The Playoff Battle Heats Up in Lite
With an exhilarating first round completed, the ECL '25 Winter Lite Playoffs have already delivered thrilling action and unexpected upsets. While many of the top seeds successfully advanced, several lower-ranked teams defied the odds and shook up the bracket.
One of the biggest surprises came from Kolikot Esports (24th seed), who stunned Toukokuu (9th seed) with a commanding 4-1 series victory, showcasing a well-structured defensive system and standout goaltending from Jakkez98- @Jakkez98- (88.68% SV%). Meanwhile, Including Me (22nd seed) pulled off a strong performance, winning against Hopfensmoothie HC (11th seed) 4-2, thanks to offensive production from Miklu19 @Miklu19 (19 points, 15 assists).
While top-seeded teams like Project X, Puck Over Glass, Kikkakirja, and Sunne IK Esport handled their series as expected, the competition is only getting fiercer. Mathiasgamer_07 @Mathiasgamer_07 (19 points, MoDo Hockey) has established himself as one of the most dominant forwards in the playoffs so far, while Masamone30 @Masamone30 (94.37% SV%, Kertoimia Vastaan) and salle42 @Sallee42 (91.3% SV%, Farmalaget) have been game-changers in goal. Another mentionworthy performance came from Farmalaget (16th seed), who eliminated Wida (17th seed) 4-1, powered by salle42’s @Sallee42 stellar 91.3% save percentage.
With only 16 teams remaining, Round 2 promises even more intensity, as underdogs look to continue their Cinderella-runs while top contenders fight to maintain their dominance. Let’s dive into the Round 2 matchups and break down which teams have the edge as they battle for a spot in the Quarterfinals (January 19th – 22nd).
Round of 16 Matchups and Predictions
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Project X (1) vs.Kolikot Esports (24) 
Project X continued their dominant form in Round 1, sweeping Coup de Grace (4–0). Jessel2002 @JesseL2002 (17 points in 4 games) and Konsuk05 @Konsuk05 (18 points in 4 games) were unstoppable. Goalie niebulaa @Niebula will have to stay sharp against Kolikot’s Jakkez98- @Jakkez98- (88.68% SV%), one of the best goalies in the playoffs. Kolikot pulled off a shocking upset against Toukokuu, but stopping Project X’s high-scoring attack will be a tall order.
Prediction: Project X wins 4–1
Puck Over Glass (2) vs. Including Me (22) 
Puck Over Glass is led by Hydee_24 @Hydeee_24 (14 points in 5 games) and Keittola782 @keittola (13 points). Pirtsa- @Pirtsa89 (84.21% SV%) has been solid in goal. Including Me, however, has one of the best playmakers in the playoffs, Miklu19 @Miklu19 (4G, 15A in 6 games). If Including Me can capitalize on their chances, they might steal a couple of games, but Puck Over Glass remains the favorite.
Prediction: Puck Over Glass wins 4–2
Kikkakirja (3) vs. Seinajoki Noms (21) 
Kikkakirja swept Saucer Hockey (4–0) and remains one of the strongest teams. J1mppa_ @j1mppa_ (12 points in 4 games) and PyroNiko__ @PyroNiko (10 points) will be key to their attack. Seinajoki Noms advanced after a hard-fought series against ACEsquad (4–2), led by Kujumi @Kujumi (14 goals in 6 games). Their goalie, mralisalo @mralisalo, has struggled with a 78.49% save percentage, which could be their downfall.
Prediction: Kikkakirja wins 4–2
Sunne IK Esport (4) vs. HC VADELMA (20) 
This will be a closely contested series. Sunne IK Esport’s forreberra @forreberra (8 points in 5 games) and benjamint737 @benjamint737 (87.14% SV%) will be key players. HC VADELMA, however, eliminated Hockeyholics 4–1, thanks to juuhen25 @hene kettu (14 points) and Awesome_Zone_ @Awesome_Zone_ (13 points). If HC VADELMA’s Fidelww @Fidelvv (94.29% SV% in 2 games) continues his elite goaltending, an upset could be on the table.
Prediction: Sunne IK Esport wins 4–3
MoDo Hockey (5) vs. Setelikerho (18) 
MoDo’s Mathiasgamer_07 @Mathiasgamer_07 (19 points in 6 games) leads the playoff scoring race. Aleksalt1122 @Aleksalt1122 (82.3% SV%) has been solid in net. Setelikerho’s tbnantti @tbnantti (16 points) and Kozeec @Kozeec (18 points) have been offensive powerhouses. Jugi9 @Jugi9 (84.81% SV%) will need to steal a game or two. MoDo’s depth should carry them through, but Setelikerho won’t go down easily.
Prediction: MoDo Hockey wins 4–2
Ruuti (6) vs. Farmalaget (16) 
Ruuti is led by Mikse94 @Mikse94(17 points) and anttiko10_2 @anttiko10 (12 points). However, their goalie Temettti @Temetti71 (81.2% SV%) will need to improve. Farmalaget, meanwhile, is coming off an impressive upset win over Wida (4–1). salle42 @Sallee42 (91.3% SV%) has been one of the best goalies in the playoffs. This will be a defensive battle, but Ruuti’s superior offense should carry them in Game 7.
Prediction: Ruuti wins 4–3
Kertoimia Vastaan (7) vs. HC Pustertal eSports (14) 
Kertoimia Vastaan is built on elite defense and special teams, with Masamone30 @Masamone30 (94.37% SV%) being the best goalie in the playoffs so far. HC Pustertal’s PetmanGOAT @Ollizhki (15 points in 4 games) has been one of the best playmakers, and Kibk_RuZaKuZa @Kibk_RuZaKuZa (87.5% SV%) has been rock solid. Kertoimia’s structured play and goaltending edge should be the deciding factor.
Prediction: Kertoimia Vastaan wins 4–2
Six Sticks Misfits (8) vs. SSK Prospects (10) 
Six Sticks Misfits have been one of the most balanced teams, with Henkkaheinone @Henkkaheinone (14 points in 5 games) and ROUHEEE @ROUHEEE (14 points) leading the way. Ranta83 @RaNtA (87.8% SV%) has been excellent in net. SSK Prospects, however, has a shutdown goaltender in Lidman1 @lidman1 (91.07% SV%). This could go the full seven games, but the Misfits’ superior offense should give them the win.
Prediction: Six Sticks Misfits wins 4–3
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