ECL 11 Elite Playoffs: Finals Preview

NHLGamers,

After yet another intense stretch of ECL Elite level virtual hockey, we've arrived at the end station. With only one series and a maximum of seven games left in the season, it's only right to take a closer look at how these teams have managed to pave their way into the finals.

At the start of the season, we ranked hREDS as our prediction to win it all, whereas FILADELPHIA were found at the #2 spot in our season preview. It was of course highly expected to see a rematch of FILADELPHIA vs HAVU in yet another final series, but it is a welcome breath of fresh air that hREDS and their tremendous success this season brings to the table. The two finalists have both made the long trek to this point of the season, but their journeys have been oh so different.

The ECL 11 Elite finals will be played on Friday, 12th of February starting 20:00 CET and on Saturday, 13th of February starting 20:00 CET. The stream will be going live at www.twitch.tv/NHLGamer.

(1) FILADELPHIA vs hREDS (3)

TOP SCORER (Playoffs)
Erik @Eki Tammenpää (9 GP, 8+10=18) vs Joakim @Joukki Nyholm (10 GP, 11+8=19)

GOALTENDER (Playoffs)
Casper @ICappeI Lundgren (9 GP, 80.3 SV%, 1.44 GAA, 2 SO) vs Mika @FinKonna Paasikontu (10 GP, 85.71 SV%, 1.3 GAA, 4 SO)

From the get-go, there was not a doubt in the world that FILADELPHIA wouldn't have what it takes to make another finals appearance and despite having their only few hiccups to start the season, the juggernauts went on to break several records that are set to stand the test of time in the ECL as we know it. We know that FILADELPHIA is an extraordinary team not simply due to their skill in every aspect of the game, but due to their tight knit group and the experience they have built as a team - a factor that can give them the edge in any given series. When facing such a team, it's not only about stopping their top scorer, who happens to be @Eki at the moment, but making it tough for FILA entails completely eliminating your own mistakes and shutting them down as a unit, which is a feat no team has consistently succeeded in this season. Statistically their primary option on attack has been Paul @PleeMaker Arontie, but we know that despite being the most probable shooter, the left winger will also dish the puck given the opportunity proven by his league leading assist total (12) in the playoffs.

With hREDS, we get to an interesting story. The team is rather fresh despite consisting of players that have been at the top for quite some time already and this season was supposed to be their true claim to fame at the Elite level - as it has been. Alike FILADELPHIA, these guys also set records this season, as former forward turned defenseman Tuukka @Tuukka.R Röpelinen scored a total of 16 goals from his RD spot. Then if we're talking about stellar goaltending on FILADELPHIA's side, we can definitely say the same about @FinKonna, who's really came into his own having taken advantage of seeing time as the bona fide starter for the first time since ECL 4 with Limitless. In this hREDS segment we'll also have to talk about @Joukki, who has the hot stick right now as he leads the league in playoff scoring (19 points) and finished a total of nine goals in the seven game series against HAVU Gaming in the semifinals. With that, the hREDS left winger is looking unstoppable at the moment.

Interesting points to follow:

The goalie battle: both @ICappeI and @FinKonna have been red hot, and what makes it even more interesting is the fact that both of these guys have represented the opposing team in the past, Cappe playing for hREDS back in IS Cup 4 (then Delusion), whereas Konna represented FILADELPHIA for a longer period of time, until Cappe took his place after IS Cup 4 that is. Redemption time?
It's widely rumored that @Joukki would be leaving hREDS to end the season and what a parting gift it would be to bring home a championship. Seems like the team is in good spirits and Joukki is motivated to make a statement for any future club aspiring to pick him up.
Throughout history, these teams have been quite evenly matched, although FILADELPHIA has taken an advantage as of late. In the total of 13 bouts between these teams, hREDS are at five victories, whereas FILADELPHIA has amassed eight, out of which two have came in overtime.
The defensive ability of Joonas @Patzlaf Paatiala is something else. The FILADELPHIA center currently leads the playoffs in takeaways at an average of 4.33 takeaways per game. Paired with his great faceoff efficiency, this makes for a centerman that can secure puck possession for his team.

Prediction: hREDS were one of the two teams that managed to win against FILADELPHIA in the regular season. Granted, a lot of time has passed since but nevertheless it will give the challengers that bit of added confidence knowing that they have been able to overcome FILA in the past. I'm seeing hREDS as the hotter team right now especially coming off their somewhat surprising win against HAVU, and carrying that momentum they will surely be able to snatch a few wins in the finals too. However, FILA is on a completely different level as a team and if they can perform according to their high standards, they will hoist the cup. The series will end at 6 games, FILADELPHIA securing their 3rd ECL Elite title with a 4-2 series win.

For a short look at how both teams have progressed to the finals, we can take a look at the playoff tree below. It's evident that as the number one seed, FILADELPHIA has had slightly more favorable matchups, whereas hREDS have had to battle a bit more. Then again, at this stage of the season no matchup is easy even if a skilled team might make it look that way.

We hope you are as excited as us for the weekend! We'll see you in the chat and as always, may the best team win!