only had them clinch a playoff spot 7.43% of the time, giving them the 11th-best odds in the division. The most points that they will be able to earn is 47, and though any team can win on any given day, I have a hard time realistically seeing any team sweep both Last Dance and Parasite. GOONS also have been in a bit of a rut, as they're 3-6-1 in their last 10 games and have taken multiple losses to teams outside of the playoffs over the past two weeks, including Blackbirds, The Black Jacks and Vapor. Something that the simulations don't take account for. No team in the playoff picture will have to rely more on outside results than GOONS. When a team can't control it's own destiny, the less confident you can feel about their chances to make the field. This group looks bound for "no man's land", which is better than where they were a year ago when they were forced to play in a relegation playoff, but its still a step back from their performance a season ago where they were able to earn a playoff spot with 44 points. Remaining Series: Last Dance and Parasite EXEN - (32pts) - 7th in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 88.3% Chance To Finish 1-4: 4.02% Chance to Finish 5-8: 84.28% Chance to Finish 9-12: 11.34% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 0.36% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% Despite a slow start to the season, EXEN was able to dig themselves out of a early hole and now find themselves in a great position to earn its third-straight under the EXEN brand (sixth-straight playoff if you want to go back to its time as JYP Jyväskylä, though only one active player remains from that group). Their playoff chances would've been even higher if not for being swept by Polski Boys this past week, but it would still take a lot to go wrong for EXEN to not clinch a spot in the Top 8; especially with their remaining schedule being primarily against non-playoff teams. Their 88.3% chance to clinch is 5th-highest of any team in the league and the highest of all of the teams that have yet to clinch a spot. They technically also have an outside chance to land in the Top 4, but it would require a wide range of circumstances that are highly unlikely. The goal for this team will be securing the 5th seed, something that feels very possible with where they currently stand and how well they have played as of late (7-2-1 in their last 10 games). Remaining Series: Heimo, Mustaa Kultaa, vNexs, NOVA and The Black Jacks vNexs - (30pts) - 8th in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 72.76% Chance To Finish 1-4: 1.22% Chance to Finish 5-8: 71.54% Chance to Finish 9-12: 25.9% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 1.34% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0% Though they currently hold the last available playoff spot, the simulations seemed to favor vNexs' chances of making it in, as their 71.54% ranks 7th. Similarly to EXEN, they even have a slim chance to make the Top 4, but it's high;y unlikely. Though I definitely agree that they've put themselves in a great position to make the Top 8, I also feel slightly more pessimistic than what the ChatGPT simulations seemed to. Now don't get me wrong, I like this vNexs team a lot. They have a ton of experience and have often played their best games during the last week or so of the season. My concern however is the inconsistency that has plagued this team at times. They're 5-5-0 in their last 10 games, and they've only earned maximum points in one series all season, and that was against a non-playoff team in Vapor. They've also dropped a pair of critical games to both Polski Boys and The Black Jacks, while splitting their most recent series with Blackbirds. It just feels like this team has missed out on some opportunities for points against teams below them in the standings, and this can often be the difference between making and missing the playoff at the end of the regular season. They also still have to play the two top teams in the standings in Last Dance and Mythix. Though I think they are capable of stealing some points out of those matchups, their playoff hopes will likely be determined by how they do in their series against EXEN and SSK ESPORTS, as both are only separated from vNexs by 3 points or less. Remaining Series: EXEN, Last Dance, Mythix, NOVA and SSK ESPORTS Heimo - (29pts) - 9th in standings - 10 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 61.77% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0.55% Chance to Finish 5-8: 61.22% Chance to Finish 9-12: 35.77% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 2.45% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0.01% After a promising first week of the season that saw Heimo near the top of the standings, the group hit a wall during the middle part of their season and now finds themselves on the outside looking in for a playoff spot. Simulations still had this team making it 61.77% of the time, but those are just the 9th-best odds, so their chances seem sort of split. GOONS and Tohtorit being in the position that they are in helps Heimo, but they will need to earn their way in by playing four teams that are all still fighting for positioning. I'll be honest in saying that I don't love how this group has looked over the last two weeks, as they're 4-5-1 in their last 10 contests and seem to be missing that offensive punch that they showed during the first week of the season. Despite this though, Heimo still controls their own destiny. They have 10 games remaining and won't need any help if they can take care of business on their own. As a playoff hopeful, you really can't ask for much more than that. Their most consequential games will undoubtedly be their series against EXEN, SSK ESPORTS and Tohtorit. Remaining Series: EXEN, NOVA, SSK ESPORTS, Tohtorit and Vapor Polski Boys - (29pts) - 10th in standings - 8 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 18.98% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 18.98% Chance to Finish 9-12: 67.72% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 13.28% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0.02% Though the simulations seemed to be less bullish on Polski Boys' playoff hopes at 18.98%, which ranks 10th, I personally think they have a slightly better chance when you consider their remaining schedule and their performance against teams around them in the standings. They recently swept EXEN and picked up 5 out of a possible 6 points in that series, which arguably saved their playoff hopes considering what the bubble currently looks like. Before that series, they had lost four-straight games against Last Dance and Mythix, so they really needed to find points and did exactly that against a fellow playoff hopeful. Interestingly enough, Polski Boys have a record of 9-5-2 against teams that are ranked lower than 5th in the standings. Their one major blemish was being swept by Vapor on April 17th, which could be what comes back to haunt them if they miss the Top 8. However, with three of their four remaining series being against teams bound for "no man's land" or a relegation playoff, there is some genuine opportunity for Polski Boys to make it into the playoffs, even if they will need a little bit of help from others to do so. Remaining Series: Blackbirds, Mustaa Kultaa, ONSE Esports and The Black Jacks Blackbirds - (28pts) - 11th in standings - 6 