We're past the midway point in ECL Lite, and it's time to go through some of the phenomenons of the season so far. One has been above all others, and that is Prima eSport, who are on another level completely. Who will rise to the occasion and challenge them?
As in the very beginning of the season it looked like the season will be very exciting and new teams are about to make their mark in the Lite division, this season it has already been evident. Let's briefly look through each of the groups what they look like and some of the few players that have made a significant contribution towards their team's success. We'll also highlight some games that look interesting for the later part of the regular season. As usual, most of the teams in the division certainly deserve their time in the spotlight, but due to the size of the division, we won't be able to highlight them all.
Group 1
The most unexpected result is that Powerhouse HC has stuck down below the playoff line and is most likely to battle for the last spot in the postseason with Project X - another favorite in the group. Prima eSport was one contender candidate in the beginning of the season and has performed above all expectations. They were a potential team to have success but leading their group with a remarkable record at this stage is more than expected.
EHC Biel Bienne eSports was before the season considered to be one of the teams of the season. At this point, they lie below the playoff line, but nothing has been lost yet. A lot of good teams are on the hunt for those last playoff spots, so I'm sure we'll see a tough and hard fought battle in the later half of the season.
Tadpole is one of the many teams with Core experience that have made the step up this. So far they have achieved good results and have chances of finishing in the top 4 of the regular season. There's a minimal margin between positions 2-8 so in this very even regular season anything is still possible. Except for the top spot solidified for Prima eSport, all other positions are still up for grabs.
Group 2
Arkham Asylum has started well like expected. They are capitalizing on their potential now and are one of the strongest teams in the league at the moment, only looking better as time goes. Linköping HC has also been strong like in previous seasons and their experience really shows. It remains to be seen if they can keep up the form towards the end of the group stage too. At the moment they are leading the group quite comfortably but EHC TATNEFT AK BARS and Ace Hockey are trailing with some games in hand.
We'll also see a tough race for the last playoff positions as several teams lie within a few points margin in the middle of the standings. Lutunilkat, Murohoki, The Last Line and Hyperion are likely to have fierce battles in the last rounds for positions 7-8. Murohoki, The Last Line and Hyperion have less games and Lutunilkat. Upcoming games between the four of them will hold some big points up for grabs, possibly determining the outcome of the season for some teams.
Group 3
Golden Nights and IK Oskarshamn are among the teams who should fight for the top spot of the group, although IKO have quite a few games played more than others at this point. There are a few teams like Spirit, Baby Goons and Bastu pursuing top 4 positions and could end up making a convincing case for themselves.
there's still a lot of hockey to be played and the mid-table spots are up for grabs for teams like Punakala, Thunder United and Toxicity. Unexpectedly Rusty Bulls has had a slow start. They need to improve in order to keep their postseason dreams alive. In favor of them, they have some games in hand at the moment, so if they can be effective there's time to turn the ship around.
Group 4
FILADELPHIA ACADEMY has taken their place at the top in this group as expected, they are continuing with a close to perfect record. Bellizi and It's a nice city are trailing and both could be considered to be mild surprises that high in the standings at this point. Oulunsalo HT and TTK are also the teams that are in hot pursuit of top 4 placement.
Kymmenelta Baariin, RoKi Esports, Including Me and 5th Line Heroes are some of the teams that are playing for the last remaining playoff spots. Both Including Me and Roki will still meet group leader FILADELPHIA ACADEMY for a true test of their form, and they could possibly have a say in the race for #1 within the group too if all goes well.
Players to watch
@Philip Deemus (PHDeemus) Prima eSports GP 26 48+32=80
One of the phenomenons of the season so far in Prima eSports has this weapon up front, who combines for a dangerous duo with eBasstian.
@eBasstian Prima eSports GP 24 25+41=66
Same goes as for his teammate, both of these players must be in shape to secure success for Prima eSports to continue their tremendous season.
@xAaro89x FILADELPHIA ACADEMY GP 14 38+14=52
Remarkable record: 52 points in 14 games. Is definitely one of the biggest ingredients of FILADEPHIA ACADEMY in competing for the title this season.
@iSvamp Prima eSports GP 26 11+41=52 +55
Leads defensemen in almost all statistics and is in great form. Also has contributed a huge deal to Prima eSport's great season.
@RaNtA (Ranta83) Linköping HC GP 18 W 14 84,42 SV% 1,33 GAA 7 SO
Statistically one of the best goalies in the league right now. Can steal games for his team and if he stays hot, could take LHC far.
@denkaan_ Prima eSport GP 26 W 23 79,29 SV% 2,23 GAA 3 SO
Leads all goalies in wins, but is playing on a slightly more dominant team than for example Ranta83 for LHC. An interesting statistical comparison.
Games to watch
FILADELPHIA Academy vs Including Me Tuesday January 18th Group 4
Timrå IK vs Tadpole Wednesday January 19th Group 1
IK Oskarsham vs Spirit Tuesday January 25th Group 3
FILADELPHIA ACADEMY vs RoKi Esports Tuesday January 25th Group 4
Linköping HC vs Ace Hockey Sunday January 30th Group 2
EHC Biel Bienne eSports vs Project X Tuesday February 1st Group 1
In general most of the groups look like they could be very open in terms of both the #1 spot and the last playoff spots. In fact, Prima eSport is the only current group leader with a clear margin to their competitors. Linköping HC is close to gaining a good lead, but with some games more played than the competition. Overall, we can expect a very exciting end to the regular season, and a lot of tough battles as we move closer to the last rounds.
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