After an exciting set of quarterfinals we're left with four teams looking to claim the trophy and also possibly a spot in the Elite division. Interestingly enough all these teams have already faced each other in the regular season as the semifinalists all played in Group 1. It is definitely a top four that not many would have predicted with many of the favorites falling short early in the playoffs. As always we'll be covering the playoffs on Tuesday the 21st of January. This time we'll be jumping into the matchup between Blackbird and NOVA. Stay tuned for more details.
Pro Division Playoff schedule (BO7)
-
Round of 16: January 6th – 9th -
Quarterfinals: January 13th – 16th - Semifinals: January 20th – 23rd
- Finals: January 29th – 30th
(7) Otukset - (16) SSK ESPORTS
Otukset
Round 1: 4-1 vs Bjorkloven Esport
Quarterfinals: 4-0 vs Herlev Eagles
Otukset have left nothing up to question after storming through the first two rounds losing only one game in the progress. @Roisto999 has been the key behind their success posting 4 shutouts and 88.68% save percentage and has given them a chance to win the tight games that you can expect to have in the playoffs. Their offense has been continuing to produce at a good rate with @Miguli36 (8+12=20) leading the way. Despite being the least experienced player in their lineup he's shown his skillset but it also doesn't hurt to have two seasoned veterans in @Pursuitti (6+10=16) and @James (MachineGunKalle) (10+7=17) beside him. @Mikka and @juhkis96 have been one of the best defensive duos in the playoffs so far and the team has allowed only 12 goals in the playoffs (6 of those came in their only loss).
SSK ESPORTS
Round 1: 4-2 vs NOSTREETSPORTS
Quarterfinals: 4-3 vs POGGERS
What a run have they made all the way from seed 16 defeating two of the highest scoring teams in the playoffs and now fighting for a spot in the finals. Could you say that defense wins cham... maybe not quite yet ;). They've continued to show their defensive excellence and found ways to win the tight games. During the regular season 10 out of their 15 losses were by one goal but now they've managed to turn that stat around. @zuppe_29 (14+11=29) has really stepped for them and has been their most important player with @PSchibra (10+8=18) is giving good support. They have two solid options between the pipes as @Brokenrice2000 (84.21%, 2 SO) and @Jonte05_ (85.07%, 1 SO) have been sharing the playtime so far.
The regular season saw these teams both winning one game with SSK getting the extra point in overtime. Both of them have been rock solid in their own end and a low scoring series can be expected. Almost all of the statistics are on the side of Otukset but that hasn't stopped SSK so far. They will need to find new ways to score as Otukset is defensively much more solid than their previous opponents and also have one of the hottest goalies in the league. @Rubituss was SSK top scorer during the regular season but hasn't found his groove quite yet in the playoffs and will need to step up. They'll once again have a mountain to climb but if they can find that small improvement again it could be enough.
Prediction:
@Vamoux 4-2 Otukset
(10) Blackbirds 
- (11) NOVA 
Blackbirds
Round 1: 4-0 vs Aspyre
Quarterfinals: 4-1 vs Ismon Valinta
Blackbirds is one of the great success stories of the season and they were very close to sweeping their first two rounds of the playoffs. Offense has been their way to success and after scoring only 2.77 GF/GP in the regular season that number is now up to 4.22 in the playoffs. Their offensive trio in @aomyo6195 (12+16=28), @I0LL1 (9+17=26) and @sopuli04 (13+10=23) are all top five in playoff scoring and are showing that they could be future stars. @ONN123 (1+14=15) is leading the defensemen scoring has been their go to guy starting the plays from their own end. After having a tougher first round @Jeerik17 (83.49%, 2 GAA, 1 SO) also improved his numbers and has been looking solid.
NOVA
Round 1: 4-2 vs HC Lugano eSports
Quarterfinals: 4-0 vs RYHTIC
NOVA proved their doubters wrong with a sweep over the long time pro powerhouse in RYHTIC. Their starts to the games were particularly great scoring a goal within 4 minutes of game time in three of the games. After having 78.4% in the regular season @Baranizer has been the best goalie in the playoffs with 90.16%, 1.2 GAA and 4 shutouts and is having a playoff run to remember. @Nester4343 (12+16=28) is tied for the lead in playoff points and has scored five game winning goals. @Vladyan (8+15=23) is also in great form and has an impressive 54.7% faceoff percentage. You also can't leave out @KingOfApes_ (3+10=13) who's the backbone of the team and responsible for most of the playmaking in the team.
These teams split their series in the regular season but a lot has changed since then. Blackbirds is the only team left in the playoffs who have no Elite experience but they have shown that they're definitely heading that way. They've made a huge improvement to the playoffs and at some points even made their opponents look like fools with their aggressive play. Many people have looked past NOVA so far but they've shown to be a force to reckon and looking at their roster, why wouldn't they be? They have the most experienced and accomplished player of the league in their team and their key players are performing. They are coming into the series in a 8 game winning streak in which they've let in only six goals. Both teams have been able to make some great plays off the rush but Blackbirds have been more relying on their counter attacks and breakaway chances and I don't expect them to get those at the same quantity in this series. Blackbirds will be facing their biggest challenge yet and their ability to adapt and keep improving will be the key for this series.
Prediction:
@Vamoux 4-2 NOVA
Follow the Playoff streams:
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You can watch SportsGamer's live coverage of the semifinal matchup between Blackbirds and NOVA on Twitch, YouTube, and X on Tuesday, January 21st. Exact time is still TBC. Follow our socials to stay up to date!
Who do you think will win each series? Let us know in the comments!
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