S9 LGHL Playoff Preview (Part 2)

Hey everyone!

Here's a quick and consumable playoff preview.

But before you start reading, let's make this a little interactive shall we? Who do you think will win the Stanley Cup this year... Oh, and also, don't be that guy that picks his own team

Hope you like what I have to say. In an effort to keep it as short as possible, I know I missed quite a bit and was reductive at times, but c'est la vie.

NYR vs. NYI

Series in 50 Words: It may be true that defense wins championships, but you have to score to win. Despite the Ranger’s gaudy numbers, this series has been shockingly close. The Reason? Shots. The Rangers have to take a page out of the Islander’s book and score any way possible to advance in convincing fashion.

Players To Watch:

• LaFleuR11 (RD, NYR) – In just his second season, LaFleur has already cemented himself as one of the best defensemen in the league. Now, it’s time for him to prove that he can help lead a team in the playoffs, driving the offense and breaking NYI’s trap all while playing stout defense.

• TylerLOEKEY (G, NYI) – The Islanders are going to need all the help they can get to squeak out a series win and it all starts between the pipes. If Tyler can somehow stand on his head and steal a few games, maybe, just maybe the Islanders will see the second round.

Quick Maths:

New York Rangers:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 23-17 (Rank: 2)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.63 (Rank: 3)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 1.95 (Rank: 6)
Avg. Time On Attack: 6:51 (Rank: 8)

New York Islanders:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 16-24 (Rank: 13)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.15 (Rank: 12)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 2.80 (Rank: 14)
Avg. Time On Attack: 6:38 (Rank: 13)


NJ vs. WASH

Series in 50 Words: This has to be the worst possible match up that Washington could have hoped for. The Devils are just as sound defensively but might be a little deeper. Should be a fun series to watch and will likely boil down to who can beat who’s trap.

Players To Watch:

• Gwan (LD, NJ) – This season, very few teams have been able to break through the Capital’s infamous trap (shoutouts to Mathout), but Gwan might just be what the doctor ordered. Specializing in pinpoint saucer passes and playing some mean defense, he may very well be the key to opening things up a little.

• Hra-ow (LW, WASH) – Forget about ScaryJoeyy, McLxvinn or PTP, if Washington is to advance, they're going to have to hope their depth fwds can muster up enough firepower to win a game or two. Hra-ow in particular will have to carry some of the offensive load, especially if the teams’ top lines split their games.

Quick Maths:

New Jersey:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 22-18 (Rank: T-4)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.08 (Rank: 13)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 1.75 (Rank: 1)
Avg. Time On Attack: 7:01 (Rank: 5)

Washington:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 27-13 (Rank: 1)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.28 (Rank: 9)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 1.90 (Rank: 3)
Avg. Time On Attack: 6:47 (Rank: 11)


DET vs. BUF

Series in 50 Words: Statistically speaking, this match up has the potential to be a complete blood bath. The only way that Detroit will ever stand a chance of winning is if they keep playing as if their life depends on it…. well, that or if Buffalo decides to give their AHL players some playoff experience and runs 2 solid lines of ECUs.

Players To Watch:

• JClaus33 (C, BUF) – Having never won a cup before, this might finally be JClaus’ year (hurray for free contracts!). Right now however, Claus just has to focus on showing up and being prepared for a team with absolutely nothing to lose.

• Soulplane4 (G, DET) – There’s a theory that goaltenders actually get better the more they shots they face, and well, Soul is about to see more rubber than a $2 hooker. Thing is though, this is nothing new for him. With cat-like reflexes, Detroit is going to have to look to him to steal a few games to have a shot in advancing to the next round.

