The Whalers had a rough start to the season, going 7-16-2 for the first half, including a dreadful 6 game losing streak that gave them a league record only better than the expansion Battleborn. Since that time the team went 17-7-1 with a finish of 8-2-0, making them one of the league's hottest teams going into the playoffs. The streak moved them up to within striking distance of the 7th best spot, but Anaheim hung on to that sport leaving the Whalers the 8th. 

Which is probably a good thing for the Whalers; the 7th seed is going to be matched up against the Citadelles who gave the Whalers their last 2 losses of the season. The Whalers will instead play the Scarescrows whom they have beat 3 times in 4 tries this season. It's a favorable matchup for the young team that should propel them into the second round.

Most pundits are picking the higher seeded teams for the first round. The teams are all on the 24 to 27 win range, while the last four teams range are all 18 and under, so there is good reason to believe this will be the results. If this is the case the Whalers will find themselves pitted against the first overall Berserkers, which the latter is probably not thrilled about since they went 1-1-2 against them. 

The team has been solid around in the last half, but they will need to count on some key players. Their first line of Hartmann, Nikiforov, and Desrouleaux will especially be needed to keep up their scoring ways. They will especially need Name Redacted to continue his strong play; his elite play has been a key factor in the Whaler's end run.

See you in Round 2!