FCL 6v6 playoffs: Round 2 preview

 NHLGamers,

Some upsets and some less surprising results came through from the first round of games in the FCL 6v6 playoffs. It's always great to see underdogs push through and prove these small predictions wrong like we did on a couple of occasions in the first round. We'll be trying to cover as much of the action as possible at the NHLGamer Twitch channel, but if it's not broadcasted by us, make sure to follow the teams on social media for all the relevant information.

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5) Turnausrakenne

• Ilmoittautumiset: 7.8.-21.8.
• Runkosarja: 24.8.-11.9.
• Pudotuspelikierros 1: 14.9.-18.9. (BO5)
• Pudotuspelikierros 2: 21.9.-25.9. (BO5)
• Puolivälierät: 28.9.-1.10. (BO5)
• Välierät: 3.10.-5.10. (BO5)
• Finaalit (Top 2) @ TBD: 10.10. (BO5)

Runkosarja pelataan seitsemässä lohkossa, joista jokaisen lohkon neljä parasta joukkuetta etenee suoraa pudotuspeleihin. Tämän lisäksi pudotuspeleihin pääsee mukaan kolme parasta lohkovitosta.

Pudotuspelit pelataan paras viidestä - menetelmällä. Turnaukseen kutsuttu Havu Gaming on turnauksen 1. sijoitettu ja kohtaa ensimmäisellä pudotuspelikierroksella 32. sijoitetun joukkueen. Runkosarjan paras (eli 2. sijoitettu) joukkue kohtaa 31. sijoitetun joukkueen ja niin edelleen.

Here are the matchups for the second round of action in the FCL 6v6 playoffs:

(1)  HAVU Gaming vs SJ Gaming  (30)

HAVU played their first games of the tourney in the first playoff round against Cheers Hockey, an opponent who arguably should be - and was a piece of cake for the reigning champions. It is only suitable that the opposition gets considerably tougher in the second round, as HAVU will be facing SJ Gaming, who underperformed somewhat in the groupstage, resulting in a low seed into the playoffs. The black and red proved their capability by reversing an impossible looking 2-0 situation against YMCA in the first round. As usual, HAVU relies on their extremely solid unit in order to suffocate SJ, whereas SJ will need to improve in just about every area of the game if they want to steal games against the champs. 
 

(2)  FILADELPHIA vs Frosty Kiekko-Vantaa  (25)

We're in for a similar situation as HAVU-SJ in this series. FILADEPLHIA is the well-oiled machine we're used to seeing and made easy work of their opponents in the groupstage, but saw trouble in the horizon against Gotham Knights in the first round, when the bats were only a ping of the post away from upsetting the orange powerhouse. In their first round matchup, Frosty squared off in a Mestis rivalry against SAWO Esports, against whom they proved somewhat of an upset as they took off with a hot start and just never let up, going 3-1 to win the series. 

(4)  hREDS vs CRY IS FREE  (21)

As mentioned already in the first round write-up, hREDS is one of those teams who can match anyone when it comes to competing solely on skill and talent, but their play as a unit isn't bad either. Power scoring duo Perttu @Beniittto Kemppainen and Joakim @Joukki Nyholm was a dominant force in the first round, but secondary scoring should be no problem with the depth hREDS has in their roster. Once again, I'll have to predict a tough series for CRY IS FREE, who easily overcome Exerceo in the first round, proving their hunger and capability to compete at a high level.


(5)  JYP Jyvaskyla vs Blackdawgs  (19)

JYP is one of those teams that no one really wants to go up against at this stage of the tournament and that is simply due to their overpowering style of play. The red hurricane has the ability to suffocate their opposition with immense pressure and will utilize given opportunities effectively. Blackdawgs are in for a wild ride unless they find a way to use their own strengths well or neutralizing the pressure of JYP.

(6)  GHETTO FIREBIRDS vs SOPPAJENGI  (18)

GHETTO FIREBIRDS have really came into their own during the past year, proving all doubters and haters wrong and they seem to be continuing their good run of form in the FCL. By beating first round opponent Sulkavan Sudet with a sweep, the team has a running start to the playoffs with more to come. In this tourney, the FIREBIRDS have also managed to win in overtime, which is a good sign for them. FCL sensation SOPPAJENGI hasn't had as glorious of a run this year around, but are still going strong and expectedly so. Their roster overflows of skill and I'm only expecting their game to improve moving forward.

(7)  KOVA Esports vs Nordic Stars  (16)

This series will most likely prove to be a tough battle that might very well extend beyond the first three games. KOVA won their group, but struggled in the first round against Kouvola Screaming Eagles, mostly controlling flow of play but not being able to convert as effectively as hoped for. Nordic stars on the other hand made quick work out of Pata Hellalla, getting big efforts from their whole squad and a solid backstopping input from their goaltender. 
 

(9)  Tunnel Vision vs Black Horse  (13)

With the first round in the rearview, both of these teams advance with 3-1 records out of very similar series. Tunnel Vision played some tight games agains Hundred Acre Wood whereas Black Horse went into three consecutive one goal games against Children of Ice. Both of these teams possess tremendous skill and are very even in that department, so most likely it will come down to composure and staying out of the box, combined with converting effectively. A full five games shouldn't surprise.

(10)  GENESIS vs Kaupallinen Yhteistyo   (11)

These guys eagerly started off early already last night, with the series now at a 1-1 tie after two tight games, trading blows evenly as is expected in this series. These two are about as evenly matched as can be at this point of the playoffs and it'll be an exciting series to follow for sure. NHLGamer will be broadcasting the conclusion of the series tonight starting at 20:00 CEST and you won't want to miss this clash.

Tune in for the playoffs tonight!

We'll be broadcasting some exciting 2nd round games tonight at prime viewing time! In the booth, you'll find Arttu @OLVARI Hämäläinen and Julius Sorjonen, we'll be starting at 19:45 CEST on twitch.tv/NHLGamer.