SCL 6v6 Playoffs Preview

 NHLGamers,

We're getting into the real important games of the SCL and with the play-in round being over, we're now down to the best 16 teams in Sweden to battle it out for the title - and the cash. 

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6) Turneringsstruktur

• Registrering: 18.8.-27.8.
• Grundserie: 28.8.-13.9.
• Play-in Runda: 14.9.-15.9. (BO5) 4/8
• Playoffs Runda 1 17.-20.9. (BO7)
• Kvartsfinal: 22.-25.9. (BO7)
• Semifinal: 27.9.-30.9. (BO7)
• Bronskamp 3.10. (BO3)
• Final (Top 2): 3.10. (BO7)

Grundserien spelas i fyra grupper, där de tre bästa lagen i varje grupp (totalt 12 lag) går direkt till slutspelet. Utöver detta kommer lagen på plats 4-5 i varje grupp att spela en Play-in runda för gruppens sista plats i slutspelet.

Play-in rundan spelas i bäst av fem. Slutspel spelas med den bästa av sju-metoden. Det bästa laget i ordinarie säsong möter det 16: e laget och så vidare.

According to the above excerpt from the SCL 6v6 rulebook, the first round of the playoffs is to be played between 17.9 and 20.9. The playoffs will be played in a best-of-seven manner.

(1)  Vesa Pompa HC vs Nordic Nosebleed  (16)

The reigning champions decided to reject a direct invitation to the first round of playoffs in favour of playing through the group stage and building chemistry with their somewhat overhauled talent arsenal. In the first round we'll see an undefeated, seemingly championship-ready Vesa Pompa face an experienced and resilient Nordic Nosebleed. 

(2)  Vaxjo Lakers HC vs Rogle BK  (15)

In this matchup we'll see two dear enemies face off, Vaxjo paving their way through the group stage as clear winners of their arguably slightly easier group whereas Rogle struggled through the play-ins as clear winners over Viper HC. Vaxjo has a major advantage going into the series.

(3)   Northern Ascendancy vs HockeyProfessorn HC  (14)

NOR was the second highest scoring team throughout the league during the group stage and to no surprise - just looking at their lineup you'd think we'd be talking about a hall of fame of some sorts! HockeyProfessorn is in for a massive challenge and will need to think defense first if they want to get a whiff of a victory in the series.

(4)  Farjestad BK vs Orebro eHockey  (13)

FBK is known for being a tough team to play against - knocking out JYP in the ECL 10 playoffs was a major surprise and this team looks to continue their good run of form. Solid defenders combined with their multiple offensive weapons will pose a challenge for Orebro, who need to bring top level focus and next level luck if they want to advance.

(5)  Djurgarden Hockey vs HV71 eSHL  (12)

DIF has skill up front and a solid defensive core - but so does HV71. This series is going to be a tough battle that's up for grabs for either team. Despite gelling well over time, HV71 still relies heavily on captain Daniel @Demski13 Gadd to provide, so DIF should target him in order to shut the opposing offense down.

(6)  Company of Geeks vs SSK Esports  (11)

The legendary CoG proved to be a serious force in the group stage, even challenging Vaxjo for the group win but falling just short. On the other side, SSK is built around the former Syndicate base and possess a tremendous amount of skill, but will need to tighten up defensively if they wish to advance further into the playoffs. 

(7)  Leksands IF vs Studspoikarna SWC  (10)

Leksands IF has proven to be a tough team to beat when they get going and the eSHL semifinalists sure know how to play competitive playoff hockey. Studspoikarna is something of a counterpart to the Finnish SOPPAJENGI, where skilled players from various teams have built a competitive ensemble to challenge the greats - and doing so in a convincing manner. These guys have the talent to go far, but will need to overcome the sheer experience that gives LIF the advantage.

(8)  Sjukstugan vs Bask Nation  (9)

Sjukstugan is one of those teams that has a long tradition in the scene and is always a joy to see take the ice. This time, the team has some new faces in their roster and hasn't seemed to gel quite that well yet, but once they click, they do have the skill to make miracles happen. Bask Nation looks to prove themselves in the playoffs and had some promising showings in the group stage, like beating Northern Ascendancy once.

Tune in for the playoffs tonight!

The SCL playoffs start tonight with a bang as we'll see Farjestad BK take on Orebro eHockey and Sjukstugan take on Bask Nation in a broadcast commentated by Adam @esdor Ericson and Johan @Zalaz Nilsson, starting at 19:50 CEST on twitch.tv/NHLGamer.