The eHockey Finnish Championships Playoffs - Round 3

SportsGamers,

It's time to move on with the third  playoff round of the eHockey Finnish Championships and while we've seen some surprising results thus far, now we're really getting down to the games where true contenders will set themselves apart. The stakes are getting higher as we close in on the finals ahead.

NOTE: It seems like most series have already started ahead of time, and therefore this preview scheduled to release early on the first official gameday is partially void. For future reference, try as best as you can to follow the schedule and gamedays defined in the rulebook in order to allow staff time to prepare broadcasts and other media.

The third round of the playoffs (BO5) is to be played between Tuesday, 13th of September and Thursday, 15th of September.

Without further ado, here are all your third round matchups:

FILADELPHIA  (1) vs Bastu  (31)

The sauna is ready and all heated up for the FILADELPHIA boys to step in and ramp up the heat. Bastu have been on a great push thus far in the FCL and despite some hiccups in the group stage, they've beaten some great competition along the way - GIFU Hockey and Otukset in the playoffs. Especially Santeri @Holy71 Vaaranvuo has found a new level to his game in the Bastu offense, which in turn helps his linemates produce greatly. It might be safe to say, though, that FILADELPHIA is a step above those previous opponents and will be a tough obstacle to tackle. FILADELPHIA, on the other hand have made easy work of their opponents in the first two rounds, and are now for the first time facing a team that theoretically could even steal a game if they're not careful. Some rust in their form is evident, but this is a great time to start wearing all that off. 

Prediction: FILADELPHIA in 3.

Tunnel Vision  (2) vs Hokurit  (21)

Tunnel Vision dominated the group stage earning them the #2 seed behind only invitee FILADELPHIA, and it seems like they've continued on that path in the first two rounds of the playoffs. Quite evidently, neither Karmadillos or Hartsport United were a match for the skilled unit, and they made easy work of their opponents in some high scoring games putting forwards Jere @jxrska Laukka, Aleksi @MozjaTG Kähkönen and Otto @xHatsi Hämäläinen among the top scorers. Hokurit will be facing a great challenge, and the long-time Pro dwellers spiced up their roster with Sven @Original-SnuS Julmi and Alex @IDangledYouOut Wagner from ZSC Lions for the tournament, which has turned out to be a great fit. The pace of Tunnel Vision will most likely be a bit too much for Hokurit in this one, but if all the stars align, Hokurit might get away with one win in the series. 

Prediction: Tunnel Vision in 4.

hREDS  (3) vs Powerhouse HC  (19)

The big, bad Reds have been chugging along nicely like the well oiled machine they are. Niklas @NikkeDangles Tukiainen's move to center has seemed to work well for them and the unit around him is working as well as ever. Powerhouse HC have proven themselves to be a serious playoff contender and especially their display against Tohtorit in round two deserves an applause, but this will be the end of the line for them. 

Prediction: hREDS in 3. 

GOONS  (4) vs Gunners HC  (17) (Writer plays for Gunners HC)

GOONS is a team, that for quite a while now has been at the brink of a real breakthrough. They're right outside the very top contention looking to break into the true top echelon of teams hunting for the title. This could be their time to shine. GOONS had an easy time securing the top seed in their group, after which both playoff series thus far have been over in quick fashion. Arttu @laitineen64 Laitinen has been lethal up front and is finally starting to solidify himself as the true top scorer his potential has always suggested. Gunners HC is a bit of a dark horse, as the newly established team managed to secure a high seed in their group and even were able to surprise HAVU Gaming in their second round playoff matchup. Goaltender Jaakko @jaakqoo Toiviainen is on a career run in the playoffs right now and will surely raise some interest from bigger clubs moving on. 

Prediction: GOONS in 3. 

Conquer Gaming  (5) vs Hunters  (15)

The hunter will become prey in this series between Conquer Gaming and Hunters. Conquer lives off fast puck movement and their offensive play is elite, but they could be vulnerable in their own zone. Their opponent Hunters have been able to prove themselves in this tournament and goaltender Samuli @Miettinen14 Miettinen has been on fire especially in the playoffs, with a save percentage of 89,86%. Despite their stellar defensive play, Hunters will have met their match in this series and will be overrun by Conquer's offensive power.

Prediction: Conquer Gaming in 3.

Setelit On Ice  (6) vs YMCA Esports  (13)

Setelit On Ice have established themselves as a team to watch throughout the tournament. In fact, the team made their comeback only a few weeks before the start of the FCL and have managed to find some great form right from the get-go. A very notable performer for them is goaltender Tomi @Mestari tikku Tiirikainen, who is leading the league in playoff shutouts (five in seven games) and saving percentage (94 SV%). Naturally, this is an indication of a well working unit, that is expected to continue working in their matchup against a struggling YMCA Esports. The Elite division juggernauts YMCA Esports have been on a downwards trajectory for a while now, and it seems like they're struggling to get back to their winning ways. While they're able to win matchups with their sheer experience and core skill, they are also looking like a team not fully confident in their abilities. If they can find a way to turn the tide and win this series, they'll be on a better path, but only time will tell. 

Prediction: Setelit On Ice in 5.

Nemesis  (7) vs JANO  (12)

Nemesis and JANO will be going at it in a very tough battle. While JANO's roster is full of experienced players who have been drifting around various teams for a while, Nemesis represents the new generation of skill players, who are looking to replace the old dogs. Perhaps not in terms of age per se, but in terms of years and seasons spent at the higher levels. Nemesis might have a slight edge in the sense that they have spent more time together as a unit, whereas JANO is a roster that was finalized only just before the tournament started. Regardless, this series will most likely come down to which team is in better form on any given day. 

Prediction: JANO in 5. 

Stargazing  (10) vs Reality Check  (11)

There could be a rivalry brewing between Reality Check and Stargazing. The two of the faced off in a relegation matchup to cap off ECL '22 Spring, in fact. Back then, Stargazing were forced to give up their Elite spot after just one season in the European top 16, whereas Reality Check took their place. Now is a time for retribution with some slight alterations for both lineups. Miikka @xColeslaww Kolehmainen has been great for Stargazing in the playoffs and looks to lead his troops also in this series, whereas his counterpart in Reality Check is captain Harri @Pursuitti Haaksiala. These two are as evenly matched as they come, so expect a brawl to the finish line. 

Prediction: Reality Check in 5.