rainsilent

East:
#1 Cedar Rapids Minutemen vs #8 Netherhill Nightmares.
45-7-2-26 151pts / 32-10-10-28 126pts
Regular season stats: Minutemen / Nightmare
Goals for: 255 (4th) / 237 (13th)
Goals against: 191 (3rd) / 220 (12th)
PP: 21.8% (8th) / 21% (11th)
PK: 86.1% (3rd) / 78.5% (18th)
Shooting %: 9.8% (1st) / 7.8% (18th)
Save %: 92.7% (4th) / 92.3% (12th)
PDO: 1.025 (1st) / 1.002 (12th)
CF: 1245 (24th) / 1342 (14th)
CA: 1151 (3rd) / 1321 (13th)
Corsi %: 52% (8th) / 50.4% (14th)
Season match up: 3 wins Minutemen, 1 OT win Nightmare.
 
Statistically this was a close match up during the regular season with only one game being decided by more than one goal. As a result, I expect this match up to be a lot closer than the statistics may otherwise say. The Nightmare are a solid overall team that aren't to be discounted due to their 8th seed. Combine that with the fact that the Minutemen played well above expectations for the season (especially with a shooting% and PDO so abnormally high when CF is taken into account) and I would give this match up a serious consideration for upset alert.
 
#2 Slaughterville Red Tide vs #7 Lake Valley Bulldogs
46-4-3-27 149pts / 35-10-4-31 129pts
Regular season stats: Red Tide / Bulldogs
Goals for: 266 (2nd) / 255 (5th)
Goals against: 200 (6th) / 245 (21st)
PP: 19.8% (16th) / 22.8% (5th)
PK: 79.1% (16th) / 81.1% (12th)
Shooting %: 9.2% (4th) / 9.7% (2nd)
Save %: 93.2% (1st) / 91.2% (24th)
PDO: 1.024 (2nd) / 1.008 (10th)
CF: 1535 (1st) / 1302 (19th)
CA: 1202 (7th) / 1420 (21st)
Corsi %: 56.1% (2nd) / 47.8% (21st)
Season match up: 3 wins Red Tide, 1 win Bulldogs.
 
The season series was notably in favor of the Red Tide as one game was on the verge of a blowout while another was an out right blowout. The Bulldogs are going to have to find a way to improve their 5 on 5 play defensively or this could be a short series. The middle of the pack special teams for the Red Tide could potentially keep the Bulldogs in the series and appears to be the most likely reason for the series to drag on.
 
#3 Sheshegwaning Dragons vs #6 Big Delta Stealheads
44-3-11-22 149pts / 36-7-7-30 129pts
Regular season stats: Dragons / Stealheads
Goals for: 263 (3rd) / 239 (12th)
Goals against: 205 (8th) / 199 (5th)
PP: 24.9% (2nd) / 16.6% (22nd)
PK: 86.3% (2nd) / 83.9% (6th)
Shooting %: 8.9% (7th) / 8.8% (8th)
Save %: 92.4% (9th) / 92.3% (10th)
PDO: 1.013 (4th) / 1.012 (5th)
CF: 1466 (3rd) / 1313 (18th)
CA: 1261 (9th) / 1098 (2nd)
Corsi %: 53.8% (4th) / 54.5% (3rd)
Season match up: 1 win Dragons, 3 wins Stealheads.
 
This matchup is my official upset alert for the East. Outside of the poor powerplay of the Stealheads these two teams are statistically near mirror images. The question is if the current goaltending for the Dragons can hold up to the quite potent offense of the Stealheads? The Dragons shipped out the goalie they had as their starter for most of the season. This is going to be either a lopsided series due to poor goaltending or one heck of a close series.
 
#4 Sault Ste Marie Battlin Bears vs #5 Mango Duhawks
43-4-3-30 140pts / 37-7-6-30 131pts
Regular season stats: Battlin Bears / Duhawks
Goals for: 232 (14th) / 226 (16th)
Goals against: 209 (9th) / 216 (11th)
PP: 19.1% (18th) / 19.8% (17th)
PK: 85.9% (4th) / 77.1% (23rd)
Shooting %: 7.9% (16th) / 8.1% (13th)
Save %: 91.8% (16th) / 92.1% (15th)
PDO: .997 (17th) / 1.002 (13th)
CF: 1388 (9th) / 1382 (10th)
CA: 1293 (10th) / 1323 (14th)
Corsi %: 51.8% (9th) / 51.1% (10th)
Season match up: 2 wins Battlin Bears, 2 wins Duhawks.
 
This is very likely to be a close series. The regular season games were. Based upon the regular season stats I think it is most likely to be decided by the PK of each team. The Battlin Bears had one of the best. The Duhawks had one of the worst. In every other way these teams are very close statistically. It could be a short series due to the PK difference but the Battlin Bears PP is too iffy for me to fully buy into the poor PK of the Duhawks as being as significant a drawback as it likely should be.
 
West
#1 Kegashka Prairie Stars vs #8 Eastern Outlaws.
47-11-2-20 165pts / 34-7-7-32 123pts
Regular season stats: Prairie Stars / Outlaws
Goals for: 246 (10th) / 214 (18th)
Goals against: 164 (1st) / 204 (7th)
PP: 22.3% (7th) / 18.5% (19th)
PK: 82.6% (8th) / 77.8% (20th)
Shooting %: 8% (15th) / 7.7% (19th)
Save %: 93% (3rd) / 93.1% (2nd)
PDO: 1.010 (7th) / 1.009 (9th)
CF: 1403 (6th) / 1344 (13th)
CA: 1223 (8th) / 1181 (5th)
Corsi %: 53.4% (5th) / 53.2% (6th)
Season match up: 2 wins and 1 SO win Prairie Stars, 1 wins Outlaws.
 
The Outlaws are a solid team with very good goaltending and team play. Everything else about them is below average. On the other side is the Prairie Stars with the best record in the league but rather underwhelming stats for a team that more or less ran away with the best record by 14 points. Almost everything about them is good but only the 5 on 5 goals against is truly great. I would have expected more statistically with such a record. In terms of the match up the big question is can the Outlaws score and can their special teams be better than it was in the regular season? Against the Prairie Stars it is going to be tough as their two wins were big ones over the Outlaws.
 
