ECL '23 Winter Lite: Quarterfinals Preview

SportsGamers,

We're at the Quarterfinals stage of the Lite division, and at this point all of the remaining teams have secured a portion of the prize pool and a spot in the Pro division Qualifiers for next season. The stakes are only getting higher from here, so let's get ready for some big matchups and thrilling gameplay!

Schedule

• RO32: 22.-25.1.2023
• RO16: 29.1-1.2.2023
• Quarterfinals: 5.-8.2.2023
• Semifinals: 12.-15.2.2023
• Finals: 19.-22.2.2023

Without further ado, here are all of our matchups:

Six Sticks Misfits (1) vs  Herforder Ice Dragons (19)

The top seed Six Sticks Misfits have been able to dispatch TROJANS and DEG eSports easily in the first two rounds of action, with trusty old scoring machine @Lamsa leading the way being second in the entire league in terms of scoring. The misfits have been able to shut down their opponents while simultaneously being able to explode for some big numbers occasionally. In fact, these two squads matched up against eachother in the last games of the regular season, and ended up splitting wins in two very tightly contested games. While the Misfits controlled action especially in their own home game, Herforder have proven to be a resilient opponent able to overcome high skill teams in tough matchups. Their latest triumph was over heavy favorite Hunters in a series that extended to game 7 overtime. While the German squad looked to be under heavy fire from time to time, they never faltered and eventually experienced winger @eBasstian sealed the deal for them to move on.

Prediction: 4-2, Six Stick Misfits.
 

 Gunners HC (3) vs  Purification (15)

Gunners HC are now the second highest seed remaining in the Playoff picture, and the extremely defense-oriented squad goes up against the Swedish roster of Purification, with tremendous speed up the wings. Both teams have had somewhat similar roads through the Playoffs with a tough matchup in the first round against Swiss clubs SCB eSports and Lions Academy respectively, after which the two combatants dispatched NOSTREETSPORTS and Sodertalje SK without too many troubles. Purification will expect big things from defenseman @wickmanwOw, who has been quarterbacking most of their play throughout the Playoffs, whereas Gunners HC have been able to find a rather balanced approach reliant on quick puck movement and tight team defense, as a result allowing goaltender @jaakqoo to shine as one of the brightest stars in the division at the moment. 

Prediction: 4-2, Gunners HC.
 

 Pirati Chomutov Esports (5) vs  Prestige (8)

We could very well be in for some fireworks in this one, as two of the highest scoring teams throughout the season will be going up against each other. The Czech outfit of Chomutov have their top guy @Adri1_SCP up front, whereas Prestige has @I_Saarinen_I as the equivalent. Both teams have plenty of secondary scorers, but this could end up being a story of these two star players. Which one of these guys can outplay the other? Comutov have been penalized quite a lot throughout the Playoffs, so they'll certainly want to cut back on those extra two-minutes in the sin bin.

Prediction: 3-4, Prestige.
 

 Vizio (6) vs  Project X (7)

Keep an eye on this series, where we'll have most likely the highest individual skill team Vizio, going up against Project X, probably one of the most experienced teams in the division alongside Six Stick Misfits. Perhaps the biggest Lite division offseason acquisition, @JesseL2002 has been excellent for Project X, leading the team in scoring in both the regular season and Playoffs. The left winger also is a big player in the teams puck possession play and makes for a lethal duo together with @Tappu on the left flank. Vizio is one of the most high possession teams in the Playoffs and with all the skill in their roster, they will be able to frustrate teams with second to none puck protection and cycle play. 

Prediction: 2-4, Project X.