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Muerto · 12-26-2019, 07:13 AM

S51 SHL PLAYOFF PREVIEW

Season's Greetings to all you Simulation Hockey fans out there! This is the time of the year that everyone gets super hyped about as 10 teams have advanced to the playoffs and begin the Ultimate Quest for the Challenge Cup!

With Playoff Predictions and Brackets on the line, this handy guide will help you figure out which teams have the chance to go all the way! Use wisely!

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WESTERN CONFERENCE

ROUND 1

Jets

WINNIPEG JETS vs

LOS ANGELES PANTHERS

WPG RECORD: 22-24-4 137 GF 154 GA
LAP RECORD: 21-25-4 145 GF 165 GA

This is the battle of the two sub-500 teams which managed to suck the least out of the weak Western Conference. Both teams had stretches where they were competitive but also had some rough times as well.

The Panthers went 7-13 in their last 20 games and only once managed to win 2 games in a row in that stretch. The Jets fared better down the stretch going 12-8, with a couple of 4-game win streaks in that time, but also had a 20 game stretch this season where they only won 3 times. Both teams frankly are fortunate that the West had way too many bottom feeders, but they are in the playoffs and the good news is that one of them will advance to the next round. The bad news of course is that whoever wins gets the fun task of facing the New Orleans Specters and that will be a huge challenge.

LAP Strengths and Weaknesses: Max Mauldin had a breakout season topping 50 points, and they also made a mid-season trade for Bobby Watson from Minnesota, who was a PPG player for the Panthers, but after that their offense sputters a bit. Defensively, they were not strong, being the playoff team which gave up the most goals, but goaltender Knox Booth did get 4 shutouts this season, so he could steal a game or two. They have some toughness as Oliver Cleary was the Turd Ferguson winner this season and also get some physical game from players like Borromini Cannellini and Troy McClure, who make life difficult for their opponents.

WPG Strengths and Weaknesses: Nick Brain was the offensive standout for the Jets as he hit 50 points for the campaign, with Commander Shepard and Ignatius Blunt also showing some scoring touch. But after that it gets a bit ugly - the Jets ended up tied for the fewest goals by any playoff team and only had 6 player crack the 30-point plateau. Their goaltending is a bright spot as Vivian Leblanc also posted 4 shutouts as well as a .910 Save Percentage on the season. They might regret shipping out McClure as he is now on the other side, and their own defense corps is not strong after the top 4.

Season Matchup: The teams split their 4 game season series with 2 wins apiece, although LAP did get one extra point for a shootout loss. Interestingly, the home team lost every game so there does not seem to be any advantage to home ice. LAP outscored WPG 14-10 in the series.

Prediction: Both teams can put a disappointing regular season behind and focus on the series at hand now. I feel LAP has the upper hand here based on better goal scoring, but this series has the potential to go 7 games. Whichever goalie gets hot will lead their team to victory. LAP in 7.
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ROUND 2

EDMONTON BLIZZARD vs Dragons

CALGARY DRAGONS

EDM RECORD: 32-14-4 177 GF 138 GA
CGY RECORD: 26-20-4 152 GF 150 GA

The Battle of Alberta lives on this season as these two teams face off for the infinity time. There's no love lost here and this is for sure the early-round matchup which is bound to be the most entertaining.

Edmonton was in a tight race for the President's Cup as they battled New Orleans almost to the end. In fact, they went on a tear and won 12 games in a row, until they had to play their backup - and ended the season on a 7 game losing streak. Not how they wanted to finish up but they definitely showed that with their starter in net, they are a force to be reckoned with. Calgary was strong down the stretch winning 7 of their last 10 games, and we all know that playoffs is when they come alive, so nothing is certain with this series.