#2 West Chicago Hawks vs #7 Scandinavia Steelers
42-7-8-23 148pts / 35-9-5-31 128pts
Regular season stats: Hawks / Steelers
Goals for: 249 (8th) / 200 (25th)
Goals against: 183 (2nd) / 194 (4th)
PP: 24.1% (3rd) / 20.2% (15th)
PK: 82.5% (9th) / 87.2% (1st)
Shooting %: 7.6% (20th) / 7.4% (22nd)
Save %: 92.5% (6th) / 92.5% (7th)
PDO: 1.001 (14th) / .999 (16th)
CF: 1448 (5th) / 1184 (25th)
CA: 1389 (16th) / 1160 (4th)
Corsi %: 51% (11th) / 50.5% (13th)
Season match up: 4 wins Hawks.
 
The Steelers are a bit of a mystery to me. They have a very good group of forwards but the team struggles mightily offensively. They didn't do well against the Hawks in the regular season because of it losing all four games. On the same token the Hawks offense under performed as well 5 on 5 with a very poor shooting percentage themselves. This could be a series dragged on by the stingy defense of the Steelers facing off against the lackluster 5 on 5 offense of the Hawks but the Steelers have to find a way to score to do it. This series is going to come down to if the Steelers can find some offense or not.
 
#3 Enigma Rage vs #6 Vauban Tomahawks
42-5-5-28 141pts / 36-9-6-29 132pts
Regular season stats: Rage / Tomahawks
Goals for: 248 (9th) / 253 (6th)
Goals against: 230 (15th) / 222 (13th)
PP: 22.9% (4th) / 17.7% (21st)
PK: 83.3% (7th) / 81.8% (11th)
Shooting %: 8.8% (9th) / 9.5% (3rd)
Save %: 92.1% (14th) / 92.3% (11th)
PDO: 1.009 (8th) / 1.018 (3rd)
CF: 1354 (12th) / 1319 (16th)
CA: 1198 (5th) / 1313 (11th)
Corsi %: 53.1% (7th) / 50.1% (15th)
Season match up: 1 win Rage, 2 wins and 1 SO win Tomahawks
 
This series is my upset alert for the West. The Rage are a very good statistical team overall. Its one statistical blemish is its 5 on 5 goals against. The Tomahawks are a good team themsleves with one very good strength. 5 on 5 goals for. It is the biggest weakness of one team against the biggest strength of the other team. This has the potential to be a very close series that could also go heavily one way or the other. If the Tomahawks can continue their 5 on 5 excellence it will be trouble for Rage. The Rage have the special teams to otherwise win the series if not keep the games close.
 
#4 Ithaca Ricochet vs #5 Yonker Wolverines
40-7-4-29 138pts / 41-4-3-32 134pts
Regular season stats: Ricochet / Wolverines
Goals for: 253 (7th) / 269 (1st)
Goals against: 213 (10th) / 241 (20th)
PP: 21% (12th) / 22.8% (6th)
PK: 80% (14th) / 75.2% (27th)
Shooting %: 8.4% (11th) / 9.1% (5th)
Save %: 91.6% (18th) / 90.6% (27th)
PDO: 1.000 (15th) / .997 (19th)
CF: 1452 (4th) / 1474 (2nd)
CA: 1503 (25th) / 1541 (27th)
Corsi %: 49.1% (17th) / 48.9% (18th)
Season match up: 3 wins Ricochet, 1 win Wolverines
 
This is the series that I am most looking forward to. It has the greatest potential for some wild games. Each of the four games in the regular season was. For one team you can forget about defense. It doesn't exist. Its not a thing. The other team is a team that plays a high tempo style of play given the lot of shots for and against 5 on 5. I'm excited for this series simply because it is very likely going to be a lot of speed, shots and general back and forth, high tempo action. Who is going to win? Who cares? It is going to very likely be one heck of a show.

East:
#1 Cedar Rapids Minutemen vs #8 Netherhill Nightmares.
45-7-2-26 151pts / 32-10-10-28 126pts
Regular season stats: Minutemen / Nightmare
Goals for: 255 (4th) / 237 (13th)
Goals against: 191 (3rd) / 220 (12th)
PP: 21.8% (8th) / 21% (11th)
PK: 86.1% (3rd) / 78.5% (18th)
Shooting %: 9.8% (1st) / 7.8% (18th)
Save %: 92.7% (4th) / 92.3% (12th)
PDO: 1.025 (1st) / 1.002 (12th)
CF: 1245 (24th) / 1342 (14th)
CA: 1151 (3rd) / 1321 (13th)
Corsi %: 52% (8th) / 50.4% (14th)
Season match up: 3 wins Minutemen, 1 OT win Nightmare.
 
Statistically this was a close match up during the regular season with only one game being decided by more than one goal. As a result, I expect this match up to be a lot closer than the statistics may otherwise say. The Nightmare are a solid overall team that aren't to be discounted due to their 8th seed. Combine that with the fact that the Minutemen played well above expectations for the season (especially with a shooting% and PDO so abnormally high when CF is taken into account) and I would give this match up a serious consideration for upset alert.
 
#2 Slaughterville Red Tide vs #7 Lake Valley Bulldogs
46-4-3-27 149pts / 35-10-4-31 129pts
Regular season stats: Red Tide / Bulldogs
Goals for: 266 (2nd) / 255 (5th)
Goals against: 200 (6th) / 245 (21st)
PP: 19.8% (16th) / 22.8% (5th)
PK: 79.1% (16th) / 81.1% (12th)
Shooting %: 9.2% (4th) / 9.7% (2nd)
Save %: 93.2% (1st) / 91.2% (24th)
PDO: 1.024 (2nd) / 1.008 (10th)
CF: 1535 (1st) / 1302 (19th)
CA: 1202 (7th) / 1420 (21st)
Corsi %: 56.1% (2nd) / 47.8% (21st)
Season match up: 3 wins Red Tide, 1 win Bulldogs.
 
The season series was notably in favor of the Red Tide as one game was on the verge of a blowout while another was an out right blowout. The Bulldogs are going to have to find a way to improve their 5 on 5 play defensively or this could be a short series. The middle of the pack special teams for the Red Tide could potentially keep the Bulldogs in the series and appears to be the most likely reason for the series to drag on.
 
