ECL '23 Spring Core: Playoff Preview

SportsGamers,

It is now time to turn to the final stages of this ECL '23 Spring Core Season and in this preview we'll try to highlight some key factors in each series to come.

Lainaa

ECL '23 Spring Core Schedule

• Registration period: 18.3.-20.4.2023
• Regular Season: 25.4.- 24.5.
• RO16: 30.5.-4.6.
• Quarterfinals: 6.-11.6.
• Semifinals: 13.-18.6.
• Finals: 20.-25.6. *

French Eagles  (1) vs WarHeads  (16)

• Both teams are absolutely horrendous on the powerplay- don't expect special teams to be the decisive factor.
• As one of the highest scoring outfits in the league, French Eagles have a big advantage up front. Keep an eye on @Coco on the right wing.
• @Trollstivegen is an experienced goalie who is miles above the competition in this division.

Tampere Taisto  (2) vs Ambri eSports  (15)

• If the French Eagles or WarHeads struggle with powerplay, there's no words to describe the performance of Tampere Taisto on the man advantage. Their efficiency is a measly 6%.
• Ambri eSports have struggled defensively and a 3.46 GAA won't cut it in the Playoffs. 
• Ambri eSports are also highly undisciplined, with a total of 128 penalty minutes in the regular season.

KohKae Esports  (3) vs Nelos kentta  (14)

• @Joona41 was the #2 scorer in the regular season, a big weapon for KohKae.
• KohKae are also the hottest team heading into the Playoffs with a 9-1-0 record in their last ten games.
• @Ylijumala96 for Nelos kentta has the most puck possession in the entire division, expect him to control the pace for his team.

Black Sharks  (4) vs Latvian Warriors  (13)

• Black Sharks cycle most of their play through RD @MSK-89-91 and LW @Brazone91.
• The Latvian Warriors have put on a clinic on the special teams - a combined number of 128,07%. @Kekava is a force on the man advantage with 6 tucks.

Dompa HC  (5) vs Nordic Nosebleed  (12)

• Dompa are an offensively skilled unit with @STRANDMANNEN11 as their top gun.
• The experienced Nordic Nosebleed are the lowest scoring team to make the Playoffs, expect them to employ a shutdown game. 
• Nordic Nosebleed have been in tough Playoff situations many times before and can utilize that experience to gain an advantage.

Ismon Valinta  (6) vs Koskenlaskijat  (11)

• Ismon Valinta have a deep roster and have rotated positions a bit over the course of the season, defenseman @rpxjoona can be seen jumping up to the winger spot at times.
• @Puosu_ has an impressive 45,6% shooting percentage for Ismon Valinta.
• Koskenlaskijat like to shoot the puck a lot and centerman @laketson (RHM_Lake) is a deflection machine in front of the net.

Taskubilis  (7) vs EV Duisburg  (10)

• EV Duisburg were by far the most physical team to make the Playoffs - 500 hits in 28 games played.
• Taskubilis can hang with the best in the division in terms of scoring, thay could run away with a few games if they find their groove.

Lutunilkat  (8) vs North Sawo Lions  (9)

• Lutunilkat are in poor form, with a bad 4-5-1 record in their last ten.
• @Medu14 will be the key for North Sawo Lions to succees, as he is the catalyst for their play.