SportsGamers,
Yesterday marked the end of Round 1 in the Lite division Playoffs and the action was interesting to say the least! Two big favorites in Dark Wild and Technical disaster are out as the result of massive upsets and we've got plenty of exciting action coming up in Round 2, starting already today.
In this Round 2 preview we'll be taking a look at a few interesting series that we expect could end up being quite close, and highlight a lot of interesting statistical anomalies and facts from the first round of Playoff action, join us for the ride!
LainaaECL '23 Spring Lite Schedule
Registration period: 18.3.-13.4.2023Regular Season: 25.4.-24.5.RO32: 30.5.-4.6.- RO16: 6.-11.6.
- Quarterfinals: 13.-18.6.
- Semifinals: 20.-25.6.
- Finals: 27.-29.6.
To see all of the RO16 series, head over to the League page!
Mustaa Kultaa 
(2) vs Golden Sticks 
(25)
Based on their offensive production, it's tough to discount Mustaa Kultaa from the Championship fight, but the highly talented team didn't quite pop off as dominantly as expected in Round 1 against RoKi Esports. A 4-0 sweep tells the tale of a one-sided series, but in reality, RoKi were in the fight for many of those wins and ultimately struggled with too many individual errors that cost them the series. Mustaa Kultaa will have to gradually rev up their engines again against Golden Sticks, who are coming off a full seven game thriller against Techical Disaster. This squad, consisting of mostly Russian and Latvian players is one to keep an eye on, but they'll certainly need a big effort from either @Romanych13 or @Fuflogon81 in net in order to have a chance.
Prediction: Mustaa Kultaa in 5.
Supernatural 
(5) vs Sodertalje SK 
(18)
Supernatural are sporting some of the biggest names in the division and were expected to be true contenders for those top spots - thus far they've definitely delivered, but they could be in for a tough fight against Sodertalje SK in this one. Both clubs have lots of experience, but the more skilled side should be Supernatural in this one - they haven't spent all that much time together which could end up showing in a tight scoring battle against the very disciplined Sodertalje. Keep an eye on @HambergD (David_ovic), who likes to lay the body and is the most physical player left in the competition. He'll pose a forechecking threat to supernatural defensemen @Vilisopanen15 (Ruandalaine) and @Black1Eagle1, who are no strangers to moving the puck.
Prediction: Supernatural in 7.
PunaKala 
(6) vs Frolunda HC Academy 
(17)
PunaKala have been one of those sneaky good teams for some time already. They might be suffering a bit from their reputation as a lower tier club, but have made some impressive development over the course of their career and are now ready to challenge as real contenders in this division. Captain @Mttjs (JMattjus) plays any position his team needs him on and leads the squad from the front. Expect @Unknownlehtis and @sir_sniper to take care of most of the production. Frölunda HC Academy even made a Pro appearance but struggled to find their footing at the higher level. Despite some roster turnover, they are a capable team that could take down any competition in this division. @antonlule (Antonlund_08) is a new talent and has been highly effective for Frölunda this season.
Prediction: Frölunda HC Academy in 7.
Editors' picks from Round 1:
- Major upsets by both HC Lugano eSports and Golden Sticks, who took down #4 seed Dark Wild and #8 seed Technical Disaster respectively.
- Hc Replay with a valiant effort against Sunne IK Esport in the first round, their great special teams play continued, but Sunne IK's excellent discipline only allowed one powerplay opportunity in seven games.
- Armada Hockey with the choke of the season thus far - the team dropped a 3-0 series lead to Nurnberg IceTigers eSport and are now out after a devastating game 7 OT loss.
- @Chara 33 (Bugimir68) was in a class of his own throughout the first round with 10+10=20 for Predators. They're up against a defensively sound Nappula in the second round.
- @sonny - We see you! Four wins and a 90.12 SV% posted in the first round earns an honorable mention for the Boost HC goaltender.
- Equally impressive goalie heroics by @Samilandia for Ultimatum with 3 shutouts in 6 games.
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