We're heading into the Semifinals of Europe's second-highest eHockey league in ECL Pro! In this article, we'll dive into both series, what makes each team tick, who stands out from each team, and what I think both teams need to do to advance to the grand finale. We want to remind everyone that these articles are just for fun and are only one or a few people's opinions, so take it easy. We do these for the fun of it and for content's sake.
*This article is written as of 3rd of February 21:00 EET
Finnish Roosters (2) vs POGGERS (13)
Storyline
Both teams had a showdown of the year in the quarterfinals, Finnish Roosters with the comeback of the year in the last minute of game 7, erasing a 3-goal deficit and winning in overtime. Now they face their next challenge in POGGERS, who play a different style. POGGERS took down the favourites Puck Over Glass in seven games; their experience showed throughout the series, defending the regular season top scorer and his partner. Now they face each other, both teams rely on their offense to create chances, both have enough experience to last a life time, interesting matchup coming up.
Matchup
We'll follow the same style as in the Elite preview. In this series, we'll highlight both right-wingers @imosi vs @Ghettomasi. Both players sit in the top 10 for scoring, @imosi has the advantage by a few points (with 25 over 23, with 3 games more played). Both are instrumental in their team's offense and a driver for their breakout play. This matchup will come down to who finishes his chances better; both have the tools necessary to be the top scorer in ECL this season. It all comes down to the few clutch moments.
Breakdown
Both Finnish teams have the ability to be in the final, but as we all know, that's not going to happen. For this series, we'll see a close battle, where both teams will have their chances to score a lot. POGGERS have the advantage in breaking out, as Finnish Roosters trap on the blueline has the tendency to leak against better teams, if @JaKurrii can time his entry well, his defensemen will find him time and time again. Finnish Roosters, on the other hand, have the advantage in offensive zone play, where they have better patience in finding the right guy. If they get set u,p they're a hard team to beat with @imosi as their scorer.
Prediction
As the playoffs go further and we have tighter series, these predictions get a lot harder to predict. But hey whatever, we'll do it anyway. For my prediction in this series, we'll go with POGGERS in 6, with their offensive talent and Finnish Roosters playing 14 games already ( seven-game series), their gas tank is empty for this series. @Hullued will steal the show in this series and have two shutouts.
HifIk_FANI: POGGERS in 6
@1mmu9: Roosters in 7
@Bipes_bip0rus: POGGERS in 7, "A small difference between the pipes makes the difference, and POGGERS wins a thriller in game seven."
@MCH_98: POGGERS in 6
*Series started monday with F0CUS taking a 2-1 series lead.
Storyline
F0CUS is now the heavy favourites to take home the championship after Puck Over Glass was eliminated, their chemistry and defense stands out over other teams and @rakkauspakkaus- has found his groove in the playoffs, going head-to-head with Uniques winger @Jakeexh for the top scorer in the playoffs. F0CUS took down their "toughest possible opponent" in seven games in xBots, after dominating game seven, @Gresu__ stood out in that game for F0CUS, and has the edge between the pipes over Uniques goalie @Kussan82 who has been incredible this post-season with a 85,37% save percentage so far and three shutouts.
Matchup
For this series we could choose any matchup, and it would be a great read, but we'll be a bit boring this time and choose top scorers @rakkauspakkaus- vs @Jakeexh. Both players are tough to read as players as both have the ability to be a scorer and a passer. Their matchup will come down to their teammates this time; they'll find them for great scoring opportunities, so it'll be up to @jm98II and @Ribbeex to light the lamp in this series.
Breakdown
A series is obviously easier to break down as they have already played three games, F0CUS leading by 2-1 heading into the final day on Thursday. All the games were closer than most expected. The 4-0 games do not tell the whole story. F0CUS led the series after two games, and had the chance to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, but goalie @Kussan82 shut out the favourites in a must-win game for Unique. In game one, we saw F0CUS take a 2-0 lead in the second period, and holding on to the win after a 2-1 goal in the third period. This series will come down to which team can score more; both teams have shown it can do that, but in tight games, the team with more poise will be the victor.
Prediction
The same goes for the prediction; it's not fun to do for a series that has already started. Fortunately, the predictions of @Bipes_bip0rus & @1mmu9 were submitted before yesterday's series start. My own prediction is the following: F0CUS wins game four in overtime with @MCH_98 scoring the overtime winner off a faceoff win. Unique with their backs against the wall win game five, but eventually F0CUS has the series winner in game six as @rakkauspakkaus- puts up five points and take F0CUS to the final.
Interview
We got a rare short interview from @jm98II after their 2-1 series lead on Monday:
HF "Congrats on the series lead, Joona. How will this affect your games on Thursday?"
JM "It doesn't, we'll stick to our own game."
HF "Alright then, what about @MCH_98 and his issues in the UK and having your backup in the quarterfinals?"
JM "The team hasn't given us permission to comment on things happening within the team, but we've addressed the situation in the locker room."
HF "Last question, Joona, what was your pre-game meal for today?"
JM "Spaghetti bolognese always gets the job done."
Predictions
Hifk_FANI: F0CUS in 6
@1mmu9: F0CUS in 6
@Bipes_bip0rus: Uníque in 7 "After their hard-earned series win against Greatest, they're glowing with confidence and take F0CUS by surprise."
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