The playoff race tightens as we're left with four teams battling it out for the title. In the semifinals we'll see if the top 2 seeds hold their own and who'll fall short on the last hurdle. I wish all the teams good luck!
Neo Division Playoff schedule (BO5)
- Semifinals: January 26th – 30th
- Finals: February 9th
SEMIFINALS PREVIEW
(1) Fallen Rangers - (10) Viitapohja Vikings 
To no one's surprise, Fallen Rangers kept their unbeaten playoff record in the quarterfinals and score a whopping 30 goals in those three games. @Sebko99 (31+27=58) continued from where he left off but @Kiso69 (11+30=41) and @Zaky111 (21+15=36) have also been giving strong support averaging 4 PPG. When you add the great goaltending numbers from @mildalempik93 (82.24%, 2 SO, 2.11 GAA) they continue to be the frontrunner for the title. Viitapohja Vikings managed to overcome the strong Taifun Veterans in a five-game series. They seem to have found a clear structure to their game, at least looking at the statistics, defenders defend and attackers attack. (Two games from the QF series missing stats) @Liimiz (24+20=44) has led the team in offense in the playoffs and had 13 points in their three wins in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, defenders @manizeri and @Jurrin Kari (ettutah) have combined only 10 points in the playoffs and have significantly less time with the puck compared to the offense.
Fallen Rangers has been dominating the Neo division all season long and I don't see anyone putting a stop to that. Viitapohja Vikings will need to put up their absolute best performance to have a fighting chance. I don't want to fully count them out but a lot will have to happen for them to be able to stop this team.
(2) Salaseurue - (7) The Worn Out Wiseman 
Salaseurue continued their familiar way winning their series with a score line of 3-1 once again. They've had no trouble finding the back of the net and their captain @nikezuki (28+21=49) is second in the playoff scoring. He's been responsible for half of the team's scoring and is by far their most valuable player. Despite their high-scoring playstyle @Zhenda (tt3mee) (81.63%, 1 SO, 3GAA) has posted solid numbers between the pipes and has been improving throughout the playoffs. The Worn Out Wisemen made it look easy against one of the best goalies in the league and stormed through the quarterfinals. Scoring nineteen goals and only allowing two is definitely one of the most impressive performances these playoffs. @Samito97 (88.8%, 3 SO, 1.4 GAA) has been the best goalie in the postseason and a strong part of their league-leading defensive numbers. @Ma-X-imilian (18+23=41) and @j_u_h_i_987 (18+21=39) are leading the offense and @iWeeb22 (11+19=30) also has impressive numbers despite missing some games.
Two different types of play clash in this matchup and it will be an exciting one. Both teams can score goals for sure but in defense and goaltending, The Worn Out Wisemen have the edge heading into the series. If Salaseurue can tighten their defense and @nikezuki keeps providing some magical moments, I wouldn't be surprised to see this series going all the way to game 5.
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Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!
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