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 0.38% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 0.38% Chance to Finish 9-12: 32.71% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 65.86% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 1.05% Though mathematically Blackbirds still have a chance to make it into the playoffs, it would take collecting every point possible in their last six games along with numerous results from other teams to going in their favor. Despite their potential of being a sleeper to make the playoffs coming into the season, this is a team that had zero games of Elite Division experience prior to the Spring. That's a difficult thing to overcome, as the jump from Pro to Elite is a significant shift in skill and game style. It shouldn't be too shocking that Blackbirds have had to learn, grow and adjust as they get used to the division. First-time teams making playoff pushes such as Mustaa Kultaa last season, or SSK ESPORTS this season are exceptions, not the rule, and each of those teams had a least a few players in its lineup with prior Elite experience. I don't think it'd be fair to say that this is a disappointing result for Blackbirds, and a mid-table finish feels like a fair and reasonable result for a team that is still on the ascent in the Elite division. Despite all of this, Blackbirds have likely avoided finishing 16th barring a considerable collapse and a major run from some of the teams behind them. Their goal from this point forward will be to hold on to a Top 12 spot to avoid playing in a relegation series; though this won't be an easy task with games vs Last Dance and Polski Boys still on the horizon. Stealing some points in one of those series, along with earning the majority of points in their series with Vapor, will likely be the key to maintaining their spot. Blackbirds will need to keep a close eye on The Black Jacks and NOVA, as both have games in hand and a path to surpass them in the standings. They've seem to find a decent run of form recently going 5-5-0 in their last 10 games, which will help their cause. Remaining Series: Last Dance, Polski Boys and Vapor SSK ESPORTS - (27pts) - 12th in standings - 12 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 72.72% Chance To Finish 1-4: 2.37% Chance to Finish 5-8: 70.35% Chance to Finish 9-12: 25.55% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 1.72% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0.01% Coming into the final week with the best opportunity of any team outside of the playoffs, SSK ESPORTS are hoping to continue what has been a magical run in ECL 25 that goes all the way back to the final week of the Winter regular season in the Pro Division. Despite sitting in 11th, simulations actually give SSK a 72.72% chance to make the Top 8, one of the best odds of any team that hasn't clinched. You could argue that this is a little high considering their upcoming schedule, but the circumstances are mostly in their favor outside of that. The favorable simulation for SSK ESPORTS comes from the amount of games that they have remaining and the points they've already earned. They'll have two very tough series coming up against Last Dance and Mythix, as well as a series against a fellow playoff hopefuls Heimo and vNexs, but SSK fullly control their own playoff destiny and have proven this season that they can beat playoff caliber teams in this division. The group haven't played since April 27th, so we will have to see if they can continue their winning form, but 6-3-1 in your last 10 games is a pace that's good enough for this team to make the field. It won't be easy, but I personally believe that SSK ESPORTS will end up making it in. Even if they don't make the playoffs, the worst likely outcome for them would be a 9-12 finish, which is a very respectable result for an organization that was in the Pro Division a season ago. Remaining Series: Heimo, Last Dance, Mythix, vNexs, NOVA and Vapor The Black Jacks - (26pts) - 13th in standings - 8 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 3.1% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 3.1% Chance to Finish 9-12: 49.55% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 46.88% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 0.47% The Black Jacks still are alive in the playoff hunt according to the math, but their 3.1% chance don't make for great odds. Combining this with how they have faired against the current playoff teams this season, I have a hard time imagining a miracle run coming from this group over the next week. TBJ will not only need to win most of their remaining games in regulation, but they will also need some help around them in the process to have a realistic shot at the Top 8. Despite this though, they do have a realistic chance to avoid playing in the relegation playoff, which is huge with how successful the Pro division teams have seemed to be in those over the last couple of seasons. The Black Jacks are 5-3-2 in its last 10 games and have done enough to give themselves a chance to surpass Blackbirds for the 12th spot with having games in hand. It's not a given and they'll still be disappointed to have missed the playoffs for the first time since the ECL 23 Spring season (back when they were under the ZSC Esports brand), but avoiding a relegation series would be a small win nevertheless. Barring a miraculous run to close out the season, it'll be either "no man's land" or a relegation playoff to maintain their spot in the division. Their series with ONSE Esports will likely be a big factor to their fate at the end of the regular season. Similarly to Blackbirds, they will also need to keep a close eye on NOVA's results over the next week. Remaining Series: EXEN, Mythix, ONSE Esports and Polksi Boys ONSE Esports - (22pts) - 14th in standings - 6 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 0% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 0% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0.42% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 67.71% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 31.87% ONSE Esports have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention after going 2-7-1 in its last 10 games. Similarly to Blackbirds, this is a new team to the Elite division. In fact, they earned their way into Elite the week before the season started by winning in a qualifier. However, a tough stretch with only three wins since April 16th ultimately sunk their chances at a playoff berth, and they will now likely be fighting to maintain their spot in the division for next season. Their best chance is hoping to climb into a 9-12 spot, and even that feels like a tough battle that'll likely be decided between themselves, Blackbirds, NOVA and The Black Jacks. Luckily for ONSE Esports, they play the latter two teams to end the season and both are behind them in the standings. However, those two teams also both have games hand and they will still need Blackbirds to drop at least two regulation games while also staying ahead of each of the teams behind them. They will also need to keep an eye on Vapor, as even though the simulations seem to be on their side in terms of automatic relegation, a few wins from Vapor to end the season combined more losses from ONSE could see them slide down to that 16th spot and out of the Elite Division for next season. It's not impossible