EDM Strengths and Weaknesses: The Blizzard player could be hauling in some individual awards this season with remarkable performances from players like Tony Pepperoni, and the Tuck brothers - Tor with a Stevens-worthy performance from the blue line and Tuck the favorite to win the Honcho award. They have not a single player with a negative plus/minus rating, and every forward in the top 9 got at least 10 goals. They are above average in every team statistic except Hits/GP. I guess if I had to say they had a weakness, it would be that their 2nd Powerplay unti didn't produce a whole lot but that's just being trifling. This is a strong team which will make a serious push for the Cup.

CGY Strengths and Weaknesses: The Dragons' best weapon is their goaltending as Kata Vilde continues to be a strong presence in net. Offensively, the team did not have the type of production from their top players as others, but they have good balance down the lineup. They have the best combined special teams statistically in the league, so beware giving them opportunities with the man advantage. Their PK is very good but it has to be as they take a ton of penalties, and play a very physical game. While this team seemed to get lost behind the great performances of New Orleans and Edmonton on the season, they still are very well-rounded and are the defending champions, so I wouldn't be super eager to bet against them.

Season Matchup: The Dragons have the edge here, winning 4 of the 6 games played, and outcoring the Blizzard 16-11, and winning all 3 games played at home. To be fair, 2 of those games were with the Blizzard backup in, but they showed they can keep the potent offense of the Blizzard at bay which will be the key for them to win this series.

Prediction: Despite Edmonton's great season, the way they finished has to be a point of concern for them and they need to right the ship fast, as the Dragons are peaking at the right time. This will be a classic battle and Edmonton will figure it out and win in 7 games.

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NEW ORLEANS SPECTERS vs LAP/WPG

NOS RECORD: 36-11-3 195 GF 134 GA

The Specters had a season to remember as they easily won the President's Cup. They were the top-scoring team in the West as well as giving up the fewest goals in the league.

NOS Strengths and Weaknesses: The top line of Nicholas Williams, DeMaricus Smyth, and Piotr Czerkawski tore up the league this season with 180 combined points. All top 9 forwards got at least 11 goals and none got fewer than 26 points. They don't get as much offense from the blue line but every pairing is defensively sound, even with 2 rookies on the back end. They already had Aleister Cain in net who is very very good, but then they went and traded for another great goalie in Sebastien Primeau, who put up even better numbers in his starts - STARTING GOALTENDER CONTROVERSY!!?? Nah, Cain is their guy but they are in good hands if he was to falter. If they had one weaknes, it'dbe that they aren't the most physical team as they notched the 3rd fewest hits per game ... but hits don't win games so who cares, right?
Season Matchups: NOS won 4 of 6 against Los Angeles and 3 of 4 against Winnipeg.

Prediction: Doesn't matter who they play, New Orleans is going to win theiur first round. The only real question is will it be a sweep? I make a bold claim here and say no! NOS in 5 games.
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EASTERN CONFERENCE

ROUND 1

BUFFALO STAMPEDE vs

TAMPA BAY BARRACUDA

BUF RECORD: 27-21-2 152 GF 142 GA
TBB RECORD: 24-22-4 137 GF 158 GA

An interesting matchup here as the Stampede were able to grind out a playoff appearance despite being in the high-powered Great Lakes division, while the Barracuda were on the outside looking in until literally the last day of play, winning the tie breaker over West Kendall to snatch the last playoff spot.

BUF Strengths and Weaknesses: The Stampede are a strong defensive team as they come into the playoffs giving up the fewest goals in the East. Offensively, they don't have the type of high-scoring superstars that some other teams do, but prefer to score by committee with all 3 lines chipping in. They generate more shots for than against, and are strong on the faceoff dot. However, they have the worst powerplay in the league and that could present a problem. It's good that they have the home ice advantage, as they had the best home record of all Eastern teams while also having the worst road record.

TBB Strengths and Weaknesses: The Barracuda struggled to score goals while also struggling to keep pucks out of their net at times - their -21 goal differential is the worst amongst all playoff teams. None of their top 9 forwards or top 6 defenders have a positive plus/minus rating. Aging superstar Flacko Lagerfield had 45 points and 190 hits on the year, but after that their offense is unremarkable. On the plus side, they do have the best Penalty Kill in the league, but will that be enough to help them advance?

