ECL '25: Winter - Core | Semifinals Preview

The ECL '25: Winter - Core Playoffs are entering their most thrilling stage yet: the Semifinals. After an intense quarterfinal round, only four teams remain, each vying for a place in the finals.

In the quarterfinals, Silver Sword Griffins (1) displayed their dominance with a commanding 4-1 victory over HC Last Resort, while Rusty X (15) continued their Cinderella run, beating Tikitaka (5) in an impressive 4-2 series. On the other side, Lutunilkat (4) shut out the underdog Karmadillos (20) with a decisive 4-0 victory, and KOST Wolves (8) triumphed over Turun Gasellit (11) in a  4-0 series.

Now, the semifinals feature two intriguing matchups: the powerhouse Silver Sword Griffins take on the red-hot Rusty X, and the high-scoring Lutunilkat face the resilient KOST Wolves. Each series promises an exciting clash of styles, with spots in the championship on the line.

In this article, we’ll break down both semifinal matchups, analyzing the key players, team strengths, and what to expect as the battle for the ECL '25 Winter Core title intensifies.

Semifinal Matchups:

Silver Sword Griffins (1) vs.Rusty X (15) 

The first semifinal pits the top-seeded Silver Sword Griffins against the 15th-seeded Rusty X, a matchup between a dominant favorite and a team riding an underdog wave of momentum. Both teams have had impressive playoff runs but with very different paths to this stage.

Silver Sword Griffins: The Powerhouse

The Silver Sword Griffins have lived up to their billing as the top seed, dispatching opponents with ease throughout the playoffs. After defeating EV Duisburg (4-2) in Round 1, they steamrolled Salaseura (4-1) in Round 2 and followed it up with another 4-1 victory over HC Last Resort in the quarterfinals. Their strength lies in their depth and consistent performances across the roster.

• Key Players:
  • LATMinx @ProMinx24: The playoffs’ standout player for the Griffins, LATMinx leads the team with 44 points (25 goals, 19 assists) in 16 games. His ability to score in key moments makes him the engine of their offense.
  • martinssilins @martinssilins: With 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists), Martinsilins provides a potent secondary scoring threat.
  • gacorigavecit17 @gacorigavecit17: In net, he has posted an 82.08% save percentage and 2.38 GAA, giving the team a reliable backstop.

The Griffins are a team built on balanced play, leveraging their depth and offensive firepower to control games. Their ability to dominate possession and capitalize on scoring chances makes them the team to beat.

Rusty X: The Cinderella Story

Rusty X has defied expectations as the 15th seed, sweeping NAM3LESS (4-0) in Round 1, upsetting PANIC ON ICE (4-2) in Round 2, and knocking out Tikitaka (4-2) in the quarterfinals. Their run has been fueled by stellar goaltending and timely scoring.

• Key Players:
  • Hrustyler @Hrustyler: With 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists), Hrustyler has been the offensive leader for Rusty X, delivering in clutch situations.
  • ksilentt @Kirill Anikeev: Their standout goaltender has an impressive 85.22% save percentage and a 2.27 GAA, often single-handedly keeping Rusty X in games.
  • Kasterly_ @-Tarr-  and Lordkomar91 @lordkomar91: These players provide additional offensive depth, combining for 45 points in the playoffs.

Rusty X thrives on a combination of disciplined defense and opportunistic counterattacks. Their ability to frustrate opponents and convert limited chances has been the cornerstone of their Cinderella run.

Keys to Victory

• Silver Sword Griffins:
  The Griffins must continue to dominate possession and lean on their offensive depth to overwhelm Rusty X’s defense. LATMinx and Martinsilins will need to stay consistent, while Geacorigavecti17 must stay sharp to counter Rusty X’s clutch scorers.

• Rusty X:
  Rusty X needs another stellar performance from Ksilentt in net to neutralize the Griffins’ high-powered offense. Hrustyler must maintain his scoring form, and the team must play mistake-free hockey to capitalize on any opportunities.