for them to avoid a relegation scenario altogether, but it'll be a tall order. With where things currently stand, I don't favor their chances and neither did the simulations. ONSE Esports will likely be playing in a relegation series unless things turn in their favor. And unfortunately, automatic relegation isn't out of the question just yet either. Remaining Series: NOVA, Polski Boys and The Black Jacks Vapor - (17pts) - 15th in standings - 8 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 0% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 0% Chance to Finish 9-12: 0.33% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 36.56% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 63.11% As things stand, Vapor have the highest odds of finishing 16th in the standings and being relegated from the Elite division. Though Vapor isn't a team that was viewed as a playoff favorite heading into the season, it at least seemed like a team that could compete for a spot and would like end up middle of the table, as they have plenty of experience throughout their lineup and brought in some respectable transfers. This unfortunately hasn't come to fruition, as they're eliminated from playoff contention and would likely need to earn at least 16 points to avoid playing in the relegation playoff, and even then their place in the Top 12 wouldn't be safe. Their schedule is also a bit of a mixed bag between playoff hopefuls and a team currently ranked in the Top 4 in Mustaa Kultaa. I still believe that this team has talent in its lineup and their experience could be helpful to them in their fight as well. But with NOVA being just two points behind them and having six more games to play, Vapor is in serious danger of relegation. Even if they are able to avoid the dreaded last-place finish, they will still more than likely have to earn their keep in the division against one of the best teams in the Pro Division. Remaining Series: Blackbirds, Heimo, Mustaa Kultaa and SSK ESPORTS. NOVA - (15pts) - 16th in standings - 14 games remaining Chance to Clinch a Playoff Berth: 6.88% Chance To Finish 1-4: 0% Chance to Finish 5-8: 6.88% Chance to Finish 9-12: 41.44% Chance to Play Relegation Playoff: 48.22% Chance to Be Automatically Relegated: 3.46% Don't let their place in the standings fool you, NOVA are still mathematically alive in the playoff hunt, and they actually still have a fair chance at avoiding a relegation playoff series as well. We weren't able to give this team much shine in the midseason report since they had only played 10 games at the time, but since then, they've been able to play six games and actually managed to go 3-2-1 in those contests. Because of this, along with their league-high 14 games left to play, the simulations actually had NOVA qualify for the playoffs 6.88% of the time and gave them a very good chance to avoid finishing 16th. Though their percentage to make the Top 8 was 12th-highest of all teams, I'll admit that a playoff spot doesn't seem very likely to happen for this group. The simulations suggest that NOVA will need to earn roughly 33 points to make the field, which means that they can only afford to take three more losses at most (regulation or overtime). It would take a serious run of form for them to make that happen, and I just don't know how realistic it is for them to win 11 of their last 14 games against the teams that they have to play against. However, I do think that NOVA are a team that could manage to avoid a relegation series if they can play the way they did this past week or even improve on that. They kept their series with Last Dance rather close, falling 3-2 and 5-3 in regulation. They split their series with The Black Jacks, earning 4 out of 6 possible points with a regulation win and an overtime loss. Their most important result was probably their series sweep over Vapor, as they collected 5 out of 6 points over the team that is currently just two points ahead of them in the standings. These are things that the simulations didn't take into consideration, so you could maybe even argue that their 41.44% could be slightly higher than what it is. Other than Mythix and Parasite, every team left on their schedule is either around the playoff bubble, or trying to earn their way into "no man's land". It's not impossible for them to make the playoff field, but I do believe that their path to a 9-12 spot is much more realistic. They're projected to need roughly 18 more points to avoid a relegation playoff, and they have 42 possible points still available to them. That equates to 6 regulation wins in 14 games. This feels doable, and though it won't be easy by any means, I think that they have reasons to feel good about their chances to make it happen. Remaining Series: EXEN, Heimo, Myhthix, vNexs, ONSE Esports, Parasite and SSK Esports Want to keep up with everything happening ECL in the this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to SportsGamerGG on Twitch, YouTube and X.

⚠️ We are looking for writing talent - if you can contribute to articles about the ECL, please see this news story for more information. The ECL '25: Spring - Core division has reached the midway point, and the competition is as fierce as expected. With playoff dreams alive across all groups, several teams and players have started to separate themselves from the pack. Here's where we stand. Top Teams SKYFALL and Harhapassi are locked in a dead heat at the top of Group 3, each sitting at 51 points with dominant goal differentials and powerful special teams. Nordic Nosebleed (Group 2) lead their group with a strong 14-1-1 record, but ARMEIJAN KURI and Fallen Rangers are close behind, both showing elite two-way play. VBO STARS (Group 1) are setting the pace with 44 points from 20 games, combining balanced offense and defense to maintain a tight grip on the standings. Sopranos and HC Purijat (Group 4) are shaping up for a fierce battle, with both teams relying on suffocating defense and   high penalty kill percentages.   Standout Skaters @stu_rulez (SKYFALL) leads the scoring charts with 73 points (31G, 42A) in 20 games, showcasing elite playmaking and scoring. @Sebko99 (Fallen Rangers) has racked up 70 points in just 16 games, proving to be one of the deadliest forwards in the division. @Chluda15 (Taifun Veterans) and @Gadzovec (Taifun Veterans) are both inside the top five, giving their team one of the most dynamic offensive duos. Other top performers include @Timo Silakka (Harhapassi) and @Koutsi (SKYFALL), both critical pieces for their respective teams' success.   Goaltending Watch @Mrantonn (Prowlers) has been a rock over 14 games with an 89.05% save percentage and a 2.14 goals against average, playing a massive role for Prowlers. @Calxm41 (Dynamo Hc) and @Japemode (HC Purijat) have also stood tall with save percentages over 87%, helping to anchor two defensively tough teams. @Melker Tongring Tfue4173 (Nordic Knights) and @Kurtznaattori (Koppibuutti) continue to impress with strong consistency between the pipes.   Groups at a Glance Group 1: VBO STARS lead but Dynamo Hc and Viitapohja Vikings are closing in, both showing playoff-caliber form. Group 2: Nordic Nosebleed slightly edge ARMEIJAN KURI and Fallen Rangers in what is shaping up as a three-horse race. Group 3: SKYFALL and Harhapassi have pulled away, but Taifun Veterans and Prowlers are dangerous outsiders. Group 4: Sopranos, HC Purijat, and Conexion all have legitimate claims to the top seed.   Players to Watch in the Second Half @stu_rulez (SKYFALL) — Can he maintain his pace and lead the league in points? @Sebko99 (Fallen Rangers) — A scoring machine looking to push his team into top contention. @Mrantonn - (Prowlers) — One of the most reliable goaltenders so far. @Chluda15 and @Gadzovec (Taifun Veterans) — Watch for these two to continue their offensive barrage.   As the season intensifies, expect tighter games, late-game heroics, and playoff intensity to rise. The race to the playoffs is officially on — and no one is safe yet. Stay tuned for the stretch run!