#3 Sheshegwaning Dragons vs #6 Big Delta Stealheads
44-3-11-22 149pts / 36-7-7-30 129pts
Regular season stats: Dragons / Stealheads
Goals for: 263 (3rd) / 239 (12th)
Goals against: 205 (8th) / 199 (5th)
PP: 24.9% (2nd) / 16.6% (22nd)
PK: 86.3% (2nd) / 83.9% (6th)
Shooting %: 8.9% (7th) / 8.8% (8th)
Save %: 92.4% (9th) / 92.3% (10th)
PDO: 1.013 (4th) / 1.012 (5th)
CF: 1466 (3rd) / 1313 (18th)
CA: 1261 (9th) / 1098 (2nd)
Corsi %: 53.8% (4th) / 54.5% (3rd)
Season match up: 1 win Dragons, 3 wins Stealheads.
 
This matchup is my official upset alert for the East. Outside of the poor powerplay of the Stealheads these two teams are statistically near mirror images. The question is if the current goaltending for the Dragons can hold up to the quite potent offense of the Stealheads? The Dragons shipped out the goalie they had as their starter for most of the season. This is going to be either a lopsided series due to poor goaltending or one heck of a close series.
 
#4 Sault Ste Marie Battlin Bears vs #5 Mango Duhawks
43-4-3-30 140pts / 37-7-6-30 131pts
Regular season stats: Battlin Bears / Duhawks
Goals for: 232 (14th) / 226 (16th)
Goals against: 209 (9th) / 216 (11th)
PP: 19.1% (18th) / 19.8% (17th)
PK: 85.9% (4th) / 77.1% (23rd)
Shooting %: 7.9% (16th) / 8.1% (13th)
Save %: 91.8% (16th) / 92.1% (15th)
PDO: .997 (17th) / 1.002 (13th)
CF: 1388 (9th) / 1382 (10th)
CA: 1293 (10th) / 1323 (14th)
Corsi %: 51.8% (9th) / 51.1% (10th)
Season match up: 2 wins Battlin Bears, 2 wins Duhawks.
 
This is very likely to be a close series. The regular season games were. Based upon the regular season stats I think it is most likely to be decided by the PK of each team. The Battlin Bears had one of the best. The Duhawks had one of the worst. In every other way these teams are very close statistically. It could be a short series due to the PK difference but the Battlin Bears PP is too iffy for me to fully buy into the poor PK of the Duhawks as being as significant a drawback as it likely should be.
 
West
#1 Kegashka Prairie Stars vs #8 Eastern Outlaws.
47-11-2-20 165pts / 34-7-7-32 123pts
Regular season stats: Prairie Stars / Outlaws
Goals for: 246 (10th) / 214 (18th)
Goals against: 164 (1st) / 204 (7th)
PP: 22.3% (7th) / 18.5% (19th)
PK: 82.6% (8th) / 77.8% (20th)
Shooting %: 8% (15th) / 7.7% (19th)
Save %: 93% (3rd) / 93.1% (2nd)
PDO: 1.010 (7th) / 1.009 (9th)
CF: 1403 (6th) / 1344 (13th)
CA: 1223 (8th) / 1181 (5th)
Corsi %: 53.4% (5th) / 53.2% (6th)
Season match up: 2 wins and 1 SO win Prairie Stars, 1 wins Outlaws.
 
The Outlaws are a solid team with very good goaltending and team play. Everything else about them is below average. On the other side is the Prairie Stars with the best record in the league but rather underwhelming stats for a team that more or less ran away with the best record by 14 points. Almost everything about them is good but only the 5 on 5 goals against is truly great. I would have expected more statistically with such a record. In terms of the match up the big question is can the Outlaws score and can their special teams be better than it was in the regular season? Against the Prairie Stars it is going to be tough as their two wins were big ones over the Outlaws.
 
#2 West Chicago Hawks vs #7 Scandinavia Steelers
42-7-8-23 148pts / 35-9-5-31 128pts
Regular season stats: Hawks / Steelers
Goals for: 249 (8th) / 200 (25th)
Goals against: 183 (2nd) / 194 (4th)
PP: 24.1% (3rd) / 20.2% (15th)
PK: 82.5% (9th) / 87.2% (1st)
Shooting %: 7.6% (20th) / 7.4% (22nd)
Save %: 92.5% (6th) / 92.5% (7th)
PDO: 1.001 (14th) / .999 (16th)
CF: 1448 (5th) / 1184 (25th)
CA: 1389 (16th) / 1160 (4th)
Corsi %: 51% (11th) / 50.5% (13th)
Season match up: 4 wins Hawks.
 
The Steelers are a bit of a mystery to me. They have a very good group of forwards but the team struggles mightily offensively. They didn't do well against the Hawks in the regular season because of it losing all four games. On the same token the Hawks offense under performed as well 5 on 5 with a very poor shooting percentage themselves. This could be a series dragged on by the stingy defense of the Steelers facing off against the lackluster 5 on 5 offense of the Hawks but the Steelers have to find a way to score to do it. This series is going to come down to if the Steelers can find some offense or not.
 
#3 Enigma Rage vs #6 Vauban Tomahawks
42-5-5-28 141pts / 36-9-6-29 132pts
Regular season stats: Rage / Tomahawks
Goals for: 248 (9th) / 253 (6th)
Goals against: 230 (15th) / 222 (13th)
PP: 22.9% (4th) / 17.7% (21st)
PK: 83.3% (7th) / 81.8% (11th)
Shooting %: 8.8% (9th) / 9.5% (3rd)
Save %: 92.1% (14th) / 92.3% (11th)
PDO: 1.009 (8th) / 1.018 (3rd)
CF: 1354 (12th) / 1319 (16th)
CA: 1198 (5th) / 1313 (11th)
Corsi %: 53.1% (7th) / 50.1% (15th)
Season match up: 1 win Rage, 2 wins and 1 SO win Tomahawks
 
This series is my upset alert for the West. The Rage are a very good statistical team overall. Its one statistical blemish is its 5 on 5 goals against. The Tomahawks are a good team themsleves with one very good strength. 5 on 5 goals for. It is the biggest weakness of one team against the biggest strength of the other team. This has the potential to be a very close series that could also go heavily one way or the other. If the Tomahawks can continue their 5 on 5 excellence it will be trouble for Rage. The Rage have the special teams to otherwise win the series if not keep the games close.
 
