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karlssens · 09-04-2018, 11:08 PM

SHL Dynasty Rankings

Dynasty. It’s a word that doesn’t get thrown around too often in the SHL due to such significant turnover from one season to the next. Combined with the randomness of the sim, regression and of course the odd player that just ghosts and falls in to inactivity it’s difficult to maintain long term success in SHL. Rather than compare the likes of SHL teams to that of the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA to determine what a dynasty would be I decided to look only at the SHL, select one team that I feel best fits the definition of a dynasty, and compare the rest of the league against it. Naturally that one team is my #1 in this list and I intend to give thorough reasoning why when we get to it.
So how do you define an SHL dynasty? My three main points of contention are all time wins, playoff appearances and naturally the most important of all, Challenge Cup wins. Deep playoff runs certainly help your case, but again the goal is to win it all, not play runner up every season. Other factors include goal differential and win percentage, which are both an extension of all time wins to a lesser extent. To do this I collected each team’s seasonal data over the last 5 (S28-S42), 10 (S33-S42) and 15 (S28-S42) seasons and tossed it all in to a series of tables that can be found HERE.

14. The Buffalo Stampede

5 year record: 106-123-21 (233 points (12th)
10 year record: 221-237-42 (484 points) (14th)
15 year record: 297-389-64 (658 points) (13th)
Playoff Appearances: 5
President Trophy Wins: 0
Challenge Cup Wins: 0
Looking at the overall record between the two expansion teams over the last 15 seasons I was quite surprised to see they are literally 1 point apart after 750 games played. Strong cases could be made for both as to why they deserve to rank above the other, but in this list Buffalo takes the honor of the least dynasty like team over the last 15 seasons. A record of below 0.500, no cups or trophies and the 3rd fewest playoff appearances over that time frame seals it. The bright spot? They’ve qualified for the playoffs 2 seasons in a row now. While not necessarily mismanagement the Stampede suffered due to a series of different management teams with conflicting ideas on which direction to take the team, but that’s in the past now and Stampede are trending upwards nicely.

13. The Portland Admirals/The San Francisco Pride pride

5 year record: 115-113-22 (252 points) (10th)
10 year record: 224-233-43 (491 points) (13th)
15 year record: 297-390-63 (657 points) (14th)
Playoff Appearances: 3
President Trophy Wins: 1
Challenge Cup Wins: 0
Not much better than the previously ranked Stampede, the San Francisco Pride (and former Portland Admirals) did experience a significant amount of success amidst periods of chaos and poor performances. Effectively on their third rebuild since conception in S25, the expansion team made back to back runs to the Challenge Cup final in S34/35 and made a 3rd playoff appearance in S38 after a president’s trophy winning season. The rest of the time? Well let’s just say the rebrand wasn’t the result of bad branding. The bright spot? Well if anyone has been paying attention, the San Francisco Pride had an insane amount of picks going in to a deep S43 Entry Draft. They’ve taken a large step in the right direction of their current rebuild and hope to compete again for the Challenge Cup soon.

12. The Seattle Riot Riot

5 year record: 94-132-24 (212 points) (14th)
10 year record: 225-223-52 (502 points) (11th)
15 year record: 362-309-79 (803 points) (9th)
Playoff Appearances: 8
President Trophy Wins: 1
Challenge Cup Wins: 0
A threat for quite some time in the S30’s, the Seattle Riot earned all 8 playoff appearances over a 10 season window from S29-S38. Opting to kick things up notch then general manager c made a series of big moves to load up Seattle’s roster ultimately securing a president’s trophy in S37. The downside was it came at the cost of trading away future assets in the form of draft picks, and when forced to step down due to breaking the rules he left the next manager(s) with a bunch of regressed veterans and no picks. Outside of those 10 seasons? Well the record speaks for itself, they were very forgetful. As a result they find themselves at the number 12 spot and the worst among non-expansion teams. Boasting the worst record over the last 5 seasons it’s safe to say this team has suffered through a rebuild as of late, but they are nearing the end of the tunnel. The current management team is slowly undoing the mess left by the previous one and appears to be trending upward. The question is will they succeed like the previously mentioned Buffalo Stampede, or continue to meddle in their current rebuild phase.