As most of the divisions have officially reached the half way point of the season, the Elite Division table is beginning to take shape and the playoff picture is becoming clearer. With most of the league having played over 15 games, let's take a quick look at each team and how they've done during the first half of the season. We'll be going in order of the standings as of Monday, April 28th. At the end, I'll then rank these teams into different tiers to evaluate where they stand after the first half of the season. Mythix (46pts) - 1st in standings - 10 games remaining Though I wouldn't say that this team is the biggest surprise of the season, I will say that Mythix have definitely surpassed expectations three weeks into the season. Sitting in first place and sporting the division's second-highest scoring offense at 3.6 goals per game, Mythix have made a statement and have introduced themselves into the tier of championship contenders. Three of their skaters currently take up the Top 5 spots in points. @Sokkelo__ is leading the division in points (48) and goals (28), @temppanen is third in the division with 45 points, and @WeDuX_ is leading the division in assists (39) and has 11 more points than any other defenseman with 43. This team has taken a sizable step forward this season and should undoubtedly be commended for that. They've lost just 4 games all season and 3 of those have come against Last Dance (swept in the series with two regulation losses) and Mustaa Kultaa. Two of those losses were also by just one goal. I do think that they still have to prove that they can beat the expected championship contenders, but they have dominated many of the teams in the middle and bottom of the standings. Their biggest remaining series will be against Parasite, so they'll have their chance to prove that they can do so over the next two weeks. Considering that the highest team that they play in the standings outside of that is SSK ESPORTS in 7th, things line up favorable for Mythix to secure their best regular season finish in club history. Mustaa Kultaa (45pts) - 2nd in standings - 8 games remaining The biggest question for Mustaa Kultaa coming into this season was whether or not they'd be able to replicate to magical Winter campaign and so far, they look on pace to do so. Though they have cooled off a tad over the past two series, they find themselves squarely in the Top 4 for a second straight season and seem on pace to likely stay there. The group has gotten solid production from their usual core, with @Allupekkaz leading the way in points (37) and goals (22). Their defensive pairing of @NuariJamal and @Miseee96 have also been amongst the division's most productive, as Mustaa Kultaa have allowed a division-low 1.86 goals per game. Their steady goaltending duo of @LatveX and @karlssonadam_ also deserve a ton of credit for this, as both currently rank Top 10 in save percentage. The sudden and surprising transfer of @x-_-BoBi-_-x has also proven to be a fruitful addition for last season's Finalists. The Finnish LW has put up 22 points and 19 goals in his 10 games with Mustaa Kultaa since transferring from EXEN on April 22nd. This is a stark contrast in production from his time with EXEN, where he had just 8 points in 8 games played. Though every team in the division other than GOONS have games in hand over Mustaa Kultaa, they look well positioned to earn another high seed in the standings. A strong finish to their schedule will be key, as they'll face multiple teams who are in the thick of the playoff hunt and just outside of the Top 8. They will also have a critical series against Parasite, which could very well help determine the Top 4 seeds. Parasite (39pts) - 3rd in standings - 12 games remaining The defending champions have been as efficient as ever, losing just three games through their first 18 and only losing one game by more than a goal. Though they haven't replicated their ridiculous scoring numbers from a season ago, Parasite still find themselves with the third-best GF/GP at 3.33, pairing it with the second-best GA/GP at 1.89. The usual names for this team have stepped up with balanced efforts, though surprisingly, not a single Parasite skater ranks in the Top 15 in points, as @Beniittto leads the team with 35 points, which ranks tied for 18th. @Vattuyy however has emerged as one of the division's top goal scorers again however. His 23 goals ties for third-most in the division and leads a Parasite team that is loaded with talented scorers. They also lead the league in shots per game at 19.8. @uhNikke and @FINSeRe have once again been stellar sharing the goaltending duties for this team, with both being above an 80sv% and helping to backstop one of the best defensive teams in the division. Though they might not be winning in as flashy of fashion as they did a season ago, none of that really matters in the grand scheme of things. This team wins and they win a lot. They'll likely continue to do so in the home stretch of the season. They have three critical series coming up with 3 of the Top 5 teams in the division, as they still have to face off with Mustaa Kultaa, Mythic and Tohtorit over the next two weeks. After splitting their series with Last Dance this past week, Parasite have put themselves in a great position to secure a Top 2 seed. Last Dance (39pts) - 4th in standings - 14 games remaining Possibly the most impressive team of the bunch this season, Last Dance are currently on pace to finish 2nd in the Elite standings based on points per game, and have more games in hand than any of the current playoff teams. The big story for this group coming into the season was the significant changes that it made to its lineup, as they added @NikkeDangles and @Puantso to join @Eki in its forward group. Those three have been as great as advertised, averaging 3.63 goals per game, which ranks best in the division. The most compelling part about this team is that they do this without shooting the puck that often, as they average just 13.8 shots on net per game; showing that though they don't create a high volume of chances, the ones that they do create are high quality. As the old saying goes, quality over quantity. Outside of a 7-1 loss to Heimo in its second game of the season, Last Dance have yet to really see a bad result They swept their series' against Mythix and Mustaa Kultaa, split its series with Parasite and have lost just three total games this season, with one of those being an overtime loss. This team has everything that you want in a top-tier Elite division team. Skill, experience, good offense, stout defense, and the proven ability of being able to beat their fellow top teams. Tohtorit (36pts) - 5th in standings - 8 games remaining Even though Tohtorit currently sit 5th