NHLGamers,
The ECL 11 Lite season has now reached its semifinal stage and as usual, by now we know the four best Lite teams this season. Most of the favorites are still in the race for the ECL Lite title and therefore I predict extremely tight semifinal series that could very well be extended to a 7th bout in either one of the matchups. Before the quarterfinals, I predicted all "surprise teams" to be eliminated from the competition but Hotbox is only one of those left as they have consistently overturned predictions. Hotbox surely is having a season to remember going on but Bjorkloven Esport - the biggest candidate at the moment for the ECL Lite title - is their biggest challenge yet. One of the most interesting points in the semifinals is that all semifinalists are from the same regular season group - a feat for which the odds are very slim. Go group 3!
Here is the full playoff schedule for ECL 11 Lite:
Lainaa10.5.3 ECL Lite Playoff Schedule
• Playoffs Round 1: 28.12 - 3.1 (BO7)
• Playoffs Round 2: 4.1 - 10.1 (BO7)
• Playoffs Round 3: 11.1 - 17.1 (BO7)
• Quarterfinals: 18.1 - 24.1 (BO7)
• Semifinals: 25.1 - 31.1 (BO7)
• Finals: 4.2 - 7.2 (BO7)
(1) 
Bjorkloven Esport vsHotbox 
(42)
Bjorkloven Esport has advanced convincingly to this stage and is in my books the biggest favorite to win the ECL Lite title. Hotbox is one of the phenomenons of the seasons and the sole remaining clear underdog at this stage. They are now facing their biggest obstacle yet, but Hotbox sure are ready for this huge challenge. Bjorkloven's goalies are bit ahead of Hotbox's counterparts and their biggest scoring stars have a similar edge so this might be the end of the Hotbox success story in this semifinal series. However, Hotbox has progressed this far against all odds so there is of course a place for an upset this time too. @olgaaa71 and @Tacterz combining for nearly 200 points between the two of them in the regular season is outright ridiculous, which just shows the scoring prowess that the Bjorkloven team possesses in this division. The Hotbox dynamic duo @Frans-Fin & @Jann3_67_ isn't far behind, but a combined 150 markers is far less. Bjorkloven will be facing the interesting decision of which goaltender to play in this series as both of their netminders have been solid throughout.
Players to watch in this series:
Bjorkloven Esport - playoff statistics
@olgaaa71 19GP, 27+45=45
@Tacterz 19GP, 15+29 =44
@Kallmanius 10GP, 8W, 85.71 SV%, 1.2 GAA, 3 SO
@Mrantonn 9GP, 8W, 85.51 SV%, 1.11 GAA, 3 SO
Hotbox - playoff statistics
@Frans-Fin 21GP, 13+31= 42
@Jann3_67_ 21GP, 25+14=38
@Randomjanne 21GP, 16W, 83.41 SV%, 1.71 GAA, 1 SO
Prediction: Hotbox makes this series an unforgettable event and does all they can to battle back. Bjorkloven Esport can't be stopped and advances to the finals by winning 4-2.
(8) 
Exerceo vs Grenoble BDL Esport 
(22)
While the clear star power individuals aren't as bright for Grenoble BDL Esport, the 'I' in that team has been compensated with extremely disciplined team play. By being one of the most well oiled units in the league they've reached this far and are currently the torchbearers for French virtual hockey. When it comes to individual skill, Exerceo in turn possesses these key components better while simultaneously being able to generate disciplined approach to play. This is why they are a minor favorite in this series for me. While Exerceo has the edge individually, the scoring differential in the playoffs hasn't been so large and in fact the clear leader here is @Adri1_SCP for Grenoble. Adri will be the x-factor for the French team but they will require to find secondary alternatives if and when Exerceo shut him down.
Players to watch in this series:
Exerceo
@Limbe65 19GP, 24+33=57
@Sagee95 19GP, 18+34=52
@Pettersson12 9GP, 8W, 82.47 SV%, 1.89 GAA, 1 SO
@Jjmakkeli 10GP, 8W, 79.12 SV%, 1.9 GAA, 1 SO
Grenoble BDL Esport
@Adri1_SCP 24GP, 33+29=61
@Winci 23GP, 17+29=46
@Trollstivegen 24GP, 16W, 77.25 SV%, 2.21 GAA, 4 SO
Prediction: Game 7 is needed. Exerceo's individual skill and goalies are decisive factors as they will be advancing advancing to the finals with 4-3 in wins.
As always, play hard - have fun!
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