11. The Hamilton Steelhawks

5 year record: 141-78-31 (313 points) (3rd)
10 year record: 237-204-59 (533 points) (8th)
15 year record: 339-327-84 (762 points) (11th)
Playoff Appearances: 7
President Trophy Wins: 2
Challenge Cup Wins: 0
Speaking of rebuilds, the next team on our list is no stranger to them. Opting to enter in to a second rebuild in the mid S30’s after a series of disappointing seasons the Hamilton Steelhawks have been lights out ever since. 5 straight appearances in the playoffs, including a pair of president’s trophy winning seasons in S38 and S42, the Steelhawks have been one of the best teams in the league over the last 5 seasons as shown by their record. So why are they so low on this list? Well this set of rankings are based on what teams have already done, not what they could do. The truth is outside of these last 5 seasons the Steelhawks were plagued with poor performances and bad results. Even with their 5 seasons included they beat only 3 other teams over the last 15 seasons, 2 of which are expansion teams who didn’t earn a playoff berth until S33 (Buffalo). Interesting fact, if you were to extend the window back to 20 seasons they’d have 2 Challenge Cups on their resume. I had planned to do 20 seasons actually, but was unable to find the indexes prior to S28 so here we are.

10. The Los Angeles Panthers

5 year record: 131-98-21 (283 points) (7th)
10 year record: 267-186-47 (581 points) (4th)
15 year record: 396-291-63 (855 points) (7th)
Playoff Appearances: 7
President Trophy Wins: 1
Challenge Cup Wins: 0
In terms of playoff appearances and trophy wins, the Los Angeles Panthers and the previously ranked Hamilton Steelhawks are quite close, but how they went about earning them was significantly different. In the same time frame the Panthers won 57 more games, a win percentage of just over 6% higher. They also managed to remain competitive over that entire span, ranking inside the top 8 in all 3 time frames. To top it all off they’ve made 2 appearances in the Challenge Cup final in recent memory. Put it all together and I feel the long term success of the Panthers outweighs the short term (or should I say recent) success of the Hamilton Steelhawks. But once again why are they so low given their strong record? At the end of the day the goal of this league is to win the Challenge Cup and although the Panthers have come close several times they were unable to secure the top prize over the last 15 seasons. In fact they are the last team on this list (the highest ranked) to have not won the Challenge Cup over the last 15 seasons. Fun fact, their 38 win (78 point) performance in S32 is the highest season win and point total in the last 15 seasons.

9. The Toronto North Stars Stars

5 year record: 101-121-28 (230 points) (13th)
10 year record: 227-214-59 (513 points) (10th)
15 year record: 358-309-83 (799 points) (10th)
Playoff Appearances: 8
President Trophy Wins: 0
Challenge Cup Wins: 1
Our first champion. Honestly if not for the cup winning season in S35 these guys would’ve dropped a few spots. While never a bad team, they got lost in the shuffle at times, which is shown by their record. While over 0.500 most of the time, it was outside the top 8 where you’d usually find perennial playoff contenders. They were able to secure 4 consecutive playoff berths from S34-S37, but outside of that they put together some pretty sporadic results. The one glaring number is their second worst overall record over the last 5 seasons, but much like the Seattle Riot they are coming to the end of a much needed rebuild and look primed to contend in the east once again.

