Novosti i izjave za javnost

With the final games of the season wrapping up today, the playoff matches finally come to fruition. After a up and down season by many teams, one team has shown to be head and shoulders above the rest; The Ice Monkeys. With only one regulation loss all year, this team is the clear favorite heading into the playoffs. Any team that wants to win this league is going to at some point go through this team to win it. That being said, lets take a look at the first round matchups.

1. Ice Monkeys vs
8. Team noname 39316
Season Series: 1-1 Tie (4:2 L, 9:5 W)
Once a strong contender for the top 3 seed, once the Millwood Bulldogs lost their manager, they also lost any semblance of a team. The Bulldogs were the only team to beat the Ice Monkeys in regulation, but this team will not beat them come friday. Owners of a 10 game losing streak, they stumble into the playoffs with no hope of beating the Ice Monkeys. Great set up for the Monkeys as they can get away with playing a playoff game with low game importance, saving energy for the later rounds.
Prediction: 9-1 Ice Monkeys

2. Almatois vs
7. The Virus
Season Series: 2-0 Almatois (9:0 W, 7:5W)
Almatois has completely dominated the season series, and expect them to dominate this game as well. Solidly the second best team all year, this team could be the only team that could actually challenge Ice Monkeys for the title. 3 of the top 10 players come from Almatois, they also own the second best GA record in the league. Expect a dominating performance.
Prediction: 4-1 Almatois

3. Bow Valley Buccaneers vs
6. Les Fils de la liberté
Season Series: 1-1 tie (8-5 L, 6-3 W)
A very interesting matchup. While Les Fils de la liberté have been very solid throughout the year, the Buccs have had probably one of the best turnaround years in the history of PPM. One of the hottest teams in the league, the team has gathered a 14-1-2 record since acquiring the league leader in S% John Jobling. Both teams have a good chance of making a splash in these playoffs, and expect a grind it out battle.
Prediction: 5-2 Buccs

4. Rose Valley vs
5. Windsor Prostitutes
Season Series: 1-0-1 Rose Valley (3:2 W, 2:2 T)
The best first round matchup, bar none. Rose Valley, or 'Team Europe' is one of the most skilled teams in the league, with the by far best defensemen in the league in Laurens Daems. What they have in skill however they lack in chemistry. This team has has so much turnover this year it seems very hard to think that they can beat such a tight knit group that the Prostitutes have. Windsor has a VERY hot goalie in Martin Belica, and a very deep lineup that doesn't really have any allstars, but swells in role players. Going to be an exciting game to watch, expect a sold-out Reapers arena.
Prediction: 2-1 OT Windsor Prostitutes

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