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chirpchirp · 02-28-2020, 04:28 PM

(First article bonus - 2142 words - ready for grading)

#1 Detroit Falcons vs. #8 Newfoundland Berserkers

Current:

3 - 0

This series has been dominated by Detroit in the first three games. There will only be one more game in this one.

Prediction: Detroit in 4

Recap - The first game was without-a-doubt Newfoundland's best showing, but that's not saying much. Detroit was able to open up a 5-1 lead midway through the second period, led by Magnus Liljestrom's three points. The Berserkers started to make a comeback, and pulled the score back to 6-3 at the end of the second period. The Falcons, however, shut it down in the third with tight gaps in the neutral zone, which led to only four shots on goal in the third for Newfoundland. In game two in Detroit, the Falcons dominated the enire game. Detroit goaltender, A Jobin, saved 16 of 17 shots and helped the Falcons take a 2-0 series lead over the Berserkers. Back in Newfoundland for game three, the Berserkers tried to get something going, and managed to score the first goal of the game in the second period. But then Detroit flipped the switch and turned on their offense, scoring five goals to give themselves a 5-1 win and a 3-0 series lead.

Detroit's Key to the Series - They just need to buckle down and finish this series out. The Falcons have clearly been the better team, and they need to avoid getting complacent and giving the Berserkers a gift in Newfoundland.

Newfoundland's Key to the Series - It starts with defense for the Berserkers. So far they have been lit up by a buzzing Detroit offense, which will be hard to keep up with even if they can start scoring. If Newfoundland can hold Detroit to three or fewer in the next game, and get the victory, then maybe they will be able to build on that going forward.

Current 3 Stars of the series
1. DET - Jmac NCheese - 2 G, 5 A - The first-line forward knows who to get the puck to, and he is the key to efficiency in this Falcon offense.
2. DET - Khabib Nurmagomedov - 3 G, 3 A - He is a dual threat who is listed as a forward, but is playing on the top D pairing for the Falcons. His contributions are invaluable for Detroit.
3. DET - A Jobin - 3-0, 0.903 Save %, 2.00 GAA - He has done what has been asked of him by the Falcons, letting in only a single goal in games two and three.

#2 Carolina Kraken vs. #7 Kelowna Knights

Current:

1 - 2

The road team has won every game so far in this series. Kelowna breaks the trend in game four, and the home teams win the rest.

Prediction: Kelowna in 6

Recap - The opening game was a back and forth affair, both on the scoreboard and up and down the ice. This was the type of game that shows why hockey is the most entertaining sport of them all. Carolina took the early lead, but Kelowna scored a goal late in the first, and another early in the second to take the lead. Later in the second, the Kraken were able to answer with a goal from Buster Cherry, and a powerplay goal from Zbigniew Pokrywka to take the lead back for Carolina. It wouldn't last long as about a minute later Ryan Shepard would equalize the game before the second period came to a close. In the third, Kraken rookie Wilhelm Schumacher scored what looked like it could be the game winner with seven minutes left to go. However, the Knights stayed strong and fought back to take back the lead for good, with two goals in less than two minutes following Schumacher's goal. The Kraken looked to come out an make a statement in game two, where they scored the first two goals. It was looking like it was Carolina's game to lose until 17:24 into the first, Kelowna's Gylfi Eriksson was able to slide one past Carolina goaltender, Mike Hroch. From there the tides turned, and Kelowna outshot Carolina 29-5 in the final two periods, scoring an additional three goals to give the Knights a 2-0 series lead. In game three at Kelowna, the Kraken came out again and scored the first two goals of the game in the first period. Unlike the first two games, Carolina was able to hold on and close out game three, thanks to an insurance goal from Ambacas Cuddles in the second period.

Carolina's Key to the Series - The Kraken have led in every game, but are still trailing in the series. They really need to close out games when they have the lead and they will be alright. Improved goaltending from Mike Hroch in game three is a sign that Carolina can turn this series around.

Kelowna's Key to the Series - The first line for the Knights, made up of Ryan Shepard, Gylfi Eriksson, and Andrey Barbashev II, has led them to a 2-1 lead in this series. They must continue to play up and down the ice if they want to pull off a big upset.

Current 3 Stars of the series
1. KEL - Andrey Barbashev II - 3 G, 1 A - His scoring led the Knights to two road victories in the first two games of this series.
2. CAR - Ambacas Cuddles - 1 G, 3 A - Carolina's rookie defenseman has shown he isn't scared of big moments with one of his four playoff points being the game winning goal in game three.
3. KEL - Gylfi Eriksson - 1 G, 3 A - Kelowna's first-line winger has put up points in each of the first three games, and he is a huge reason why the Knights are in prime position to pull off an upset of the Kraken.

#3 Colorado Raptors vs. #6 St. Louis Scarecrows

Current:

2 - 1

A goaltender duel in which the Scarecrows came out victorious, has brought this series closer then most thought after the first two games. The Scarecrows even the series at 2-2 before the Raptors are able to take the next two to close it out.

