ECL '23 Spring Lite: Quarterfinals Preview

SportsGamers,

We're excited to be closing in on the final games of the ECL '23 Spring Lite season as we are already in the Quarterfinals! All remaining teams certainly have what it takes in terms of skill to claim that ultimate prize, but at this point of the competition, it often comes down to intangibles. Look for experienced teams to thrive, teams that know what it takes to win in the Playoffs. Most of these series have already started yesterday, so make sure to check in to see how these thrilling matchups finish!
 

Lainaa

ECL '23 Spring Lite Schedule

• Registration period: 18.3.-13.4.2023
• Regular 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.

Mustaa Kultaa  (2) vs HC Lugano eSports  (29)

If you think one of these teams look out of place at this point of the competition, it's because they really do! HC Lugano eSports had a weak regular season campaign, barely finding their way into the Playoffs, where they've finally turned on the jets, so to speak. As one of the lowest seeded teams in the competition, they've been able to take down two very highly ranked squads in Dark Wild & Skelleftea AIK already. Now they'll try to crush the championship dreams of Mustaa Kultaa, who are on what looks like an unstoppable trajectory towards the cup. Spearheaded by what looks like one of the best offensive trios in the division this season, they will wreak havoc on the defense of HC Lugano in this series unless the Swiss team finds a way to counter that, perhaps with a supercharged offensive of their own?

Prediction: HC Lugano eSports in 7.

Supernatural  (5) vs Predators  (21)

As previously mentioned, Supernatural is one of the strongest squads in the division on paper, and they've got plenty of experience to get them out of tough situations, should they need it. @selänne8 (BiggestEight) has been an invaluable asset for the team, who hardly played in the regular season but really shines when the games are at their toughest. Predators are another one of those lower seeds, who are living off of their strong offense, but really need to tighten up in their own end against stronger competition. They had a tough time in round 1 against Hannover Indians eSports, but easily defeated Nappula in round 2. 

Prediction: Supernatural in 7.

PunaKala  (6) vs Cheeky Grinders  (10)

PunaKala is looking like they're in prime form just in time for the biggest games of the season, with an 8-2 record in the Playoffs, this team haven't been tested at all by their previous opponents. @Joniner is also sporting a good 87,44 SV% with two shutouts between the pipes. We've got Cheeky Grinders in equally good form though and since the first games of the round have already been played, the former Core Champions are already up in the series by 2-1. The Grinders have been able to keep more possession and generate slightly more chances in the three games played, so that bodes well for them moving forward.

Prediction: Cheeky Grinders in 6. 

Ultimatum  (7) vs Boost HC  (9)

Ultimatum is another squad that relies on high-octane offense to carry them in breaking down the opposing defense, but it might get tougher to do that when effective defensive squads start shutting down the netfront and best scoring positions up the middle. Boost HC have managed to do that very well early on in this series, and are already up by three after the first night of competition. 

Prediction: Boost HC in 4.