in the standings and look on track to make the playoffs, I can't help but feel like the first half of their season has been a little disappointing. This team brought back its entire starting lineup for a third straight season and were coming off of a Winter campaign where they finished 2nd in the regular season and made it to the Semifinals run before falling to Mustaa Kultaa. Unfortunately, a slow start to the season really plagued this group early, as they had lost 7 of their first 10 games to begin the season. In Tohtorit's defense, six of those losses were by just one goal, and five of them were in overtime. Since then, they've been able to steady the ship, going 5-4-1 in their last 10 games as of Monday. Still, though, this group has undeniably taken a step back from a season ago. Their GF/GP has gone from 2.79 in the Winter, to 2.50 in the Spring, which ranks just 10th in the Division Last season, they were ranked 6th. Their GA/GP has also jumped from 2.04 to 2.41, though to their credit, this still ranks Top 5 in the division, so it's not as if they have been bad defensively by any means. In terms of the positives, their captain @Ojala16 has put together another fine season at the LW spot, as he ranks second in Elite in both points (41) and goals (24). @Ricco (KDoneof1) has also recently stepped up in between the pipes. He's played in each of Tohtorit's last six games and has posted a 5-1-0 record with an 85.2% save percentage and a 1.33 GAA. He has also recorded two shutouts. I'm not ready to count this team out yet, but I can't say that I feel nearly as confident about their status as a championship contender as I did when the season began. Just 3 of their 11 total wins are against current playoff teams, which isn't particularly inspiring for a team of Tohtorit's caliber. Their last four series are against Last Dance, Parasite, EXEN, and Heimo. All of these teams could very well be in the playoffs in two weeks time and two of them are ranked in the Top 4 currently. These will be critical points that Tohtorit cannot afford to drop, so if they can find a way to secure at least 15 points out of that series (24 points are the maximum possible), then I'll feel a little better about where this team is heading into the playoffs. For now, I'm going to feel more reserved about how far this team can go. GOONS (33pts) - 6th in standings - 6 games remaining With the least amount of games remaining of any team in the division, GOONS find themselves in a rather similar spot as they did this time last season. In the playoff hunt, and holding onto a playoff spot for dear life. This team has been plagued by inconsistencies this year; going on runs of losing followed by runs of winning. Their longest winning streak this season is three, while their current four-game losing streak is their longest drought of the season. It's just difficult to earn points when you can't gain a consistent run of winning form. GOONS are playing their typical unique style of hockey. They constantly rip shots on net, they fly up and down the ice, and they lay down punishing hits that are a burden for opponents to handle. They lead the league in hits with 881, which is more than double the amount of any other team in the division. They also average 15.8 shots per game, which ranks second only behind Parasite, and they are the fifth-highest scoring team in Elite at 2.88 GF/GP. @tkantola has put together another solid season with 47 points in 24 games, which leads the team and currently ranks second in the entire division. Along with Kantola, each of their three forwards have scored 20+ goals this season, as he, @Xkeineri and @Lekxsa_70 each rank Top 10 in the division as of now. They did see a significant player transfer out in @kriketski17, who moved over to EXEN on April 20th. Kirk was one of GOONS' most productive players during his 12 games with the club, compiling 17 points, 137, and a +6 plus/minus. Their last three series are against Last Dance, Parasite, and The Black Jacks. Considering this, their limited games remaining and just an eight-point gap over 9th place, their playoff hopes feel up in the air as of now. They also look like a team that is trending in the wrong direction, as GOONS are just 3-5-2 in their last 10 games. Regardless of how they finish, they should more than likely avoid having to play in a relegation series, barring a major run from one of the teams that are currently in the bottom four. SSK ESPORTS (27pts) - 7th in standings - 12 games remaining I want to start out by apologizing to SSK ESPORTS. If you go back to the ECL Season Preview, I picked this team to finish last in the standings and said that the goal for this group would simply be growing and improving at the Elite level. Fast forward to Week Four, and SSK ESPORTS are firmly in the playoff hunt. A part of media is being honest, which sometimes means admitting when a peer or team proves you wrong. This team has done exactly that, so I want to make sure to give them their flowers this time around. It's certainly well-deserved. SSK ESPORTS have been one of the best offensive teams in the division during the first half of the season, averaging 2.94 goals for per game, which ranks fourth-best in Elite. They also sport the league third-strongest power play at 38.1%. This group also has a balance offensive attack and can produce all over the ice, as four of their five skaters have already reached the 30-point mark this season. One of the biggest keys to this teams success has been the production that they have seen from their transfers, specifically their midseason moves. @bystrom___ has proven to be a key addition for this team, as his 30 points ranks third in the division for defensemen. He came over from Unwanted in the offseason and has fit in seamlessly with some familiar faces. Their two midseason additions of @xcurhed and @Adam2 have proven to be especially fruitful. These two started the season with Brynäs IF Esport in the Pro Division and came into this season without a single game of Elite division experience. Fast forward to today, and Curhed currently leads this team in points (38) and goals (20), while Adam has been an efficient, two-way defenseman who has gelled seamlessly with Bystrom and has been a key piece to their defensive structure. Additionally, SSK have also shown that they can compete with other playoff-caliber teams, as they split their series with Tohtorit, GOONS, EXEN, and Polski Boys. Their most impressive feat this season came on Sunday, as they were able to sweep their series with Mustaa Kultaa and collected 5 out of 6 points. SSK still has some tough series to play against Last Dance and Mythix and two critical series against vNexs and Heimo, but they've positioned themselves well to secure a Top 8 spot and still have a series against two of the division's bottom three teams in Vapor and The Black Jacks. They are 6-3-1 in their last 10 game,s and if they can continue their current form, I don't see any reason why they can't end up with a respectable playoff seeding. vNexs (27pts) - 8th in standings - 12 games remaining Currently holding onto the eighth and final playoff spot as of this writing, vNexs have had a season mixed with ups and downs. The team have only gotten one series sweep, which was their two wins over Vapor, but they have managed to find their way to points in most of their series; as they've been able to earn