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Muerto · 11-29-2020, 08:30 PM

S57 Team TPE Analysis and Predictions

Hello SHL Friends! It is that time of year again where everyone is thinking about season predictions.
Last season 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 last season 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 solid look at which teams will be favored as we await the puck drop.

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

Great Lakes Division

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HAMILTON STEELHAWKS

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2006 1932 1905
1901 1766 1318
1154 1039 972

2006 1702
1410 1377
1127 951

995 247

--Analysis--

Coming off a huge season with a Cup win, this team proved me wrong last season. Despite the concerns I had about their goaltending not being quite at the level of other teams, FHM is proving that goaltending means jack squat if you can score 5 goals a game. The gap is narrowing this season so I would be surprised if they run away with it all again, but there's no doubt they are the team everyone is gunning for.

Prediction: Defending champs get the benefit of the doubt, I think they take 1st but this division is going to be tight.

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CHICAGO SYNDICATE

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1976 1839 1828
1691 1679 1631
1182 891 710

2021 1717
1625 1600
1088 1026

1227 199

--Analysis--

Not much to criticize here, as Chicago has done a great job at retaining their best players and seeing some promising youngsters
starting to make their push. Could this be the season they make a Cup run? It's entirely possible!

Prediction: Who knows? First, second, third, maybe 4th? Ugh I hate this division. I will give them 2nd because HAM won the Cup last season so they get the benefit of the doubt. Let's say 2nd place with absolutely no degree of confidence.

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BUFFALO STAMPEDE

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1901 1858 1858
1662 1617 1200
1144 1000 997

1864 1656
1438 1420
948 942

1451 290

--Analysis--

Still going strong are the Buffalo Stampede, they have a solid roster throughout. Even their young guys are about to eclipse the 1K TPE mark which means they aren't in any trouble to stay near the top of the league. Unfortunately for them, there's 2 teams in this division which are just a little it better in the middle lines so although they will still be great, they might not be the best.

Prediction: 3rd place in this division is the same as first place in any other. Not a knock on them at all, it just appears the two teams ahead of them have a bit more strength on the 2nd line and defense.

*** Stars

TORONTO NORTH STARS Stars

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1905 1714 1340
1327 1162 1154
989 907 595

1715 1418
1387 1101
989 636

1906 961

--Analysis--

Vastly improved this season and the majority of their players are very young, so they are only going to keep getting better. I know they are probably sick to death of hearing this, but any other division and they'd be a top 2 team. With a fantastic goaltending tandem and their top 2 lines being very strong, they will put up a good fight this season, and will finish better than .500

Prediction: Sadly, I have to give them 4th place and a playoff miss which frankly is a shame. However, I have done tests in which they made the playoffs, so I'll just leave it with ...

SOoooooo - you're saying there's a chance??!?

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As always, good luck and have fun!
Check out the other division analyses in your local media section!