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:

Atlantic Division

*** MANHATTAN RAGE ***

1959 1725 1687
1657 1569 1525
1220 1053 887

1910 1580
1350 1224
1191 1074

1352 946

--Analysis--

The roster in Manhattan might be starting to age, but they are still in very good shape this season. Top to bottom there are no weaknesses on this team, they even have one of the best tandem starters in goal, helpful given the new minimum BUG starts this season. They've got scorers, they've got defenders, and they've got a relatively weaker division to play in. GG EZ

Prediction: First place in the division and my dark horse pick to go to the Cup finals if they can avoid having to play HAM, BUF, or CHI in the early rounds.


*** ATLANTA INFERNO ***

2206 1805 1219
1182 1181 873
840 819 590

1881 1720
1496 1380
1064 933

894 574

--Analysis--

Atlanta is coming in hot (haha!), as an expansion team they came out flying last season, and appear to have gotten even better this season. They have the best defensive group in this division, and some very good forwards on the top line. It starts fading off when you get to the 3rd line, and their goaltending situation is concerning, when compared to other teams in the top half of this division. A team which could be buyers at the TDL especially if there are some quality goaltenders on the market.

Prediction: The Inferno seem to be a solid lock on 2nd place here. It's tough to say that they would be contenders at this point, but don't be surprised if they are active in trying to improve through trades, especially if they are keeping first place within reach.

*** NEW ENGLAND WOLFPACK ***

1868 1469 1461
1024 874 763
763 739 669

1548 1384
1222 966
681 564

1171 476

--Analysis--

Kind of seems like half a really good team. The top line is decent and can carry the team to some wins. However, some of their young players won't be able to be sheltered in the lineup and could be in for a rough go against the top teams in the league. They will need another strong season from Eller to have any success this season.

Prediction: I'll give them 3rd because their top players and goaltending is just a little better than the teams below them, but they will probably get lots of hate because they will make the playoffs when somebody from Great Lakes will miss.


*** TAMPA BAY BARRACUDA ***

1475 1445 1293
1069 1002 841
825 767 682

1088 1102
651 595
502 429

720 221

--Analysis--

They are almost there, the top half of the roster definitely has some legitimate players. A lot of the lower TPE players here are active
so the team will continue to improve and with a healthy prospect pool, the aging out players will be replaced with better options soon.
This season, however, they are just a little bit short and the lack of a top starting goalie will keep them from being truly competitive.
However, I don't think they are a scheduled guarantee win any more, as they have enough guys who can do some damage.

Prediction: 4th place but much closer than seasons past.


*** BALTIMORE PLATOON ***

1552 1187 993
931 784 765
747 727 666
617

1639 1093
931 906
714 697
644

1467 253

--Analysis--

BAP boys BAP boys, whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do when they come for you!

I mean, I do believe that players should be about minimum 600 TPE to be competitive in the SHL, but that doesn't mean loading your team with 600 TPE players is a good idea. With only 5 players above 1K TPE, this is not a team that will scare anybody.

Prediction: At least they have their first round pick next draft. It should be a good one as the Platoon are headed for a last place finish in this division.


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As always, Good Luck and Have Fun!
Remaining Divisions to come shortly

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Jøln DuBølk || D || Lethbridge Lions

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Drafted 24th Overall in the S46 SHL Entry Draft

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S48 Four Star Cup Champion

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