SCL 6v6 Playoffs: Semifinals Preview

NHLGamers,

Only four remain in the 2021-edition of our Swedish Championship League and those four squads are now going into all-out battle for the title and the cash! Perhaps to no surprise, we've got the seeds 1-4 from the group stage entering this point of the league as a result of stellar play all around, but also by overcoming adversity and finding new ways to flourish in some cases. Let's take a closer look at our matchups and the schedule ahead!

Here are your Semifinal matchups:

(1)   Granit Gaming vs HV71  (4)
Schedule:
Sunday, September 19th: Games 1-3 @ 20:00 CEST
Tuesday, September 21st: Games 4-7 @ 20:00 CEST

Another interesting factor in these semifinals is also that we have two established Elite squads going into the series as favorites, whereas both HV71 and Djurgården have seen promotions at the end of ECL 12 and are heading into their matchups as the underdogs. In this clash against Granit Gaming, HV71 are without the slightest hint of doubt facing the toughest opposition possible in this tournament, and everything will need to click for them if they are looking to advance. Without their captain @Demski13, they have already managed to overcome that massive obstacle and play for their leader in two matchups, going undefeated in the playoffs so far. It seems like their entire roster have been able to elevate their level as games have progressed and stand-in @Joppe_ hasn't looked at all out of place - instead going head-to-head with the best of them like it's just another day at the office. 

On the other side of the ice, we've got Granit Gaming - the Swedish super squad with some Czech spice in the form of @dzouvi. As expected, they have truly earned their #1 spot and have gone undefeated throughout the league so far. Anything but a championship would be a disappointment and they're not taking that mission lightly. This roster holds an abundance of individual skill that combines for a beautiful hockey symphony on ice, anything can and will happen when Granit takes the ice, and so far it's been a victory train for them. 

Prediction: 4-0

(2)  Farjestad BK vs Djurgarden Hockey  (3)
Schedule:
Sunday, September 19th: Games 1-3 @ 21:30 CEST
Wednesday, September 22nd: Games 4-7 @ 20:00 CEST

Despite being forced to reinvent themselves slightly in the offseason between ECL 12 and the SCL, Färjestad have managed to retain their high level of play and have proven that throughout the duration of this season. The quarterfinals against Ice MachineZ were their first true test, which they managed to come away from unscathed. They should have taken some lessons away from that matchup though, as Djurgården Hockey is surely a more coherent unit that will strike without mercy when given the chance. We're expecting to see a back-and-forth battle between two rather evenly matched teams, where Färjestad will be relying slightly more on their offensive instincts and quick counter attacks through @affelj96, whereas Djurgården Hockey will be trusting their team play and try to control the pace of the game a bit more. 

Prediction: 3-4

Tune in to twitch.tv/NHLGamer tonight at 19:45 CEST to get the Semifinals started as both series will be featured! Adam @esdor Ericson and Casper @ICappeI Lundgren will be in the booth for all the action!