Prediction:

Silver Sword Griffins advance (4-2).
Rusty X’s incredible run has been inspiring, but the Griffins’ depth, offensive firepower, and consistency make them favorites in this matchup. Rusty X may steal a game or two thanks to Ksilentt’s brilliance, but the Silver Sword Griffins’ overall quality should see them through to the finals.

This series promises to be an exciting clash between the league’s top team and its most surprising contender, showcasing the best of what the ECL '25 Winter Core Playoffs have to offer.
 

Lutunilkat (4) vs. KOST Wolves (8) 

The second semifinal features Lutunilkat, a powerhouse team ranked 4th, against the 8th-seeded KOST Wolves, a team thriving on offensive dominance and resilience. Both teams come into this clash riding high after dominant quarterfinal performances and strong playoff campaigns.

Lutunilkat: Balanced and Consistent

Lutunilkat has showcased their dominance throughout the playoffs with a perfect sweep of RAIDERS HC (4-0) in Round 1, followed by a 4-2 win over Pulp Odyssey and a commanding 4-0 shutout over Karmadillos in the quarterfinals. Their success is rooted in their balanced scoring, exceptional playmakers, and reliable goaltending.

• Key Players:
  • mikkihiiri- @mikkihiiri--: With 49 points (23 goals, 26 assists) in 14 games, Mikkihiiri- is the offensive juggernaut of Lutunilkat. His ability to score and create plays will be pivotal.
  • Pyssyh @Pyssyh: The team’s secondary threat has contributed an impressive 47 points (23 goals, 24 assists), providing depth to their scoring.
  • Hiatala_ @Janne Hietala: Their goaltender has been rock-solid with an 83.07% save percentage and a 2.29 GAA, giving them a strong backbone in net.

Lutunilkat’s balanced approach and ability to overwhelm opponents with both skill and discipline make them a formidable opponent.

KOST Wolves: High-Octane Offense

The KOST Wolves have relied on their explosive offense to advance through the playoffs, with convincing victories over The Ghillie Gang (4-1), CapeTown Kings (4-2), and a stunning 4-0 sweep of Turun Gasellit in the quarterfinals. They’ve proven themselves capable of outscoring anyone.

• Key Players:
  • MaroulCZE @MaroulCZE: Leading the team with 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists) in 15 games, MaroulCZE is the heart of KOST Wolves’ attack and one of the league’s top playmakers.
  • freez_skillers77 @freez_skillers77: A secondary offensive powerhouse with 30 points (23 goals, 7 assists), he complements MaroulCZE perfectly.
  • Lazan31 @Lazan23: Their goaltender has been ok with a 75.58% save percentage, but he probably needs to step up a notch which he has the capacity to do .

KOST Wolves thrive on outscoring opponents with their relentless attack, but their defense must hold firm against Lutunilkat’s depth.

Keys to Victory

• Lutunilkat:
  Lutunilkat must use their balanced attack to maintain puck possession and exploit any defensive vulnerabilities in KOST Wolves’ structure. Mikkihiiri- and Pyssyh need to keep delivering, while Hiatala must remain sharp to handle the Wolves’ offensive pressure.

• KOST Wolves:
  KOST Wolves need another dominant performance from their offense, especially MaroulCZE and Freez_skillers77, to crack Lutunilkat’s defense. Lazan31 must step up in net to counter Lutunilkat’s relentless scoring threats.

Prediction:

Lutunilkat advance (4-3).
This series is poised to be a tight contest between Lutunilkat’s balance and the Wolves’ explosive offense. While KOST Wolves can outscore any team, Lutunilkat’s depth, discipline, and reliable goaltending give them the edge in what should be a thrilling seven-game series.

This semifinal matchup highlights two contrasting styles and promises high-intensity action, with a spot in the finals on the line.
 

The Grand Finale Awaits

The stage is set for an epic conclusion to the ECL '25: Winter - Core Playoffs. After weeks of intense battles, only two teams will advance to the finals, scheduled to take place on February 2nd and February 3rd.