#4 Ithaca Ricochet vs #5 Yonker Wolverines
40-7-4-29 138pts / 41-4-3-32 134pts
Regular season stats: Ricochet / Wolverines
Goals for: 253 (7th) / 269 (1st)
Goals against: 213 (10th) / 241 (20th)
PP: 21% (12th) / 22.8% (6th)
PK: 80% (14th) / 75.2% (27th)
Shooting %: 8.4% (11th) / 9.1% (5th)
Save %: 91.6% (18th) / 90.6% (27th)
PDO: 1.000 (15th) / .997 (19th)
CF: 1452 (4th) / 1474 (2nd)
CA: 1503 (25th) / 1541 (27th)
Corsi %: 49.1% (17th) / 48.9% (18th)
Season match up: 3 wins Ricochet, 1 win Wolverines
 
This is the series that I am most looking forward to. It has the greatest potential for some wild games. Each of the four games in the regular season was. For one team you can forget about defense. It doesn't exist. Its not a thing. The other team is a team that plays a high tempo style of play given the lot of shots for and against 5 on 5. I'm excited for this series simply because it is very likely going to be a lot of speed, shots and general back and forth, high tempo action. Who is going to win? Who cares? It is going to very likely be one heck of a show.

Part of the reason my Buzzer team started at the bottom was that it gave me the chance to play with that stuff. From that the conclusion that I have come to is don't bother worrying about it.  Team composition and talent is so much more an important thing. Start of the season for my Cage team my WI was blue. Now it is green and I never made a trade. No clue as to why that happened. Don't care either as I don't see it as that relevant. Especially following me messing with it for 4 seasons with my Buzzer team.

Yup.
Also, why would I want to waste my time playing a game that doesn't provide a challenge.

I'm skipping on one and two because one got answered pretty much spot on and two I just ignore. I pretty much always have. That said I wanted to add on to three and four here if I may.
 
I have no idea how to deal with underestimation. I have no idea what triggers it. I saw Rasputin's idea as for why and while I have no solid proof to otherwise I've not seen it work that way a few times myself.
 
As for struggling to gain possession in the neutral zone it doesn't mean much ultimately. Watch a NHL game and note how many times there is a loose puck in the neutral zone and how often there is a fight for it. It isn't that often. Most NHL teams start a majority of possessions in their own end. I completely overlook this in the assistants notes. As I do the team focus hurt team momentum. I've changed the focus every way possible for a game and seemingly no matter how I changed it up it wouldn't go away.
 
 
There is no reason for you to apologize. I think it is safe to say that we all have experienced that frustration to some degree. We all will again too. I went through it for the first quarter of the season with my buzzer team. All because my goalies got off to a cold start. Granted I also knew that I had a flawed team because I didn't have a good playmaker on my team which hurt my offense but theoretically my team still should have been decent. Instead it completely flopped. There are going to be moments of frustration. The difficulty is in piecing together what and why. Some of it we don't, and maybe never will, understand. However real GMs go through the same thing in real life. We all can name teams in all kinds of sports that had a lot of talent and underachieved or the opposite.

I'm skipping on one and two because one got answered pretty much spot on and two I just ignore. I pretty much always have. That said I wanted to add on to three and four here if I may.
 
I have no idea how to deal with underestimation. I have no idea what triggers it. I saw Rasputin's idea as for why and while I have no solid proof to otherwise I've not seen it work that way a few times myself.
 
As for struggling to gain possession in the neutral zone it doesn't mean much ultimately. Watch a NHL game and note how many times there is a loose puck in the neutral zone and how often there is a fight for it. It isn't that often. Most NHL teams start a majority of possessions in their own end. I completely overlook this in the assistants notes. As I do the team focus hurt team momentum. I've changed the focus every way possible for a game and seemingly no matter how I changed it up it wouldn't go away.
 
 
There is no reason for you to apologize. I think it is safe to say that we all have experienced that frustration to some degree. We all will again too. I went through it for the first quarter of the season with my buzzer team. All because my goalies got off to a cold start. Granted I also knew that I had a flawed team because I didn't have a good playmaker on my team which hurt my offense but theoretically my team still should have been decent. Instead it completely flopped. There are going to be moments of frustration. The difficulty is in piecing together what and why. Some of it we don't, and maybe never will, understand. However real GMs go through the same thing in real life. We all can name teams in all kinds of sports that had a lot of talent and underachieved or the opposite.

I'm skipping on one and two because one got answered pretty much spot on and two I just ignore. I pretty much always have. That said I wanted to add on to three and four here if I may.
 
I have no idea how to deal with underestimation. I have no idea what triggers it. I saw Rasputin's idea as for why and while I have no solid proof to otherwise I've not seen it work that way a few times myself.
 
As for struggling to gain possession in the neutral zone it doesn't mean much ultimately. Watch a NHL game and note how many times there is a loose puck in the neutral zone and how often there is a fight for it. It isn't that often. Most NHL teams start a majority of possessions in their own end. I completely overlook this in the assistants notes. As I do the team focus hurt team momentum. I've changed the focus every way possible for a game and seemingly no matter how I changed it up it wouldn't go away.
 
 
There is no reason for you to apologize. I think it is safe to say that we all have experienced that frustration to some degree. We all will again too. I went through it for the first quarter of the season with my buzzer team. All because my goalies got off to a cold start. Granted I also knew that I had a flawed team because I didn't have a good playmaker on my team which hurt my offense but theoretically my team still should have been decent. Instead it completely flopped. There are going to be moments of frustration. The difficulty is in piecing together what and why. Some of it we don't, and maybe never will, understand. However real GMs go through the same thing in real life. We all can name teams in all kinds of sports that had a lot of talent and underachieved or the opposite.

