S78 Team TPE Analysis and Predictions

Hello SHL Friends! It is that time of year again where everyone is thinking about season predictions. In the past, I did a team analysis based solely on Team TPE, because I subscribe to the theory that how your team will do is largely based on the TPE strength. Things like player builds and roles, and coaching strategies and line combos do of course affect things, but I would argue to a lesser degree than just overall roster TPE. My predictions from seasons past largely held up, barring a couple teams finishing a position higher or lower than anticipated.

There are other factors to consider, such as players who are active will improve as the season goes on, so teams with more active players could get better as we progress. But for a preseason look, this can give us a decent enough look at which teams will be favored as we await the puck to drop to get the new season started!

Without further ado, let's have a look at:

ATLANTIC DIVISION

PHILADELPHIA FORGE

1951 - 1917 - 1908
1665 - 1601 - 1346
1289 - 1185 - 1152

1932 - 1774
1497 - 1487
1375 -  898

1586
742

--Analysis--

Philadelphia has a very strong team, coming off a President's Cup win as the best team in the regular season in S77. They have a really really good top line, one of the best in the league. They have great depth down their lineup, in fact they have only 1 skater below 1K TPE, who is sheltered by an almost 1400 TPE defensive partner.
After last season's heartbreaking loss in the semifinals of the playoffs, you have to think anything less than a finals appearance would be a disappointment!


BALTIMORE PLATOON 

1912 - 1881 - 1767
1637 - 1616 - 1390
1246 -  932 -  858

1985 - 1733
1699 - 1173
942 -  847

1454
1174

--Analysis--

The Platoon have a lot to be happy about as they head into S78. An elite top line, a very good second line, and the best goalie tandem in the division should see them fighting for home ice in the playoffs. The third line is a bit weaker but if they can avoid any unfavorable matchups it shouldn't pose too much of a problem.
They dropped to 11th place in the standings last season after winning the President's Cup the season before, but look to be invigorated with some FA signings and hope to finally break through to capture the Challenge Cup after a multi-season stretch as one of the top teams in the league.


TAMPA BAY BARRACUDA

1671 - 1646 - 1637
1566 - 1483 - 1384
1202 - 1200 - 1189

1874 - 1666
1496 - 1384
1382 -  599

1954
907

--Analysis--

A very good team here with several players who are amongst the league's best. However, in this tough division, even the strength of their defense and goaltending might not be enough to propel them past the powerhouse teams above them.
The top line is peaking this season, but is still several hundred TPE behind the top lines of PHI and BAP, so they will count on the second and third lines to outplay their opponents if they want a chance to finish higher than 3rd.



ATLANTA INFERNO 

1957 - 1789 - 1381
1381 - 1243 - 1129
992 -  985 -  981

1688 - 1484
1409 - 1398
1182 - 1034

877
571

--Analysis--

The surprising thing to me about the Inferno is how young they are. More than half the roster is S73 or younger but seem to be quite high earners for the most part.
The third line comparitively is a bit weaker than their division rivals, and goaltending is not the strongest, but if their strong defense can limit chances against, they can probably get enough scoring from their top players to win their share of games.


  MANHATTAN RAGE 

1426 - 1389 - 1222
1204 - 1196 - 1156
924 -  799 -  757

1585 - 1284
1200 - 1005
852 -  655

1189
782


--Analysis--

The top line is not bad but not as good as the other teams in the division, The second line is not bad but not as good as other teams in the division. Same for 3rd line and goaltending. The theme here seems to be not bad, but not quite good enough. Their path to playoffs lies in securing a wildcard spot, but it could be a tough path indeed.

[Note to graders the intro is copy-pasted so no need to count those words]