at least one standings point in all of their series so far. They may not be a team that blows you away with blowout wins and lengthy winning streaks, but they consistently find their way to 1-4 points in every series they play in, and that adds up late in the season. In terms of individual performers, their forward trio of @AntonLxnd, @pappeen- and @antoniomannen004 have been the team's primary point producers this season, with each of them eclipsing 30+ points and no other skater on their team having more than 12. AntonLxnd leads the way for this team in both points (40) and assists (24), which each rank Top 10 in the division. @Skumboo has also been one of the division's most impressive goalies thus far, as his 84.56% save percentage ranks Top 5 in the league and second amongst goalies with at least 10 games played, trailing only karlssonadam from Mustaa Kultaa. He should be a candidate and a frontrunner for Goaltender of the Season if he is able to keep up his production. They've hit a bit of a slide in their last 10 games, posting a record of 4-2-4 during that time, but they're still accruing points, which is the important thing. With where they are with just a couple of weeks to go in the season, those points may be the difference between a playoff spot and no-man's land for a vNexs team that are looking to make it back into the Top 8 for the first time since ECL 24 Winter. EXEN (25pts) - 9th in standings - 14 games remaining After a scarily slow start to the season that saw this team ranked last in the standings for a breath period of time, EXEN have turned things around since Week One and find themselves in great form and arguably as one of the hottest teams in the division as of now. For context, this team lost six of their first eight games of the season, with all of those being regulation losses. They only earned 4 points out of a possible 24 points during that stretch. That is a run that's bad enough to seriously damage a team's season, but EXEN have completely flipped the script since and have gotten themselves in the thick of the playoff race halfway through the season. For lack of a better term, this team is weird on statically. They're 11th in the division in GF/GP, but 6th in GA/GP. Their 39.13% power play is second-best in Elite, but their 51.61% penalty kill is the worst in Elite by over 16%. They've also taken the fourth most PIMS in the division at 57. This group are really hard to figure out, and it's tough to tell whether or not they're a team that is just good enough to make the playoffs, a good enough to make a run, or if they're even a playoff team at all. Outside of their recent addition of @kriketski17, @Pikkarii has been far and away EXEN's most productive and consistent player. The center and former Elite division champion leads EXEN with 29 points and 20 assists this season. Behind him, the previously mentioned Krike, who joined EXEN a week ago and is already tied for the team lead in goals with 12 and tied for second in points with 19. @Kaz_zu has also quietly had another really impressive season, posting an 83.13% save percentage while starting all 16 games for EXEN. He should be an early candidate for goaltender of the season as things stand. If I'm being honest, I really don't know what exactly to think of this team. Only three of their nine total wins have come against teams currently in the playoffs, and they have a tough schedule remaining despite so many games in hand. Their series against the likes of vNexs, Polski Boys, and Heimo will be battles between bubble teams, while they will likely hope to steal points against a pair of current playoff teams in Mustaa Kultaa and Tohtorit. This group is really hard to figure out, and it's tough to tell whether or not they're a team that is just good enough to make the playoffs, a team that is good enough to make a run, or if they're even a playoff team at all. I guess time will tell! Blackbirds (25pts) - 10th in standings - 8 games remaining Though Blackbirds were viewed as a potential playoff sleeper heading into the season, the team has run into some of the expected growing pains that you see as a team that had zero games of Elite division experience in its lineup coming into the season. Having gotten to call this team's games multiple times on broadcast this season, I think that they've proven that they belong in the division. They're often competitive and keep games close, but seem to lack the consistent play to truly maximize their potential right now. They currently rank in the middle-to-lower end of the league in just about every single statistic and they haven't really created any significant strengths in those areas to help set them apart from other teams in the division. This ultimately hurts them in close games, and though they do keep many of their games close, they seem to be missing that one key element or play to turn those games into wins consistently. In fact, 5 of their 12 regulation losses so far are by one goal, and they've only taken one overtime loss this season while winning three overtime games. Those are critical points lost, and with where they currently stand in the table, it could likely be what hurts their playoff chances at the end of the season. This is the difference between them and teams such as vNexs or Tohtorit, who, despite not having the most wins, have placed themselves in a playoff position due to their ability to accumulate points in each series, even if it's only just two or three. @aomyo6195 and @sopulii_ have both been standouts at forward for this team this season. Aomyo has led the way with 41 points and 20 assists, while Sopuli is right behind him with 38 points and has scored a team-high 22 goals. Aomyo is currently Top 10 in the division in points and both of them currently rank Top 10 in goals. Both of them will likely be in the Rookie of the Season race at this current pace. @Lakritsipiippu has also been stellar for this team in goal. Since transferring from ONSE Esports after Week One, Lakritsipiippu has put up an 82.76% save percentage and a 2.78 GAA in 18 starts with the team. His total save percentage this season of 83.33% in 22 starts ranks him Top 5 in the division and third amongst goalies with at least ten games played. He could very well be a Goaltender of the Season and Rookie of the Season candidate in June. They ended a seven-game losing streak recently and have responded by winning four of their last six games, with three of those wins being against current playoff teams GOONS and Tohtorit, so they are showing improvement and are trending in the right direction at the right time. They have a difficult series on the horizon against Last Dance, but the remainder of their series are against teams on the playoff bubble or outside of it, as they'll play against vNexs, Polski Boys and Vapor. They will likely need to win at least six of these games to feel good about their playoff chances, as most of the teams around them have games in hand. But if they can at least avoid a relegation series, that will be a respectable result for an inexperienced team in their first Elite season. Polski Boys (24pts) - 11th in standings - 12 games remaining Another season, another tight playoff hunt for Polski Boys. It feels like this group consistently finds themselves in this position, whether that's for better of for worse. You can't help but respect it, this team consistently is in