FCL 6v6 Playoffs: Semifinals Preview

NHLGamers,

It's been a wild ride thus far and we're still in for some interesting matchups to say the least! With only four teams remaining, the stakes are getting higher and the intensity of the action is ramping up to levels previously unheard of. Defending champion FILADELPHIA is still going strong along with fellow surefire contender hREDS, but the two juggernauts are being challenged by KOVA Esports and GOONS respectively, and the challengers aren't ready to back down without a fight. 

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Semifinals schedule:
Monday, September 27th
20:15 Semifinals 1 Game 1
20:45 Semifinals 1 Game 2
21:30 Semifinals 2 Game 1
22:00 Semifinals 2 Game 2

Thursday, September 30th
20:15 Semifinals 2 Game 3
20:45 Semifinals 2 Game 4*
21:15 Semifinals 2 Game 5*
22:00 Semifinals 1 Game 3
22:30 Semifinals 1 Game 4*
23:00 Semifinals 1 Game 5*

*If needed, the second series starts as soon as the first is finished.

(1)  FILADELPHIA vs KOVA Esports  (10) 

FILADELPHIA is heading into this one as a heavy favorite, while KOVA Esports have seemingly managed to defy all odds throughout the duration of the season - the organization, now proclaimed the kings of Jyväskylä after beating local rival JYP back in the 3rd round are now up against an entirely different beast. An interesting notion though is that KOVA Esports is exactly the kind of squad that FILADELPHIA have looked vulnerable against in some previous matchups. The reigning champions have heavily dominated possession play and scoring chances for, but been put on the defensive and even looked slightly uncomfortable at times against fast counter attacks from their opposition, which is one skill that KOVA Esports have made their bread and butter over the course of these playoffs. 

However, with a spot in the FCL Finals on the line and with the chance to repeat as champions within their grasp, expect FILA to come out firing.

Prediction: 3-0

(2)  hREDS vs GOONS  (8)

The Helsinki-based organization hREDS seem to be on top of the world currently. The reigning ECL Champions went 16-0-0 through the regular season, claimed the highest seed possible for them in FCL (#2) and quickly disposed of Powerhouse HC, Kouvola Screaming Eagles, FILADELPHIA ACADEMY and SAWO ESPORTS in the playoffs; winning each series 3-0. The teams' combined 28-game winning streak will be put to the test against fellow ECL Elite team GOONS, though. The GOONS squad did manage to win their group, but dropped two games in the regular season and found themselves as the 8th overall seed. The somewhat dissapointing playoff seed did seem to light a fire under the black, white- and red who have since come out firing in the playoffs. GOONS swept VANHAT KYLJYKSET and Rusty Blades, before coming across two Elite teams in consecutive matchups. Tunnel Visision was defeated by a series score of 3-1 in Round 3, but the standout performance of the tournament came in the Quarterfinals where GOONS defeated former FCL Champions HAVU Gaming 3-1 in games. 

You can be sure hREDS were put on alert after that performance and won't be taking GOONS lightly going into this matchup.

Prediction: 3-1
 

Tune in to www.twitch.tv/NHLGamer on Monday and Thursday in order to follow these tight bouts and find out who will eventually make it to the grand final that is played on Saturday, 2nd of October over at Game Cave in Espoo, Finland.