Decided to bring the Rome Trojans back to life. Glad to see some of the people from the old Biscuit days here
I hope my team ends up faring a little better than the original Rome Trojans  

Yes, you have to have puck possession to get a shot. However that isn't really what corsi is telling you. Going back to Carolina as for why. Carolina, since they became "good" statistically corsi wise, has had the mentality of shoot the puck from anywhere, anytime. They weren't dominating possession of the puck so much as they were throwing a lot of bad shots at the net. The net result of that was averaging ~35 shots a game for with ~27 against. This served to heavily bloat the corsi and offensive zone face-off numbers of the team even though they were actually mid pack, at best, puck possession wise. Thus Carolina was gaming the statistical system to look good when they really weren't that good at all. This is why I think the actual puck possession % is the most important team tracking stat. It will actually tell you if you are getting dominated, if the game is close or if you happened to be playing "Carolina" that game.

Not necessarily true. Remember that corsi is strictly counting shots for and shots against. It actually has nothing to do with puck control directly. It is a statistical assumption that the team taking more shots has the puck more.
 
As for how this applies here? The same as it applies to my team. My team isn't near as talented as yours or the many others that sit at the top of the standings. Yet I have good corsi numbers too. That team is another example, just like mine is, of getting the right players that they need for their system but with two flaws sinking that team. Lack of goaltending and lack of scoring. They have a talented enough team to fight for a playoff spot if they had a good goalie. I have yet to look at the games that team has played so I can't say if they are true puck possession monsters but they have a good enough group talent wise that they can be a solid puck possession team.

Truly epic.  In fact, my team was so impressed they kept stopping and watching him skate right on past!

On the final day of the regular season 3 teams were all within 1 point of each other fighting for 1st place in the league. It was all going to come down to the last game for each team to decide who would finish 1st. At the start of the day the Laporte Red Raiders were holding 1st with 177 points by virtue of goals scored at 382. They had 52 regulation wins on the season at this point. Tied with them was my team, the White Mountain Winterhawks, with 177 points. My team had 312 goals and 55 regulation wins up to this point. We were both in the same conference. The third team, in the other conference, was the Red River Rockettes with 176 points. They had 343 goals scored and 55 wins so far on the season.
 
If the Red Raiders won their last game of the season in regulation they would win 1st no matter what. In fact they just needed to tie in points to win because the first tiebreaker is goals scored. They were facing the 8th placed team in the East.
To get 1st I had to get at least a point and nobody else tie my team in points. I was facing the 14th team in the West.
For the Rockettes to get 1st they either needed to tie my team in points or get more points than the Red Raiders. They were facing the 8th team in the East.
 
The Red Raiders lost in OT 5-4. This meant that my team needed to win in OT to pull ahead of them and a win in regulation would mean that I would win altogether. My team would win in OT 3-2 after losing my 1st line C a minute and a half into the game. This meant that if the Rockettes could win their game outright that they would finish 1st. Win they did as they ended the game with a 5-1 victory tying my team for points while scoring more goals on the season thereby holding the 1st tiebreaker of more goals scored. Congratulations to Jonathan D on finishing 1st on a very exciting finish to a season that came down to the very last game.
 
A few extra notes; With that win on the last day the Rockettes held pretty much every imaginable tie breaker over me having more regulation wins and a better GF/GA differential as well. With 4 days left I was 9 points behind the Red Raiders and considered myself out as I had to win at least 3 of the last 4 just to tie whereas if the Red Raiders won even one game they would finish better than me by virtue of the first tiebreaker. The Red Raiders managed to go 0-0-1-3 in their final 4 games and 4-0-1-6 in their final 11 games of the season after beating my team 5-1 in game 68 of the season. My team went 7-1-1-2 over its final 11 after that loss. The Rockettes went 7-0-1-3 in their final 11.

Updated October 28, 2019
 
## Tactics
Tactics are an important part of creating a successful team. There are a number of aspects to consider when choosing tactics. First you need to evaluate what your roster's strengths and weaknesses are. Depending on your roster some tactics may be a better fit than others. You may also want to consider your opponents' tactics and choose a tactic that may give you the upper hand when facing them. Some tactics work better against certain tactics and vice versa. See explanations of the different tactics below.
 
There are different tactics used depending on game situation; Equal strength and Special teams (Powerplay and Penalty kill). On equal strength you actually use two different tactics; One that your team will use offensively when trying to score goals and One that your team will use to obstruct and prevent your opponent's scoring chances.
 
In addition to these tactics there are also a few different styles of play that impact the game performance in different ways; Fair play and Team focus settings. More below.
 
To change tactics choose Tactics from the Action menu on your team page.
 
### Equal strength - Offensive tactics
 
#### Puck Possession
An offensive strategy in which a team having the puck and keeping control of it until you can gain the flow by regrouping. Patient teams will cycle in offensive zone until something opens up on the weak side of the ice.
 
To be successful at this tactic you should look for players with great passing, puck handling and skating skills. You also want to have a few snipers that really can shoot the puck.
 
To defend against this tactic you should try to play an aggressive style of play with high pressure and combine with defensive-smart players that also can skate well. Your defensemen should also be able to box out opponents and keep clear in front of the net. Goalies with great reflexes are invaluable when facing a puck possession team but they will also need to be well positioned, be able to control all rebounds and quickly move from post to post.  
 
#### Transition rushes
A strategy where a team tries to go on the rush creating for example 2-on-1s often starting with a quick long pass from the defensive zone. Not necessary a defensive style of play, instead the strategy is to outnumber the opponent by quickly setup an offensive play and enter the attacking zone with great speed.
 
In order to succeed in this tactic you'll need fast skaters, especially fast forwards, and players with great passing skills in order to quickly set up a play. You'll also need players with great puck handling skills to get by opponents and players that can finish a 2-on-1 with a one-timer shot or to deke the goalie in a breakaway.
 
When defending against this tactic a more defensive and passive approach may be appropriate to prevent the opponent from advancing too fast into the neutral and offensive zone. Your players should also have great skating skills in order to keep up with the opponent in the event of an attack. Also defensive smart players can read the opponent early and intercept the pass attempt. When facing 2-on-1s or even breakaways goalies need to be very agile and be able to move quickly sideways to make the save.
 
#### Crash the net
An aggressive strategy in which a forward charges towards the opponent's net in hopes of deflecting a shot, banging a loose puck in, obstructing the goaltender's view, or simply creating mayhem that could lead to a scoring chance for his team.
 
If you're considering this style of play you'll need tough forwards that can overpower the defensemen and that isn't afraid to jump right into heavy traffic in front of the net. In addition to this your players need to make shots and dumps (passes) from decent angles and have enough stick handling skills to be able to deflect shots and make the most of rebounds.
 
