What a first round we had! It was full of surprises with only one out of the top 6 seeds continuing to the second round. This definitely shuffles the pack around quite a bit so let's take a look at what the quarterfinals bring to us. We welcome you all to join the featured broadcast on Tuesday the 14th of January as we'll be covering Otukset vs Herlev Eagles.
Pro Division Playoff schedule (BO7)
-
Round of 16: January 6th – 9th - Quarterfinals: January 13th – 16th
- Semifinals: January 20th – 23rd
- Finals: January 29th – 30th
(4) POGGERS - (16) SSK ESPORTS (12-3-3-12) 
POGGERS
Round 1: 4-1 vs The Oldtimers
Poggers showed their experience in the first round and went through without much trouble. It was a good performance from the whole team with each of the attackers contributing offensively and @Terodee (LaurinHaavi) 3+6=9 providing strong support from the blue line. After allowing 3.47 GAA in the regular season it went down to just 1.8 GAA with @Samilandia upping his save percentage to 85.94%.
SSK ESPORTS
Round 1: 4-2 vs NOSTREETSPORTS
After somewhat of a controversial series SSK managed to take advantage of their opponent's roster struggle. They continued their strong defensive play with two shutouts and were in control of the play for most of the series. They did allow two late-minute goals in two of the games which is something that they can't let happen going into this series. @zuppe_29 (8+7=15) is tied for the lead in points after round one and he will need to continue to lead their offense.
Poggers are known as a team who are here to enjoy their time and have fun. When you add their skill level and experience into that it often turns tight games in their favor. They also showed their ability to adjust to playoff hockey. SSK will face yet another team that has high scoring power but now they won't have additional factors helping them. They will need to stay out of the box against the league's best powerplay and use their counter-attacking chances efficiently.
Predictions:
@Vamoux 4-2 Poggers
@Pekedipeks 4-1 Poggers
@hifk_FANI 4-0 Poggers
@IJepuxI 4-2 Poggers
(7) Otukset - (15) Herlev Eagles 
Otukset
Round 1: 4-1 vs Bjorkloven Esport
After a tough first game, Otukset found their groove winning four games straight allowing only 3 goals. @Roisto999 was their star of the round posting 86.96%, 1.8 GAA, and 2 shutouts. If their 5-0 victory in game 5 was a statement of what's to come they will be a tough team to beat. Leading the way offensively for them was @Miguli36 with 4 goals and 7 assists.
Herlev Eagles
Round 1: 4-3 vs DILAC
Herlev Eagles was responsible for one of the biggest upsets in round 1. They managed to shut down DILAC in game 7 after a thrilling series which included 3 overtime games. Heading into the series a lot of expectations were set on @MartindalexC and he delivered leading the team with 7 goals and 7 assists. @Dreamickie also had a strong series posting 14 points as well.
Both of these teams have been in the pro division for a long time but playoff success has avoided them. Now one of them will make their way to the top 4. They both have the offensive power needed but I will be looking at the goalie play in this series. @Roisto999 has seen it all on the highest levels and has been strong all season long. For Herlev, the situation is more open with @jubens_ getting the responsibility in round 1. He played well but @Provokacija has been their main guy throughout the season and was clearly stronger during the regular season.
Predictions:
@Vamoux 4-2 Otukset
@Pekedipeks 4-3 Otukset
@hifk_FANI 4-1 Otukset
@IJepuxI 4-3 Herlev Eagles
(10) Blackbirds 
- (13) Ismon Valinta 
Blackbirds
Round 1: 4-0 vs Aspyre
Blackbirds stormed through Aspyre and were the only team to sweep their series in round 1. Lead by @sopuli04 and @aomyo6195 (7+8=15 each) their offense was on a whole another level almost doubling their regular season numbers. They were able to generate a lot of scoring chances and used them very well with shooting percentage nearing 30%.
Ismon Valinta
Round 1: 4-1 vs Zenegeim
Ismon Valinta played a tight and low-scoring series against Zenegeim before blowing them out 9-0 in game 5. @Hulkkol posted an impressive 87.88% with one shutout and gave them the support to win the tight games in the series. @xrikardo55 (7+8=15) was their highest scorer but 9 of those points came in the blowout win which leaves the question open whether they can find more offense in the following rounds.
Either of these teams making it to the top 4 could be considered a slight surprise. Blackbirds have proven their doubters wrong again and again, and are making a great run on their first pro season. Ismon Valinta has one of the most experienced defense partners in the league and has made a successful switch from forward to defense for the playoffs. Ismon Valinta is the stronger side defensively and their hot goaltending gives them a slight edge heading into the series but I could see it going either way.
Prediction:
@Vamoux 4-3 Blackbirds
@Pekedipeks 4-3 Ismon Valinta
@hifk_FANI 4-0 Blackbirds
@IJepuxI 4-3 Ismon Valinta
(11) 
NOVA
Round 1: 4-2 vs HC Lugano eSports
NOVA had their season on the line after losing the first two games of their series in overtime. On the deciding matchday, something changed and they were dominating winning the last 4 games with a 14-1 goal difference. @Baranizer (90%, 1.17 GAA, 3 SO) was the best goalie of round one and was their most important player through the series. @Nester4343 continued to lead their offense with 3+11=14 points but the whole team was contributing with the lowest scorer having 7 points.
RYHTIC
Round 1: 4-3 vs Gotham Knights
RYHTIC arguably got one of the toughest matchups for round 1 and came out victorious after the game 7 "bouncefest". Statistically, they might not have been the better team but the team used their chances and were solid defensively. Goaltender @JussinSisko had a great series with 84.38% and one shutout. @Limbe65 (6+2=8) scored some important goals including two game-winners and their powerplay was on point with 6 goals scored on 11 chances.
RYHTIC has been in this position for multiple seasons in a row now and has been performing well. They're hoping that this could finally be the season they can take the step that would take them to Elite after being so close so many times. Their opponent NOVA found their form at the correct time but RYHTIC will still be heading into the series as favorites. If NOVA can keep playing the way they played the last four games of the first round, anything can happen. A lot will depend on whether @Baranizer can keep up his red-hot form.
Prediction:
@Vamoux 4-2 RYHTIC
@Pekedipeks 4-3 RYHTIC
@hifk_FANI 4-1 RYHTIC
@IJepuxI 4-3 RYHTIC
Follow the Playoff streams:
Please post dates, times and links for streams in the comments of this news story and social media, to help everyone find your team streams.
You can watch SportsGamer's live coverage of the quarterfinal matchup between Otukset and Herlev Eagles on Twitch, YouTube, and X on Tuesday, January 14th. Exact time is still TBC.
Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!
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