8. The Manhattan Rage Rage

5 year record: 107-122-21 (235 points) (11th)
10 year record: 226-234-40 (492 points) (12th)
15 year record: 341-342-67 (749 points) (12th)
Playoff Appearances: 4
President Trophy Wins: 0
Challenge Cup Wins: 2
In the opening paragraph I mentioned the sim can be quite random at times. Well here is the leading example. No offense to the Manhattan Rage organization or any of its amazing players over the last 15 seasons, but how do you go below 0.500 over the last 5, 10 and 15 years and manage to secure not 1, but 2 championships? Call it whatever you want, but the Rage know how to win when it matters and it’s for that reason alone they find themselves at number 8. Had they of had a better record they could have easily moved up this list since 2 championships is more than 11 other teams, but I’ve opted for long term success over short term glory. Interesting fact, they have the second fewest playoff appearances over the last 15 seasons, just 1 more than the San Francisco Pride/Portland Admirals.

7. The Texas Renegades

5 year record: 118-108-24 (260 points) (9th)
10 year record: 245-206-49 (539 points) (7th)
15 year record: 392-289-69 (853 points) (8th)
Playoff Appearances: 10
President Trophy Wins: 1
Challenge Cup Wins: 1
Probably the most difficult team to place, the Texas Renegades were better than the previously ranked Manhattan Rage in all categories, except the all-important Challenge Cup win total, and very close in all statistical categories to the team I ranked at #6. The 3 were practically interchangeable, but at the end of the day I have them coming in the at the number 7 slot. From S34 to S37 this team was an absolute juggernaut, boasting one of the deepest rosters in recent memory. Although they were able to secure a cup in S36 it was followed by some penalties to the management team at that time which led to the loss of several picks. They were able to salvage several of those picks and remain competitive by trading away their depth, but the season to season results ever since have been inconsistent. The current management team seems to have things under control though as they continue to right the ship and improve upon a 9th overall record over the last 5 seasons.

6. The Edmonton Blizzard

5 year record: 136-88-26 (298 points) (5th)
10 year record: 241-209-50 (532 points) (9th)
15 year record: 396-285-69 (861 points) (6th)
Playoff Appearances: 10
President Trophy Wins: 0
Challenge Cup Wins: 1
I’ll save you guys the extended write up on this one, but I must say the Edmonton Blizzard are one of the more interesting cases on this list. 6 straight appearances from S28-S33, followed by 5 straight regular season eliminations from S34-S38, culminating in 4 straight playoff appearances from S39-S42. If you could rate the value of a Challenge Cup theirs would be the lowest as it was 15 seasons ago (convenient). Nevertheless the Edmonton Blizzard have remained a competitive club over the last 15 seasons, boasting nearly a top 8 record in all 3 time frames. In addition to their one championship they also made 2 runs to the finals in S30 and S31, before ultimately losing to the New England Wolfpack both times. Much like the previously mentioned Hamilton Steelhawks they have trended upwards nicely over the last 5 seasons and are eager to get back in to the finals.

5. The West Kendall Platoon Platoon

5 year record: 127-96-27 (281 points) (8th)
10 year record: 257-197-46 (560 points) (6th)
15 year record: 395-281-74 (864 points) (5th)
Playoff Appearances: 12
President Trophy Wins: 0
Challenge Cup Wins: 1
From here on out it become a lot easier to rank the teams. While not much better than the previously ranked Edmonton Blizzard, the 2 additional playoff appearances seal it. In fact the 12 appearances are tied for 2nd most among the 14 teams, which is indicative of long term success. Throw in the fact that their cup win came just 2 seasons ago and the Blizzard won there’s way back in S28 (against the Platoon strangely enough) and it becomes even clearer.

4. The Minnesota Chiefs Chiefs

5 year record: 134-83-33 (301 points) (4th)
10 year record: 254-188-58 (566 points) (5th)
15 year record: 400-281-69 (869 points) (4th)
Playoff Appearances: 11
President Trophy Wins: 1
Challenge Cup Wins: 1
I feel like it was only a season or two ago these guys put up insane numbers in the regular season only to get swept in the playoffs. Well those days are long gone. With 6 straight appearances from S36-S41, including two finals appearances and one championship win in S39, the days of the Minnesota chokes from back in S30 and S31 are only distant memory now. Top 5 in all three time frames used in this article, the Minnesota Chiefs are much more consistent than the 10 previous teams listed and they have the hardware to prove it.