When facing an opponent that have this style of play the best way is to try to keep the opponent away from center ice and to outnumber the opponent in your own zone. Strong physical players are preferred and goalies need to be strong in their positioning, stay calm and control every rebound.
 
#### Dump and chase
An offensive strategy in which a team shoots (or "dumps") the puck into the attacking zone and aggressively pursues it in hopes of retrieving possession and setting up a scoring chance. Most effective for teams with enough speed and size to force opposing defensemen off the puck. On the downside the dump and chase is a quite non creative play and can be easily read by opponents.
 
To be successful at this tactic you'll need gritty players with good skating skills that ain't afraid to both receive and deliver hits near the boards behind the net. They also need decent passing and shooting skills once they retrieved possession of the puck to setup a pass to a player in front of the net.
 
To defend against this tactic it's important to not be too passive and stationary. By back checking and putting at least some pressure on the opponent you will in combination with strong and tough defensemen have a good chance of preventing them from regain puck possession. Goalies with good puck handling skills may also help to clear dumped pucks in the defensive zone.
 
### Equal strength - Defensive tactics
 
#### Conservative trap
The trap consists of one forechecker in deep and four skaters lined up along the blueline forming a four man wall to prevent the opposing offense from advancing into the neutral zone.
 
This tactic is effective against counter attacks and tactics that try to find their way into center ice. On the down side your team may become quite stationary making them vulnerable for opponents with a more non creative direct style of play.
 
If you're considering this tactic look for defensive minded players that also can play tough.
 
#### Aggressive forecheck
The aggressive forecheck causes the opposing team to fail in their defensive assignments since the four skaters down low aggressively attacking the puck in waves.
 
The tactic forces teams with a passing style of play to make bad decisions but at the same time leaving the team more vulnerable to teams going for counter attacks and to outnumber their opponents.
 
Players in this tactic need to be able to work hard, skate fast body check the opponent.
 
#### Moderate forecheck
The moderate forecheck consists of one forechecker down low, two forecheckers high and two defensemen back in the neutral zone. The basic idea is to funnel the offensive team to the outside, away from center ice and cut off passing lanes.
 
This tactic is effective against teams that are trying to find their way into center ice or more non creative plays. The team may however be vulnerable for highly skilled passing plays.
 
The team needs a combination of players where forwards need to be good skaters and be able to work hard and tough defensive players.
 
#### Left wing lock
The left wing lock always allows an offensive player to be used as a defensive safety valve. This allows the best skaters to be aggressive, but whenever there is a possibility of a transition from offense to defense, there is a third guy high to eliminate odd-man rushes in the goalie’s direction.
 
This tactic will keep opponents away from center ice and preventing the opponent to outnumber the team in the defensive zone. Teams with a more patient passing play may however find weaknesses in the defence.
 
Players should be able to play tough, work hard and to take good defensive decisions. Forwards, except the Left Wing, also need to have good skating skills. 
 
#### Spread
In the spread, once the opponent takes the puck behind his net, a forechecking winger moves from the right to flush him out. The other winger then moves from the opposite side and forces the enemy skater to get rid of the puck.
 
The tactic work well against puck controlling teams but may open up space in the neutral zone making the team vulnerable for counter attacks and allowing opponents into center ice.
 
The forwards forechecking should have great skating skills and be able to play tough and work hard. The defensemen in this system should have great defensive skills but also be able to play tough.
 
### Powerplay tactics
During powerplay it can be wise to study in which direction your players are handed/shoots.
 
#### Umbrella
Three players near the blue-line forming a high triangle and two players low in the slot parallel to the goal line. The idea is to get the puck to the middle of the ice for hard blasts from the point.
 
To be successful at this tactics you will really need to have good shooters, especially on the blue line. Forwards in front of the net should also be able to deflect pucks and play tough to obstruct the goalie.
 
To defend against this tactic you'll need a strategy that cover most shooting angles and at the same time boxes out opponents in front of the net. You'll need defensive players able to read the opponent and be able to play tough in front of the net. Goalies must rely on a combination of reflexes and good positioning in order to stop pucks.
 
#### Overload
Overload aims to outnumber the other team along the half boards, thus creating a lot of three on two scenarios. The idea is to constantly cycle the puck and create a lot of movement down low, which causes defensive breakdowns.
 
To succeed in this tactic you'll need players with good passing, skating and puck handling. 
 
To defend against this style of tactic you'll need to keep the box together with players that are smart defensively and that both can skate and play tough. Goalies need good reflexes and be able to quickly move from post to post.
 
#### The 1-3-1
This strategy creates four triangles to pass around and take one-timer shots. This system forces the defense to focus on the middle players causing the PK to shrink.
 
In order for this tactic to work you'll need great passing och puck handling skills among all players while moving around the puck. You also need players being able to take one-timer shots.
 
To defend against the 1-3-1 you need to cover angles and put pressure on the opponent causing them to make mistakes. Your players should be smart defensively and being able to skate and work hard. Goalies rely on great reflexes and swiftly switching position.
 
#### Spread
The aim of the Spread is to overrun the slot with forwards and outnumber penalty killers down low. Causes opponent to abandon the blue-line, which allows your d-men to come in for one-timers.
 
This tactic requires forwards that can play tough, work hard but at the same time set up a play. Defensemen should have a great shot.
 
In order to defend against this tactic you'll need to keep your box together and perhaps put some pressure on the player with the puck. In addition to this your players should not be afraid to play very tough. Goalies with good positioning and that can control rebounds are invaluable when facing this tactic.
 
### Penalty kill tactics
 
#### Diamond
A strategy to cover shooting angles. A high forward is set up to defend against the power play quarterback, another forward and a d-man take the guys atop the circles and a low d-man covers the slot.
 
This tactic is effective against shooting strategies in power play. Your players should be able to read the opponent plays and skate well to cover most angles. The defensemen need to be able to play tough in front of the net.
 
The tactic can make your team vulnerable for power play strategies where the opponent are trying to outnumber your team finding their way in to the center ice.
 
#### Simple Box
The tactic basically allowing the other team to have the puck so long as they are along the perimeter. Using this strategy is more about having good stick work and not chasing after the puck carrier.
 