Quick Maths:

Detroit:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 13-27 (Rank: 16)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 1.83 (Rank: 16)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 2.65 (Rank: 11)
Avg. Time On Attack: 6:05 (Rank: 16)

Buffalo:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 22-18 (Rank: T-4)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.45 (Rank: 6)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 1.93 (Rank: 4)
Avg. Time On Attack: 7:01 (Rank: 5)


MTL vs. TOR

Series in 50 Words: Definitely one of the most interesting matchups in round 1. While Montreal is somewhat porous defensively, they play well on the other end and can rebound with the best of them. Now, they have to play an extremely strong, well-rounded Leafs team that slows the game down and methodically generates offense with surgical precision.

Players To Watch:

• Leg_al (RD, TOR) – Montreal’s chances of winning the series are predicated upon generating offense from the rush and crashing the net… hard. If Leg_al, one of the Toronto’s toughest defenders, can jam the Canadienne’s wingers at the line and clean up the front of the net, this series is in the bag.

• Einx29 (RW, MTL) – Einx29 is extremely underrated when it comes to making defenders miss and taking what defenses give him. In playing against such a regimented team, it’ll be up to him to score a few goals and squeak out some wins.

Quick Maths:

Montreal:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 19-21 (Rank: 10)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.33 (Rank: 8)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 2.78 (Rank: 13)
Avg. Time On Attack: 6:21 (Rank: 14)

Toronto:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 22-18 (Rank: T-4)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.55 (Rank: 4)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 1.85 (Rank: 2)
Avg. Time On Attack: 6:55 (Rank: 7)


EDM vs. COL

Series in 50 Words: Everyone has this series pegged as one that can go either way, and they might very well be right. Akonvict and Theos are as good as anyone in the league. Problem is, Colorado seems to have an answer for anything that the Oilers can throw their way, including Eastons and a very deep forward corps.

Players To Watch:

• SuDzy92 (C, COL) – This series could very well come down to which team is deeper, and having Sudzy as a third-line centre might just be the Avs’ key to winning the series. An extremely underrated forward, he can make people miss and score with the best of them… especially when pitted against shaky defenses.

• Akonvict21 (C, EDM) – In order for the Oilers to win against the Avs, the team is going to have to rely on their top players to get the job done in order to relieve pressure on other lines. Konvict has had an amazing season, generating a boatload of offense on a staggering 1.68 turnover-to-point ratio, and may very well be up to the task of ending the Colorado’s hopes of a 3-peat.

Quick Maths:

Edmonton:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 21-20 (Rank: 9)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.68 (Rank: 2)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 1.93 (Rank: 5)
Avg. Time On Attack: 7:28 (Rank: 2)

Colorado:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 20-19 (Rank: 8)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.36 (Rank: 7)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 2.41 (Rank: 9)
Avg. Time On Attack: 6:49 (Rank: 10)


DAL vs. STL

Series in 50 Words: This matchup is very hard to call given that both teams have done little against other playoff teams. However, when the looking at the rosters, it seems as though St. Louis will be able to pull through on star power. Bank on Fool x90 and NyTeQuiL making it hard on the Stars and winning out in the end.

Players To Watch:

• NyTeQuiL (C, STL) – Against the worst statistical defense of any playoff team, look to Mr. Sweaty himself to have quite the series. If he plays up to his usual standards, the Blues have a very good chance of advancing to the next round, especially if he matches up against, and neutralizes, the Stars top line.

• HAT_TRICK_LEGEND (RW, DAL) – One of the most underrated forwards in the league, Hat Trick has been playing against top teams all year and can very well lead the charge against a St. Louis’ defense that is quite offensive and inexperienced. Look for him to step up and help his team win.

Quick Maths:

Dallas:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 16-23 (Rank: 12)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.23 (Rank: 11)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 2.95 (Rank: 16)
Avg. Time On Attack: 7:04 (Rank: 4)

St. Louis:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 15-24 (Rank: 14)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 1.97 (Rank: 15)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 2.56 (Rank: 10)
Avg. Time On Attack: 7:17 (Rank: 3)


VAN vs. CAL

Series in 50 Words: Looking at the stats, this series will likely not be a close one. The Flames play an extremely solid game, relying on cycling and a barrage of shots to chip away at their opponents... Oh, and they have a ridiculously good west line. Here’s hoping Dr. Nasty and company can hold up.

