The 2022 SCL 6v6 Playoffs continue - Quarterfinals previews

SportsGamers,

The 2022 SCL 6v6 Playoffs are moving on nicely and we are already at the Quarterfinals stage with some really great matchups ahead. Some series will be kicking off in just a few hours, so let's get right down to it and preview these tough clashes.

Skutebrygga  (1) vs Sodertalje SK  (9)

TOP SCORER (Playoffs)
@Strumpan87 3 GP, 8+6=14 vs @BlizzakDevine 5 GP, 8+4=12

GOALTENDER (Playoffs)
@benjamint737 3 GP, 3 W, 100 SV%, 0 GAA, 3 SO vs @Tauri 5 GP, 3 W, 66,67 SV%, 2,8 GAA, 0 SO

REGULAR SEASON RECORD
10-0-0 vs 8-2-2

Skutebrygga as emerged as something of a modern Nordic superteam, including mostly Swedish players with some Norwegian spice in the mix. The team bases their game on quick puck movement and exceptionally skilled individuals, and it seems like veteran @Strumpan87 has really flourished in the playoffs thus far on the wing of @Suth98_ and @Henka0009. What you are witnessing is the coming out party of a real SCL contender, that could do great things at the European stage too if they continue treading down the same path. 

Sodertalje SK is an experienced squad that has played together for an extended period of time, albeit in slightly different constellations. This SCL, they are sporting a very deep roster that allows them to look for the most favorable matchups on the ice, but could cause them to suffer in chemistry slightly. @Vesterberg89 on his RD spot will have to go against Skutebrygga top scorer and Södertälje SK alumni @Strumpan87, and will have his work cut out for him all series long. 

Prediction: Skutebrygga in 3.

Manos  (2) vs Garotta Di Ansjovis  (7)

TOP SCORER (Playoffs)
@Melguss 3 GP, 2+10=12 vs @Buffy 4 GP, 9+4=13

GOALTENDER (Playoffs)
@MrAllsvenskan 3 GP, 3 W, 80 SV%, 2,33 GAA, 0 SO vs @RaNtA 4 GP, 3 W, 82,86 SV%, 1,5 GAA, 1 SO

REGULAR SEASON RECORD
12-0-0 vs 10-2-2

Manos is an interesting squad, comprised of mostly what seems like players of Växjö Lakers HC fame, but also including some additions like @Melguss and @Putteekiing to strengthen their ranks. Manos have a very deep roster with a tremendous amount of skill, but they'll most likely start gravitating towards their final form in the hopes of a deep playoff push. Both wingers @Hockeyjohannes and @Birkedal96 are great goal scorers that have been fed all season long by centerman @Melguss, and the trend should continue in this series. 

Garotta Di Ansjovis is perhaps sporting one of the more exotic names in the tournament, but they're also a considerable threat on the ice. Lead by veterans like @Buffy and @J-Foppa, the team will have the mental resilience to put up a fight against a highly skilled team that could put them on the back foot a bit. It's highly likely that Garotta will have to resort to a counter attacking strategy in order to clinch wins in this series.

Prediction: Manos in 3.

Sankens Soldater  (3) vs Leksands IF  (6)

TOP SCORER (Playoffs)
@ICappeI 3 GP, 5+5=10 vs @Bror1326 4 GP, 8+5=13

GOALTENDER (Playoffs)
@Provokacija 3 GP, 3 W, 80 SV%, 0,67 GAA, 2 SO vs @Jeqque44 4 GP, 3 W, 72,22 SV%, 2,5 GAA, 1 SO

REGULAR SEASON RECORD
13-0-1 vs 10-2-0

Sankens Soldater is bona fide superteam with a tremendous amount of prestige in their ranks, quite interestingly goaltender extraordinaire @ICappeI is making a comeback at the left wing and has done so in successful manner on the flank of @Eken45jr and @I-Maise-I. Sanken is without a doubt the more offensively capable squad in this matchup and should take the control for most of the series. Defensemen @Sebban and @Demski_ are excellent with the puck and will jump in on the offense when required as well. 

What we're seeing in Leksands IF is first and foremost a great team, much alike we're used to seeing for squads lead by @iSvamp from his defensive spot. The full Swedish outfit has managed to recruit highly potential players that could be seen as unpolished gems, now working very well as a five man unit and with the skill set to be able to beat any team that comes in their way.

This is the first series to start the Quarterfinals and after the first three games the series is at a 2-1 lead for Sankens Soldater.

Prediction: Sankens Soldater in 5.

Falun Coal Miners  (4) vs Bjorkloven Esport  (5)

TOP SCORER (Playoffs)
@MartindalexC 3 GP, 7+5=12 vs @Pappen 5 GP, 4+9=13

GOALTENDER (Playoffs)
@Supreex 2 GP, 2 W, 90 SV%, 1 GAA, 0 SO vs @Kallmanius 5 GP, 3 W, 84,44 SV%, 1,4 GAA, 1 SO

REGULAR SEASON RECORD
13-1-0 vs 13-1-0

We'll be in for a very tough fight between Falun Coal Miners and Björklöven Esport in this Quarterfinals matchup. The Coal Miners have made a comeback after some time and in their signature way, they are immediately competitive with a deep, experienced and highly skilled roster. @antoniomannen004 had an excellent campaign with Setelit On Ice in the eHSM and seems to continue his form also in the Coal Miners lineup alongside @MartindalexC and @Foppatofflan. Defensively, we're looking at a highly capable team with very offensively gifted defensemen, who like to jump in on the rush and shoot the puck from the point. Quite surprisingly, the Falun powerplay has been their weakest link in the playoffs, but thus far they've been able to remedy that with a high scoring 5v5 game.

The Umeå outfit Björklöven Esport have some cornerstones in @Kallmanius and @Pappen, who have been with the squad for a longer time already. They're joined by a strong arsenal of gifted players and some very experienced defensemen on their back line. Especially look for the connection on offence between new recruit @Winci and @Pappen, which is one of Björklövens most dangerous weapons. 

Prediction: Falun Coal Miners in 4.