This tactic will defend center ice making it hard for opponents crashing the net. Your players need to be strong defensively and box out the opponent by playing tough in front of the net.
 
On the downside shooting strategies may punish your team and block the sight for your own goalie.
 
#### Wedge
Three collapsing players in the slot in a triangle formation while the extra manis free to run around and create havoc along the perimeter. Since this formation is always rotating, every skater needs to be aware of the responsibilities of every position they rotate into.
 
This tactic puts pressure on the opponent forcing them to make mistakes when trying to find a pass into the slot. Players need a combination of good skating and defensive skills but also being able to work hard. On the downside it won't work as well when facing teams with a more patient approach or a strategy where shots are mostly coming from the point.
 
### Tactics familiarity
Although there are benefits to adjust your tactic for each opponent your team will suffer when it comes to tactics familiarity. By sticking to one or a few different tactics your team will learn and eventually be experts on the chosen tactics. This may give your team advantages in certain game situations where your more experienced players are more likely to benefit.
 
### Fair play
Instruct your team on how much they should push the boundaries of the rules to gain an advantage. The dirtier your team style of play the more likely is your players to take penalties. You can set the fair play style into five different ranks.
 
#### Safe
The players will avoid penalties at all costs. However, this may cause the opponent to gain great advantages in the physical play.
 
#### Fair
The players will hold back to avoid penalties and only play as tough as absolutely necessary. This may cause the opponent to gain some advantages in the physical play,
 
#### Normal
The players will play tough when necessary but will try to avoid any unnecessary penalties.
 
#### Hard
The players will play tough as often as possible. They will try to get the opponent out of balance. This will give them an advantage but it may cause more penalties.
 
#### Dirty
The players will play very tough and cheap shot the opponent to get them out of balance. This may cause many penalties but also give them a great advantage.
 
### Team focus
Your team focus will set your team to an offensively, defensively or balanced style of play. This may also be varied depending on game situation. There are possibility to adjust your team focus depending on your team is ahead or below.
 
Also note that if your team are set to, for example, an all offensive style of play for too long they may eventually start feeling uncomfortable in their defensive duties.
 
#### Very defensive
Players only focus on defence. All players will participate in the defensively play.
 
#### Defensive
Players won't take any chances when going on attack.
 
#### Normal
Players will go on attack when possible but doesn't ignore their defensive responsibilities.
 
#### Offensive
Players will go on attack as often as they can.
 
#### Very offensive
Players only focuses on going on attack. All players will participate in the attack to create a scoring chance.

Updated October 28, 2019
 
## Roster
A team's roster is all the players on the team. To create a complete lineup for each game you'll need to dress 2 goalies, 6 defencemen, 4 centers and 8 forwards. But it can be wise to keep a greater roster in case of injuries. A suitable roster could be something like 3 goalies, 8 defencemen, 6 centers and 10 forwards.
 
### Team captains
Each team have three player assigned as the team captains where one is the main captain and the other two are named assistant captains. These players will have a large impact on the team's culture and winning instinct. They will also help the rest of the players handling pressure during games and preventing the team from underestimate their opponents.
 
## Lineup
A lineup consists of four forward lines, three defenceman pairings, two powerplay units and two penalty kill units. The forward lines and defensive pairings have settings where you can assign desired ice-time and focus area. See below.
 
To edit your lineup choose Lineup from the Action menu on your Team page. 
 
### Swap and replace a player
To swap and insert players - click the jersey of the player. When replacing a player a window opens that allows you to browse your entire roster divided into each position. This view displays three ratings for each player but the player's name is clickable for full info just as normal. Also note that you can customise which three ratings to display by using the dropdown found at the top of this view. Click the player jersey in the roster view to insert the player. You can also click the cancel button at the bottom to return to the lineup view.
 
### Ice time
You set ice time for each forward line and each defenceman pairing. The ice-time is set in percentage of a whole game requiring that all lines adds up to 100% and all pairings adds up to 100%. For example, a defensemen pairing given 50% ice-time will get approx 30 minutes of ice-time each game. Note that this is an approximate value. Depending on turn of events, such as penalties, in the game this may vary to some extent.
 
Depending on the amount of ice-time given your players may be fatigued. Players with great endurance can handle more ice-time. Note that fatigued players have a higher injury risk than healthy ones.
 
### Line focuses
By setting the line focus you can give the line a specific duty and role in the game. Each line focus has an upside but also a downside. You can combine them in any way you want, for example your first line is set to a scoring line and your fourth line is set to an energy line.
 
It's important to assign the right type of players to a line focus. Not every role is a good fit. More below.
 
To edit the line focus open the Line Settings menu found at the top of each line.
 
#### Scoring
A scoring line's duty is to score goals. The line will focus on creating scoring chances and trying to control the puck as much as possible. To be successful in this line focus you'll need players that is a good fit in your offensive tactic and include roles like Playmaker, Sniper or Powerforward. 
 
If successful at their line focus the line will create more scoring chances and hopefully create some offensive momentum for the whole team. On the downside the line may become vulnerable defensively.
 
#### Two-way
The two-way line will focus on both scoring and defensive duties. It will require players that will do great in both your offensive and defensive tactics. Roles like Two-way, Playmaker, Sniper, Powerforward or Grinder is a good fit.
 
If successful your line will create momentum for your team both offensively and defensively depending on game situation.
 
#### Checking
A checking line is often matched against an opponent's first in an effort to reduce their scoring, and physically and mentally wear them down. Player's in this line requires great defensively skills in your chosen tactic but also great body checking skills and not being afraid to play dirty. Fitting roles are Grinder, Enforcer, Two-way and Powerforward.
 
If successful in their line focus they will create defensive momentum for your team but at the same time weaken the opponents offensive momentum. The opponent's players may also get agitated by the checking line making them unfocused.
 
On the downside this type of line will not be as productive offensively and may even weaken the whole teams offensive momentum during the game.
 
#### Energy
Usually the fourth line on a team where the energy line's duty is to play physical and give your team a boost. You'll need gritty players that can body check and skate fast. Fitting roles are Enforcer, Grinder and Powerforward.
 
If successful at their line duties the line will create some good momentum for your team, especially if your team is in a downwards trend or in a slump. On the downside the line won't create that many scoring chances.
 
