The ECL 12 Elite Finals - "Chemistry is the most important element"

NHLGamers,

On Friday and Saturday we'll conclude the ECL 12 season with the Elite division Finals between FILADELPHIA and hREDS, a rematch of their ECL 11 Finals clash. Both teams are eager to show what they've learned and in the end hoist that trophy and leave with a nice chunk of change in their pockets.

The broadcasts over the weekend will be something special, so let's all come together to cap off this great season with two unforgettable nights of world class virtual hockey!

We reached out to FILADELPHIA assistant captain and right winger Erik @Eki Tammenpää for some comments about the upcoming series and their season so far.

After a dominant regular season, IQUE proved to be a tough opponent in the quarters, after which you conquered Färjestad BK with relative ease. How does your form look right now and do you think the longer break ahead of the playoffs could have an impact on the series?

"IQUE's style of play worked very well against us, and we really needed to put some thought into how we're going to overcome them in that series. Against FBK we were able to utilize our strengths and get in the groove of things a bit more. This week, we've played almost every night, but I think the two week break could impact the start of the series to some extent since there hasn't been a break like this during this season."

Your teams defensive ability has at least statistically been at an all time high this season, what are some of the factors that have made such an impact on that front?

"On paper it's easy to see that we've made a change on defense and that's one obvious reason. As a secondary reason I'd say the fact that our core has stuck together for such a long time. Chemistry is the most important element in the 6v6 mode."

Why will FILADELPHIA win and how will the series end?

"The 4-0 result last season didn't really do the series justice and the gameplay was way tighter. I think hREDS are playing a similar style as last season, but the individuals have developed. It's going to come down to the smallest of details, but we'll win 4-2 in the end, based on our experience from big games."

Tune in for the ECL 12 Elite Finals this Friday at 20:00 CEST over at www.twitch.tv/NHLGamer!