ECL '25: Winter - Core | Finals Preview

The Final Chapter: Bronze Battle and Championship Clash

The playoff journey has brought us to its most exciting and decisive stage: the Bronze Series and the Grand Finals. After weeks of intense matchups, unexpected upsets, and stellar performances, the teams are ready to leave it all on the ice. Lutunilkat and Rusty X, two squads that have fought valiantly but fell just short in the semifinals, now face each other in the Bronze Series, with pride and a podium finish on the line.

Meanwhile, the championship spotlight shines on the Silver Sword Griffins and KOST Wolves. The Griffins, as the top seed, have lived up to expectations with dominant performances and a clear path to the Finals. However, the Wolves have proven to be the playoff dark horse, showcasing resilience and determination as they knocked out higher-ranked opponents on their way to the final clash.
 

ECL '25: Winter - Core Finals:

Silver Sword Griffins (1) vs. KOST Wolves (8) 

Path to the Finals

The Silver Sword Griffins entered the playoffs as the top seed, and they’ve lived up to their billing as the team to beat. Dominating every round, the Griffins displayed their prowess early with a commanding 4-2 win against EV Duisburg in the first round. They followed it up with a decisive 4-1 victory over Salaseura in the second round. In the quarterfinals, they dismantled HC Last Resort with another 4-1 series win, showing both offensive firepower and defensive discipline. In the semifinals, they faced Rusty X, a team riding high on momentum after knocking out Tikitaka. Despite Rusty X’s efforts, the Griffins' skill and depth proved too much, and they advanced to the finals with a 4-1 victory.

On the other hand, the KOST Wolves have been the underdog story of the playoffs. Entering as the eighth seed, they’ve defied expectations at every turn. The Wolves started their journey with a strong 4-1 win over The Ghillie Gang. They then faced CapeTown Kings in the second round, where their tenacity and team cohesion shone in a 4-2 series triumph. In the quarterfinals, they stunned Turun Gasellit with a flawless 4-0 sweep, showcasing their ability to adapt and dominate against higher-ranked opponents. Their Semifinals matchup against Lutunilkat was their toughest test yet, but the Wolves prevailed in a hard-fought 4-2 series, punching their ticket to the finals.

Key Players to Watch

For the Silver Sword Griffins, LATMinx @ProMinx24 has been the heartbeat of the team. Leading the playoff scoring charts with 56 points in 21 games, LATMinx has delivered consistent performances in every round. Supported by martinssilins @martinssilins and Shmiha99 @Shmiha99 , the Griffins’ offensive trio is a nightmare for any defense. In net, gacorigavecit17 @gacorigavecit17 has been a rock, with a 82.3% save percentage and timely stops in crucial moments.

The KOST Wolves, meanwhile, have relied heavily on their star forward MaroulCZE @MaroulCZE, who has amassed an impressive 65 points in 21 games. His ability to find the back of the net and set up teammates like freez_skillers77 @freez_skillers77 and TakableAxe5 @Jimmy21 makes him the Wolves’ biggest threat. Goalie Lazan31 @Lazan23 has been the unsung hero, making crucial saves and maintaining a 78.1% save percentage despite facing some of the league’s most potent offenses.

Prediction

This matchup pits the league’s most dominant team against its grittiest underdog. The Griffins have the experience, depth, and top-tier talent needed to control the game, while the Wolves bring momentum, belief, and a never-say-die attitude that has carried them through tough battles. The key to victory for the Wolves will be neutralizing LATMinx and capitalizing on counterattacks, while the Griffins must maintain their structured game and avoid underestimating the Wolves’ ability to turn the tide.

While the Wolves have proven themselves as giant-slayers, the Griffins’ consistent dominance and playoff pedigree make them the favorites in this matchup. Expect a thrilling contest, but the Silver Sword Griffins seem poised to hoist the trophy at the end of this incredible playoff run. Final prediction: Silver Sword Griffins in 5 games.

Bronze Game:

Lutunilkat (4) vs. Rusty X (15) 

Path to the Bronze Game
Lutunilkat's journey to the Bronze Game has been impressive, showcasing their offensive capabilities. However, their semifinal loss to KOST Wolves (2-4) highlighted areas of improvement in their defensive strategies. Rusty X, on the other hand, entered the playoffs as the 15th seed and shocked many with strong performances. Despite falling 1-4 to the top-seeded Silver Sword Griffins in the semifinals, they’ve proven to be a resilient team.
 

Key Players to Watch

• Lutunilkat: mikkihiiri- @mikkihiiri-- (61 points in 20 games) has been an unstoppable offensive force and will need to lead his team one last time.
• Rusty X: Hrustyler @Hrustyler (43 points in 21 games) will be the key to Rusty X’s offensive efforts, with his ability to create chances under pressure.

Prediction
This game will be an exciting battle of contrasting styles. Lutunilkat’s offensive firepower could give them the edge, but Rusty X’s knack for pulling off surprises might swing momentum. Expect a close match, with Lutunilkat edging out a victory to claim bronze.

The Final Chapter

As the season reaches its dramatic conclusion, all eyes are on the championship clash between the Silver Sword Griffins and the KOST Wolves. Both teams have proven their mettle throughout the playoffs, and now, only one can rise to claim the title.

Mark your calendars, as the bronze game and finals will be broadcast live on Sunday, February 2nd at 20:15 CET and Monday, February 3rd, at 20:45 CET. Tune in to witness the action unfold on twitch.tv/SportsGamerGG.