the thick of the race in Europe's toughest 6v6 competition, but at the same time, this is their fourth season in Elite, and they've yet to make a playoff appearance in their time here. Sooner than later, you'd hope to see them elevate and take that next step. They're still in the position to do so, but they certainly haven't made their job easy. Losing 5 of their first 6 games to start the season hampered this team early, but they've found their stride since and have earned series sweeps against current playoff teams Tohtorit, vNexs, and GOONS. They also managed to split their series with another playoff team in SSK ESPORTS. This sets Polski Boys up well in what is a tightly contested race, and could be a key factor for them at the end of the season. Though Polski Boys have struggled a bit on their own end, allowing 2.78 GA/GP and being 70% on the PK, their offensive game has been able to make up for it and ranks amongst some of the division's top teams, as they are tied for 6th with 2.83 GF/GP. Speaking of offense, Polski Boys are arguably one of the most balanced offensive teams in the division, as each of their five skaters have tallied 20+ points this season. @cTunkeilija leads this team in points (35) and assists (21), while the long-time captain @Brockela22 is the team's leading goal scorer at 16. Polski Boys have some tough series coming up, as they'll have to go up against two of the division's best teams in Last Dance and Mustaa Kultaa before the season ends, however, they will have some opportunities for points against fellow bubble teams such as EXEN, Blackbirds and ONSE Esports. Though they have a few teams that they'll need to pass, their remaining schedule is reasonable and they only sit 3 points outside of the final playoff spot as things stand. This team missed the postseason by just a single point a season ago and were bounced from the last available playoff spot on the final day of the regular season. They'll have the chance to rectify that heartbreak over the next two weeks. Heimo (23pts) - 12th in standings - 12 games remaining After a hot start to the regular season that saw them average 4 goals for per game during their first six games, Heimo have hit a rough patch and find themselves at a familiar crossroads, looking up at multiple teams in the playoff chase and posting a record of 2-7-1 in their last 10 games. It's disappointing to see how drastically their form has dipped after such a promising start to the season, as they've gone from one of the division's hottest teams, to arguably its coldest at the most important time of the season. Since that six-game start to the season, Heimo have earned just 10 points in their 12 games since. That's 10 points out of a possible 36 that they could've earned. As mentioned earlier with EXEN, stretches like this can doom a team's playoff aspirations, and Heimo are now in a situation where not only are they in the thick of a tight playoff hunt, but they are also looking for answers on how to recapture their early-season form. Similarly to Polski Boys, this team is a balanced offensive team, with each of their five skaters having 20+ points so far this season. The right side of the ice has been where their best point production has come, however, as their starting RW @Eeemill_ and RD @KingOfApes_ are tied for the team lead in points with 28, with Eeemil leading the team with 16 goals and KingOfApes leading the way in assists with 21. Where they have really struggled, however, is defensively, as their 3.44 GA/GP is the second-highest in the league, only ranking better than GOONS who average 3.5. Though I believe that this team has the skill and experience to make a push for a playoff spot, and they aren't that far behind at just a four-point gap, their recent play doesn't inspire a whole lot of confidence in them being able to turn things around. I do believe that their schedule favors them, as the highest team in the standings that they'll face for the rest of the season is Tohtorit in 5th. Everyone else that they play is either behind them in the standings, or within four points. In other words, they still control their own destiny, and it wouldn't be wise to count them out, however, they need to find the answers to their struggles and fast. They simply can't afford to drop any more points with so many critical series coming up, especially against fellow bubble teams such as SSK ESPORTS, EXEN, and ONSE Esports. ONSE Esports (22pts) - 13th in standings - 8 games remaining This is where I feel like the playoff cutline becomes a bit muddier. Though it's not impossible for ONSE Esports to make their way into the Top 8, they will need a near flawless run to end the season, as well as for a few results to likely go their way. I know that five points isn't a large gap, but they have multiple teams ahead of them with games in hand and aren't as close to the cut line as a team like Blackbirds, who are in the same position. This team is also in the same situation as Heimo to where they are arguably one of the coldest team in the division right now, as they're also 2-7-1 in their last 10 games. Though ONSE have been good enough on their own end, lack of offensive production has severely plagued the team so far this season.They average a league-worst 1.54 goals for per game, average just 10.9 shots per game, and have the second-worst power play in the division at 12%. They -23 goal differential also ranks last in the division currently. Though I feel like this group have shown potential at certain points of the season, these aren't the numbers of a playoff team, and it'll likely keep them out barring a significant change in form to end the season. In terms of positive things with this group, @Hulkkoo is someone that I believe deserves much more credit than he has likely received for his work this season. Hulkkoo has stepped up admirably and has arguably been ONSE's best player this season, as in 18 starts he's posted an 80.23% save percentage while playing on a team that has struggled to support him offensively. He's been a long-time staple for this team during their time in the Pro Division under the Ismon Valinta branding, so it's nice to see him proving himself in what is his first season in the Elite division. Outside of him, ONSE have just two players on its roster with 20+ points in @Puosu_ and @Jusu121. The one thing going in this team's favor over its next eight games is that none of their opponents are currently playoff teams. Two of those teams are even behind them in the standings. Though there are no easy game in the Elite division, their remaining strength of schedule of one of the weakest in the Division in terms of record and will give them the opportunity to play teams right around their place in the standings and could help get them out of a relegation series if they can take advantage. I personally don't see this team having a true chance to make the playoffs at this point, but if they can at least are their way into "no man's land", their first season in the Elite division will be ashamed of. The Black Jacks (17pts) - 14th in standings - 14 games remaining Though it may not be too surprising to some with the significant losses to their roster, I honestly didn't expect this team to have such a steep drop-off after making the playoffs just a season ago. Typically, The Black Jacks are right in the playoff mix this time of season; instead, they