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*LilGainz901* · 03-05-2025, 01:38 PM

I know what you are thinking, how am I going to write a deep dive against the Kelowna Knights. Well, it pains me to write this, but the facts are that the Highlanders have the best chance of getting the best record this season, even ahead of the Berserkers, Knights and Citadelles. Let me explain.

The Berserkers and the Knights have been on an absolute run this season and are currently Top 2 in P% (0.763 and 0.684 respectively), however, the remainder of their season is not pretty. Both of these teams will have to face tough oppositions including three more games against each other, and at least two more games against the Citadelles. I would like to say that the Knights will absolutely dominate all of these match-ups but the reality is, it is going to be fairly difficult. I think both the Berserkers and the Knights will finish near the top, but that top spot I predict will be reserved for the Highlanders.

The Highlanders have a fairly tame schedule ahead of them with only one game left against each of the Berserkers, Knights, and Citadelles. Additionally, most of their matchups during the rest of the season are against teams that are currently near the bottom of the standings. This includes two more games against the Yukon Malamutes which we can predict will be easy wins for the Highlanders (Sorry Malamute fans). It is unfortunate for the other title contenders but the conference structure that we currently have, basically gifts the Highlanders an easy schedule. In fact, they only had to play three games against the Berserkers, Citadelles and the Knights whereas they all had to play 6 games against each other. Within the Highlanders' conference, their only real competition is Maine Timber who may give them a run for their money, but it looks like their schedule is just a tad more competitive.

Aside from the easy schedule that the Highlanders have for the remainder of the season, they are also putting up fairly decent performances thus far. They are second in the league in Goals Allowed, just one behind the Berserkers. This is a strong testament to their defensive capabilities, specifically with Jeff Kirkstone III and Victor Bjork-Pejilikka in net both of whom have a SV% above 0.900. Additionally, they have the defensive duo of Pavel Mintyukov and Cheese N'Wine, both of whom have been excellent defensively especially with their impressive shot blocking ability. Lastly, I have to give a shout-out to their rookie Kimar Timonen who has had an instant impact for the Highlanders both defensively and offensively and will definitely play a key role in helping the Highlanders win the President's Trophy.

Speaking of their defensive capabilities, another standout statistic is their Penalty Kill %. An insane 87.7% thus far; at least 5% above any of the other top teams in the league. I am not exactly sure what the Highlanders are doing on the Penalty Kill, but whatever it is, it is definitely working. If the Highlanders are able to maintain this defensive penalty kill strategy in the playoffs, they will definitely be a tough side to beat.

Overall, I have to give my props to the Highlanders as it looks like they might win the league this season due to their easier schedule for the remainder of the season, their defensive prowess, and their insane penalty kill strategies.

***Frenchie*** · 03-05-2025, 03:47 PM

The bagpipes are playing loud, tis the season of the Highlanders! Thanks for the shoutout and the vote of confidence, the team absolutely has been killing it! Great write up!

@"jason kranz" sig elite / @sulovilen elite sig

***HabsFanFromOntario*** · 03-09-2025, 10:24 PM

+5 tpe, approved

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