3. The Winnipeg Jets Jets

5 year record: 159-71-20 (338 points (1st)
10 year record: 302-161-37 (641 points) (1st)
15 year record: 411-267-72 (894 points) (3rd)
Playoff Appearances: 10
President Trophy Wins: 2
Challenge Cup Wins: 1
Arguably the most dominant regular season over the last 10 seasons, the Winnipeg Jets know how to win hockey games. Boasting the best record over the last 5 and 10 years respectively, as well as the 3rd best record over the last 15, the Jets know how to win. Or at least in the regular season. Despite long term and consistent success, including a pair of president trophies, the Challenge Cup has eluded them to some extent. Yes they did win it once back in S37, but they’ve been the favorite in every playoff series since then and have struggled to step back in to the finals. Had a few of those series over the last few seasons tilted in their favor they could’ve easily been in the #2 or even #1 spot of this list. Nevertheless they are a strong team, capable of competing for the Challenge Cup every season and an easy choice for the #3 spot.

2. The New England Wolfpack

5 year record: 134-90-26 (294 points) (6th)
10 year record: 279-174-47 (605 points) (3rd)
15 year record: 419-267-64 (902 points) (2nd)
Playoff Appearances: 12
President Trophy Wins: 3
Challenge Cup Wins: 3
One of only two teams to secure over 900 points over the last 15 seasons, the New England Wolfpack find themselves comfortably at the number two spot of our dynasty rankings. Unlike the previously mentioned Winnipeg Jets that “just” put up lofty regular season numbers, the Wolfpack were able to get it done in the playoffs as well, securing 3 championship wins in just 4 seasons from S30-S33. Since then they’ve bounced around a bit as shown by their record over the last 5 seasons, but they still find themselves well inside the top 8 in all 3 time frames and a regular competitor for the Challenge Cup every season. A trip to the Challenge Cup final in S42 provides even further support of that argument. I wonder what would’ve been had the Blizzard won those matchups back in S30 and S31?

1. The Calgary Dragons Dragons

5 year record: 147-82-21 (315 points) (2nd)
10 year record: 295-161-44 (634 points) (2nd)
15 year record: 447-238-65 (959 points) (1st)
Playoff Appearances: 14
President Trophy Wins: 3
Challenge Cup Wins: 4
I bet when you saw the title of this article you immediately guessed the #1 team. Well guess what, you were (probably) correct, or at least I hope you were. Yes, it’s the Calgary Dragons. With their recent championship win they add a 4th cup to their mantle in just 15 seasons, more than any other team in the league over that time frame. But wait there’s more. They also lead the league in playoff appearances and president trophies over the last 15 seasons. But wait there’s more! They have the best record over the last 15 seasons, including 2nd best in the previous 10 and 5 seasons respectively. Any way you slice it these guys are the definition of success and the closest any team will ever come to a “dynasty” in the modern SHL era (or at least in the time frame I picked). Now let someone else have a turn already.

[2879 words + spreadsheets + research + hardwork + heart]

*Good_Ole_Kimmy* · 09-04-2018, 11:35 PM

09-04-2018, 11:08 PMkarlssens Wrote:
hardwork + heart]

This is the real money maker right here.

Toivo · 09-05-2018, 12:23 AM

Nice article. Permission is required to view that google sheets, just so yo know.

karlssens · 09-05-2018, 12:28 AM

09-05-2018, 12:23 AMTorbvo Wrote: Nice article. Permission is required to view that google sheets, just so yo know.

thanks! and thanks for the heads up, should be fixed now.

DeletedAtUserRequest · 09-05-2018, 01:07 AM

karlssens articles are always top notch. Love this one!