Season Matchup: BUF won 3 of 4 games head to head, outscoring the Cudas 10-9 in the process. So we can probably expect some low-scoring games.

Prediction: BUF has a little more depth and a little better defensively, so I will give this one to the Stampede in 5 games.
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ROUND 2

Rage

MANHATTAN RAGE vs

CHICAGO SYNDICATE

MAN RECORD: 26-18-6 166 GF 153 GA
CHI RECORD: 30-20-0 182 GF 150 GA

This will be the first ever playoff matchup between these two teams. Manhattan struggled a bit defensively in the first half of the season but got stronger as it went on, finishing the last 10 games with a 7-2-1 record to win the atlantic Division and secure the number 2 seed. Chicago has shown great patience and deliberation in building their team since being founded, and this season got to see the rewards for the process as they secured the 3 spot with consistent play throughout the season.

MAN Strengths and Weaknesses: Despite not having any players putting up insane points totals the way EDM, NOS, or HAM do, this team is built on depth and puck possession. All 3 forward lines had at least 1 40 point scorer, and all 3 centermen ranked in the top 10 for faceoff percentage. Every forward had a positive plus/minus rating, and their defensive corps held their own, with everyone contributing offensively as well as being defensively sound. Where they struggle is on special teams, with the 2nd worst aggregate rating league-wide.

CHI Strengths and Weaknesses: The Syndicate are a high-caliber offensive team putting up 182 goals on the season. They are led by forwards Cameron Carter with 27 goals as well as leading the league in shots AND hits, as well as breakout performance by Jack Kennedy with 25 goals. From the blueline, they are powered by 3 different players getting 40+ points, including a massive 54 points from Corey Kennedy. Tibuk Soonika is developing into a premier goaltender as well, with 4 shutouts on the season. A top 3 powerplay and one of the better combined goals for/goals against ratios helped them tremendously. They don't have the forward depth of the Rage as their 3rd line was mediocre at best, but they are sheltered by the strong play of the top 6.

Season Matchup: The Syndicate won 3 of 4 from the Rage while outscoring them 16-10.

Prediction: CHI has the upper hand with their potent offense, and will take down the Rage in 6 games.
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HAMILTON STEELHAWKS vs BUF/TBB

HAM RECORD: 31-15-4 196 GF 164 GA

Everyone thought the Steelhawks were doomed when their plans to dominate the league through SIM manipulation were thwarted, but they could not be stopped! Witht the highest-scoring offense in the league, they were able to easily secure the number 1 seed in the East and await the winner of the BUF/TBB series.

HAM Strengths and Weaknesses: As stated, they have an incredibly high-powered offense, with 4 players surpassing the 50-point mark on the season, and 4 different players getting at least 20 goals. Rober Phelps potted an amazing 60 points, and they had the league top rookie as Hugh Jazz almost hit a PPG level with 47 points. Defenseman Tig Murphy was a dominant force as well, with 53 points on the season. However, they also give up the most goals from any Eastern playoff team, so they are vulnerable there, as well as seeing a bit of a dropoff when they get to their 3rd line, which has their other rookies who aren't quite at the level Jazz is. They have a very good powerplay but their penalty killing definitely left a lot to be desired. Overall though, they can probably outscore any team, and especially with BUF and TBB not being the strongest offenses, should be able to handle their first round match with ease.

Season Matchups: HAM won 5 of 6 against Buffalo, and 3 of 4 against Tampa Bay.

Prediction: HAM in 5.

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So there you have it folks!

Best of luck to all teams and let's hope this playoffs is fun for all!

Tomasnz · 12-26-2019, 10:11 AM

Great read mate, mild issue with you prediction rage to bail out early!

But also I am fairly sure rage Vs Chicago was a wild card game a few season ago..