Prediction: Colorado in 6

Recap - Game one was all Colorado, all the way. They scored two goals in 44 seconds in the first period and never looked back. While the Scarecrows were able to close the gap a little to bring it within one goal, the Raptors quickly stamped that out by scoring three goals in the third period. Raptor rookie, Bradley Barkov, was able to get his career postseason goals one and two to give the opening game to Colorado. The second game was closer, but still dominated by Colorado at home. Again, they took a two-goal lead in the opening stanza and never trailed in the game. Bradley Barkov was able to build on his game one performance with assists on all three Raptor goals in game two. The game ended up being decided by a single goal, but that's only because St. Louis forward Borys Franciszek was able to put in a goal during garbage time. In game three, the Scarecrows seemed to be rejuvenated playing in front of their home crowd. This game was a thriller from beginning to end, with each goaltender able to keep the game scoreless throughout regulation. However, this game was really controlled by the Scarecrows as they outshot the Raptors 36-14. It wasn't until 17 minutes into overtime that Kriss Darzins was able to score the only goal in the game, and pull this series back to within one game.

Colorado's Key to the Series - The Raptors hit a wall in game three on the road, and were only able to record 14 shots on goal. While they do have the home-ice advantage in the series, they should look to steal a game on the road because anything can happen in a game seven.

St. Louis's Key to the Series - This one is simple. The Scarecrows need to start to score some goals. While their goaltender, Elizabeth Doyle, had a great game three, they can't bank on getting that kind of performance every game. Their first line, made up of Danny Marston, Ruslan Zaporozhets, and James Ronlain, really needs to regain their regular season form.

Current 3 Stars of the series
1. COL - Bradley Barkov - 2 G, 3 A - After recording just 10 points in the regular season, this rookie is showing that he can deliver when it matters most.
2. COL - Henrik Lekberg Osterman - 1 G, 3 A - The regular season point leader for Colorado has continued to showcase his talent here in the playoffs. His leadership and consistency are big reasons why this team has a 2-1 lead in this series.
3. STL - Elizabeth Doyle - 1-2, 0.897 Save %, 2.27 GAA - Doyle is the reason the Scarecrows were able pull this series back to within a game.

#4 Anaheim Outlaws vs. #5 Vancouver Whalers

Current:

2 - 1

Every game so far in this series has been decided by a single goal, and the series will be close as well.

Prediction: Anaheim in 7

Recap - The opening game was controlled by the Vancouver Whalers from the start. The stingray that Killed steve irwin put the Whalers on the board and they never trailed in the game. The two teams traded goals in the second period, and the Outlaws' John Forfeit was able to tie it up in the third. However, the Whalers showed that they weren't going to lay down when Francois Breton scored the game winning goal with about 10 minutes left in the game. The turning point of the series thus far was definitely the first period of game two. Anaheim came out on their home ice and showed why finished only one point behind the #1 seed Detroit Falcons during the regular season. The Outlaws logged 17 shots during the period and netted two goals, one each from Ursin Zimmermann and Ivan Maximus. Vancouver was able to get a goal early in the third, but strong goaltending from Anaheim's Strom Chamberlain led to a tie series after game two. In game three, it looked like Vancouver was going to rebound from a disappointing game two when they scored a couple goals in the first period to take the lead. However, the Outlaws clamped down on defense and got back to their game in the final two periods, where they controlled the action and were able to take back the lead early in the third period. Again, Strom Chamberlain was stellar in net to close this game out for the Outlaws.

Anaheim's Key to the Series - The Outlaws need to continue the way they have played in games two and three, where they have outshot their opponent 59-38. A heavy forecheck and consistent goaltending will open the door to the semifinals for Anaheim.

Vancouver's Key to the Series - The Vancouver blue line was great offensively throughout the regular season, but hasn't contributed too much in the first 3 games. If Zlatan Ibrahimovic Jr. and Mikas Bieksa (combined 76 regular season points) can start to facilitate the Whaler offense like they did during the regular season, then they will be tough to beat.

Current 3 Stars of the series
1. ANA - Ethan Price - 1 G, 2 A - The rookie has really stepped up for the Outlaws this series with a point in each game so far.
2. VAN - Stracimir Petrovic - 2 G, 1 A - He led Vancouver's first line on their way to their game one win.
3. ANA - Strom Chamberlain - 2-1, 0.892 Save %, 2.34 GAA - The save percentage may not be great, but he has been the biggest reason why Anaheim was able to close out each of their wins.

*thiefofcheese* · 02-28-2020, 04:30 PM

I love these playoff analyses this season. Keep them coming!

reid · 02-28-2020, 05:40 PM

Quote:Prediction: Detroit in 4

Much better than your last Detroit prediction.....

SKREEEEE Falcons

*roastpuff* · 02-28-2020, 06:30 PM

02-28-2020, 05:40 PMreid_sutherland Wrote:
Quote:Prediction: Detroit in 4
Much better than your last Detroit prediction.....

SKREEEEE

Think you're referring to the wrong guy here @"reid_sutherland" !

reid · 02-28-2020, 07:45 PM

02-28-2020, 06:30 PMroastpuff Wrote:
02-28-2020, 05:40 PMreid_sutherland Wrote: Much better than your last Detroit prediction.....

SKREEEEE

Think you're referring to the wrong guy here @"reid_sutherland" !

Whoops... it still stands... only valid prediction is Detroit in 4

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