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Slappydoodle · 09-05-2018, 01:33 AM

Nice job. Very well written.

Cheers

Slappydoodle · 09-05-2018, 01:35 AM

So nice, i double posted.

karlssens · 09-05-2018, 01:35 AM

09-05-2018, 01:07 AMMike Izzy Wrote: karlssens articles are always top notch. Love this one!

you're too kind mr Izzy. bold predictions coming back for s43 so keep an eye out.
feel free to hit me with some predictions.

tweedledunn · 09-05-2018, 04:11 AM

give this man bonus simbucks this is a beaut

*Tomen* · 09-05-2018, 04:13 AM

Personally when I hear dynasty I think about a timeframe of about 5 seasons or so in which a team dominated the league ,not 15 seasons that would be more something like "best run organization" but that's just my personal opinion. So for me that would be something like NEW from S30-S33 with 3 cup wins in 4 seasons or S13-S16 EDM with also 3 Cups.

Great article nice to see someone going back in time and looking at the history. Cheers

Thank you all for the amazing sigs & player cards
Germany

3. Buffalo Stampede , Eduard Selich 5 (Maximilian Wachter, Alexis Metzler) at 16:25
5. Buffalo Stampede , Eduard Selich 6 (Steven Stamkos Jr., Brynjar Tusk) at 19:48
8. Buffalo Stampede , Eduard Selich 7 (Brynjar Tusk, Alexis Metzler) at 13:55
9. Buffalo Stampede , Eduard Selich 8 (Anton Fedorov, Mikelis Grundmanis) at 15:12
10. Buffalo Stampede , Eduard Selich 9 (Dickie Pecker) at 19:43 (Empty Net)

caltroit_red_flames · 09-05-2018, 10:22 AM

09-05-2018, 04:13 AMTomen Wrote: Personally when I hear dynasty I think about a timeframe of about 5 seasons or so in which a team dominated the league ,not 15 seasons that would be more something like "best run organization" but that's just my personal opinion. So for me that would be something like NEW from S30-S33 with 3 cup wins in 4 seasons or S13-S16 EDM with also 3 Cups.

Great article nice to see someone going back in time and looking at the history.

Yep, should probably be Franchise Rankings or something

Dangles13 · 09-05-2018, 11:10 AM

09-05-2018, 04:13 AMTomen Wrote: Personally when I hear dynasty I think about a timeframe of about 5 seasons or so in which a team dominated the league ,not 15 seasons that would be more something like "best run organization" but that's just my personal opinion. So for me that would be something like NEW from S30-S33 with 3 cup wins in 4 seasons or S13-S16 EDM with also 3 Cups.

Great article nice to see someone going back in time and looking at the history.

Yeah I could agree with that. Some teams just seemed so dominant in short periods of time that you knew they were going to the finals every second season.

King · 09-05-2018, 10:38 PM

09-05-2018, 04:13 AMTomen Wrote: Personally when I hear dynasty I think about a timeframe of about 5 seasons or so in which a team dominated the league ,not 15 seasons that would be more something like "best run organization" but that's just my personal opinion. So for me that would be something like NEW from S30-S33 with 3 cup wins in 4 seasons or S13-S16 EDM with also 3 Cups.

Great article nice to see someone going back in time and looking at the history.

Yeah I came to post this.

I loved the article, was 10/10, but when you talk about dynasties it's like the 80's Oilers, the 80's Islanders, 90/00's Red Wings. Not just the tea, but a particular window.

Like S30-33 Wolfpack was a dynasty. 3 cups in 4 seasons. Or S13-16 Blizzard, with 3 cups in 4 seasons.

karlssens · 09-06-2018, 01:13 AM

you fellas make some good points. Franchise rankings might have made more sense. I'll keep that in mind for the next one.

sarmo · 09-06-2018, 06:54 AM

Dope

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