Players To Watch:

• NickyP1999 (RW, CAL) – The ping is real, and when it comes to west lines beating up on eastern players, no one is as good at it as NickyP. Look for him to have a big series against a team without an answer to the ominous 55 ms.

• Bonwl (C, VAN) – With one of the most interesting routes to the NHL, there’s a reason why the Canucks started winning of late and it started with him getting called back up. In my opinion, Vancouver’s chances of winning live and die in Bonwl’s (and Joe’s) silky smooth hands. It’ll be interesting to see what happens.

Quick Maths:

Vancouver:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 15-27 (Rank: 15)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.05 (Rank: 14)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 2.88 (Rank: 15)
Avg. Time On Attack: 6:45 (Rank: 12)

Calgary:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 23-18 (Rank: 3)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.88 (Rank: 1)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 2.24 (Rank: 7)
Avg. Time On Attack: 7:35 (Rank: 1)


LA vs. SJ

Series in 50 Words:
Prior to Washington, a Trotz-led Predators team made a run relying on team defense and waiting for teams to make a mistake. This in a nut shell is what Los Angeles is looking to do facing a tremendously talented Sharks squad. Finesse or grit? It’s going to be interesting to see what wins out.



Players To Watch:

• GoalieGodz (C, SJ) – Don’t let the two straight seasons of 50ish points fool you, San Jose relies on GoalieGodz for a lot more than offense and it will be readily apparent in this match up. In order to convincingly win, they are going to need him to keep securing draws and play a patently sound all-around game.

• leafs1791 (G, LA) – Relying on team defense and opportune moments is never easy, especially with a somewhat shallow d-corps. Look to leafs to steal a game or two if the Kings want to make it out of the first round.

Quick Maths:

Los Angeles:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 17-23 (Rank: 11)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.24 (Rank: 10)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 2.73 (Rank: 12)
Avg. Time On Attack: 6:11 (Rank: 15)

San Jose:

Record Against Playoff Teams: 23-19 (Rank: 7)
Avg. Goals For Versus Playoff Teams: 2.55 (Rank: 5)
Avg. Goals Against Versus Playoff Teams: 2.31 (Rank: 8)
Avg. Time On Attack: 6:50 (Rank: 9)

 

This was great.

Good read.

 

Imagine thinking @Hra-ow is better than me OmegaLUL

 

Nice read

 

Well, as I said, I was keeping it short and didn't really have time to mention everyone, otherwise Joeyy and them would get a write up far sooner than you. But if you really want to know....

You've never had a winning season in the NHL or AHL (with the exception of S7 when you played D), have been on 3 separate teams this season, pot one point for every 9 turnovers as a Centre (pretty poor ratio if you look at most people), are a minus 20 and have lost to the likes of the Bolts and Sens since joining the Caps.

Hra-ow on the other hand has more points, rocks a TA-P ration of 3.97 (which at wing, should be higher than a centre), has generally only lost to good teams with few exceptions, has never been blown out and has only taken 3 penalties all season.

I mean, you could very well be better than him, I don't know you at all. I just picked him because statistically, he looks better... OMEGALUL

Also, you should be nicer to your teammates.

 

@PrometheusXVII was just a joke man haha good read and I agree my stats are very poor. Love my rah. Good post tho!

 

Great write up man but me and nicky are the only 2 players on west in CGY

 

Let’s go @Hra-ow !!! Player to watch

 

Trotz didnt lead Nashville to the final or on a playoff run deeper than the 2nd round.. It was Peter Laviolette. Lol

 

People out here really calling me Mr Sweaty smh. Good write up tho #DrainTheSwamp

 

Good read man and thank you for showing some love I appreciate it. Playoff media is the best media