seem to be fighting for their right to even stay in the Elite division altogether. Both their offensive and defensive production have completely dipped this season, with both ranking fourth-worst in the division at 2.06 GF/GP and 3.19 GA/GP. The weirdest thing about this team is that they actually have been the definition of a see-saw. TBJ have alternated sweeps in each of their last five series. Two straight wins followed by two straight losses. Like clockwork. It's just tough to really get any momentum going in the standings when you continually alternate results like this, especially when those losses are mostly in regulation. Team captain @Timasy has primarily led the way for the group, leading the team in points (24), goals (11), assists (13) and game-winning goals (3). @ProfaneKiss has also proven to be a rather solid transfer addition with 20 points of his own. I hate to talk too much about former players, especially considering the circumstances in this case, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the obvious difference in The Black Jacks this season in comparison to past seasons. This team undoubtedly is not the same without@Keuschemisch. He had been a catalyst for so much of its offensive production over the years and even led this team in points in each of the last four seasons. It's difficult to replace a player of his caliber, but especially one that as so important to this team's system and play style offensively. This team just hasn't seemed to find the right adjustments yet to supplement that loss, and it's turned them into a pedestrian offensive team that can only afford to allow one or two goals to win games. They have more games in hand than many of the teams ahead of them and most of them are against teams in or around the playoff bubble, so TBJ isn't dead yet, but it's going to take them finding the answers to major questions that they haven't seemed to solve yet, and they are running out time to find those answers. Vapor (16pts) - 15th in standings - 10 games remaining This is another team that I didn't expect to have such a steep fall off. Vapor, formerly TIKI TALK, found themselves just outside of the playoffs last season and didn't even have to worry about playing in a relegation series. However, a few key roster loses always left the possibility for things to change, either for the better or for the worst. Unfortunately for Vapor, the latter has come to fruition. As of now, Vapor look like they will be out of the playoff and will be fighting for a spot in "no man's land", which at this rate, also seems like it could be out of reach as they trail 12th place by seven points with just 10 games remaining. Oddly enough, this team has actually run into the opposite problem that it ran into last season. Instead of being a high-end offensive team that struggled to keep other teams from scoring on them, now they are a stout defensively team that has serious struggles when it comes to generating offense. This team only allows 2.6 goals against per game, which actually ranks them 7th in the division and is ahead of multiple current playoff teams. However, they have the second-lowest GF/GP in the division at 1.75 and only average 11.8 shots per game. This is a significant dip for a team that returns multiple pieces from a group that averaged 3.11 GF/GP and ranked 4th in Elite in that category. Similarly to The Black Jacks, the loss of the heart of their offensive structure is a key reason for why there's been such a drop off in production. The team's two top point-getters in PardyTime and TeMex both departed the team in the offseason, and with those two, also went a combined 60 goals scored between them. 69% of their goals scored as a team last season came from those two players. That is a massive thing to have overcome, and unfortunately for Vapor, it just hasn't happened thus far. @Pensasmies leads the team in points as a defenseman with 24 points through 20 games. Despite the rough season overall for the team, they should be pleased with the performance from their goaltending duo of @I-Bysse-I and @Gresu__, as both are above an 80% save percentage while each playing 10 games this season. Unfortunately, this team's playoff hopes are pretty much dashed. Though they aren't officially eliminated mathematically, it would take miraculous circumstances for this team to make the Top 8. They still have critical games on the horizon against Blackbirds, Heimo and NOVA, who each could be fighting for spots to avoid a relegation series if they aren't able to make late playoff pushes. Otherwise, Vapor will unfortunately be playing for their place in the division for next season. NOVA (6pts) - 16th in standings - 20 games remaining It's tough to really judge this team, as they've only played in 10 games and haven't played a game since April 16th. Unfortunately for this team, what we saw from them in their first few series was not necessarily impressive. NOVA went 2-7-1 during that 10-game stretch with just one of those wins being in regulation. In their defense, six of those games were against current playoff teams in Mustaa Kultaa, Tohtorit and GOONS, while the other games were against teams just outside of the playoffs, Blackbirds and Polski Boys. They've been riddled with roster changes, as their two top point producers in @Easychasniper2 and @LaxenHD have each departed to new teams over the last two weeks. This team has so many games left to play that you can't really rank them properly right now. They have a ton of series' left against teams on or around the playoff bubble, and there is a wide range of possibilities for this group as of now. The positive is that they control their own destiny and have more games in hand than any other team in the division. The negative is that they've had to make significant roster changes midseason that they didn't expect, and they really struggled to start the season. I'll be honest that their circumstances aren't favorable, but maybe the time off and some fresh ideas within their lineup will do them some good. I apologize that I don't have more to say on this team, but it's hard to give a fair assessment with how little they've played compared to the rest of the division. Midseason Power Rankings & Tiers These power rankings are merely opinions and are based on how the teams have performed up to this point, as well as the teams that they have played against during that span. This is not a playoff or final standings prediction. Please do not take it personally where I ranked your team. I did this purely for fun and to maybe generate conversation for others to give their opinions, it's nothing personal and is all in good spirit! BEST OF THE REST (CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS): 1. Last Dance 2. Mythix 3. Parasite 4. Mustaa Kultaa LIKELY PLAYOFF TEAM (BUT NOT DEFINITE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS): 5. Tohtorit FRINGE PLAYOFF TEAMS (TRENDING UPWARDS): 6. SSK ESPORTS 7. EXEN FRINGE PLAYOFF TEAMS (NOT HOT OR COLD RIGHT NOW): 8. vNexs 9. Polski Boys FRINGE PLAYOFF TEAMS (BUT I HAVE CONCERNS): 10.GOONS 11. Blackbirds 12. Heimo LIKELY OUT OF THE HUNT (HOPING TO FINISH 9-12): 13. ONSE Esports 14. The Black Jacks 15. Vapor INCOMPLETE (CAN'T FAIRLY RANK AT THE MOMENT): NOVA Want to keep up with everything happening ECL in the this season? Make sure to follow/subscribe to SportsGamerGG on Twitch, YouTube and X.