### Defensive pair focuses
 
#### Support offense
Defensemen pairings set to this focus will be highly involved in the team's offense both by moving the puck into the offensive zone and by participating in offensive rushes. The assigned defensemen n need to be able to handle the chosen offensive tactic well and preferable assigned to an Offensive or Two-way role.
 
If successful the team will gain more offensive momentum but also be more vulnerable for odd man rushes.
 
#### Stay at home
A stay-at-home pairing will focus on the defense and to obstruct the opponent's offense. Defensemen on this focus assignment need to be good body checkers and have do well in the chosen defensive tactic. Preferred roles are stay-at-home or two-way defensemen.
 
If successful this pairing focus will inspire its own team defensively and at the same time weaken their opponent's offensive momentum.
 
#### Match line
If your defensemen pairing is set to match line they will adjust their focus depending on the forward line they are currently playing with. That means that defensemen in this focus assignment need to be able to handle both your offensive and defensive tactics well. Two-way defensemen are preferred.
 
If successful the defensemen pairing will reenforce the forward lines focus assignment.
 
#### Dynamic
The dynamic defensemen pairing will try to combine both offensive and defensive duties. This means that you'll need defensemen that have enough skills to handle both your offensive and defensive tactics. Two-way defensemen are preferred.
 
If successful your pairing will create momentum for your team both offensively and defensively depending on game situation.
 
### Special teams
Both powerplay and penalty kill has two units where the first unit automatically is the main choice and is given more ice-time. If those players are fatigued during the game the second unit is used. Normally the first unit is used approx two thirds of the time. Also note that you may very well use a forward on one of your defensemen positions in powerplay.
 
### Goalies
The lineup also has two goalie positions where you can assign the starter and backup goalie. The backup goalie is used if your starter is injured or having a very bad performance and is replaced during the game. 

Updated October 28, 2019
 
## Player roles
Player roles are very much like a job description where a player is instructed to focus their game to certain areas. This will let you control which players that are involved in different game situations. 
 
What roles that fit a player depends on the player's skills. Check the profile tab of the player page to see what roles that fits a player. Also note that by assigning a role to a player he will evaluate his game performance by that role which in the end will impact his confidence.
 
Roles are also an important factor when setting your forward line focus or defensemen pairing focus on your lineup. See lineup for more info regarding line and pairing focus. 
 
To assign a role to a player access Player roles from the Action menu on your team page. 
 
### Playmaker
A playmaker's job is to create scoring chances for his team. If you assign this role to a player he will try to have a lot of puck possession and focus mostly on offense. Others on your team will also try to run as many offensive plays through him as possible. 
 
Characteristic skills for a playmaker are passing and puck handling.
 
A player with this role may be unhappy if not given enough ice-time or not producing enough scoring chances and points. 
 
### Sniper
The sniper's job is to score goals. Plain and simple. Players assigned to this role will focus on offense and will try to find open space in the offensive zone to make themselves available for passes. Teammates setting up plays will also keep an extra eye open on where to find the snipers.
 
Characteristic skills for a sniper are shooting and puck handling.
 
Players in this role may lose confidence if not scoring enough goals or not being given enough ice-time to at least create a decent amount of shots on goal.
 
### Power forward
A power forward's role is to provide both scoring capabilities and toughness to a team. Players in this role will try to take a lot of shots on goal, body check the opponent when possible and will not be afraid to defend his teammates in fights.
 
Characteristic skills for a power forward are shooting and physical.
 
When looking back to his game performance power forwards will especially evaluate the number of points and hits during the game. As all producing roles a power forward will also demand enough ice-time to fulfil his assignment.
 
### Two-way
A two-way forward has responsibilities in both end of the ice. They are instructed to set up offense when possible but also be the one taking the lead on the defense. This will require that the player can handle all aspects of the game.
 
Characteristic skills for a two-way are defence and passing.
 
Players in this role will be looking for producing points and having a good +/- at the end of each game. They will also require ice-time to be able to do their job properly.
 
### Grinder
A grinder is a player that focuses more on hard work and checking than scoring. That means that players in this role will help the team more defensively than offensively.
 
Characteristic skills for a grinder is skating and spirit
 
To feel happy about their game performance grinders needs to be credited with hits and takeaways. Since grinders are usually used in the third and fourth lines they won't demand a lot of ice-time.
 
### Enforcer
An enforcer's job is to deter and respond to dirty or violent play by the opposition. When such play occurs, the enforcer is expected to respond aggressively, by fighting or checking. Enforcer know their role and won't require much ice-time to do their job.
 
Characteristic skills for an enforcer is physical and spirit.
 
## Defensemen roles
 
### Offensive
An offensive defenseman's job is to create scoring chances and produce points for his team. Offensive defensemen will focus on offense, sometimes to the extent that they may neglect their defensive duties.
 
Characteristic skills for an offensive defensemen is passing and shooting.
 
Players in this role will look to produce points and scoring chances every game. That means that they will demand ice-time to do their job.
 
### Two-way
Just like the two-way forward this role will have responsibilities in both end of the ice. The two-way defensemen will try to support the offense when possible but will always have his focus defensively first.
 
Characteristic skills for a defensive defensemen is passing and defence.
 
Two-way defensemen will require ice-time to perform well since they're expected to produce both points and have good +/- stats.
 
### Stay at home
The stay-at-home-defensemen's job is to focus defensively and prevent the opponent from scoring. They will also play tough when possible but won't take part offensively very often.
 
Characteristic skills for a stay-at-home defensemen is defence and physical.
 
Stay-at-home defensemen are not requiring much ice-time but will look for hits and not allowing any goals in their game performance.

So. I take it nobody wants to win this season?

Since you want to see it.

I can't answer what you are asking but I figured that I would throw a few points into here as well.
 
Yes, the player role makes a difference in training from what I understand. However, team tactics play a bigger role if I understand correctly.
 
In terms of the growth of individual skill, it has been changed as well on a player by player basis. As a result, not all players will grow the same rate for every skill. In the prior version of the game, there was little difference in the growth rate between players as a result. On top of that, not all players have a skill cap of 99 for every skill anymore. The combination of the two made it pretty impossible to distinguish elite players from the rest in the past iteration of the game.
 
That said I think it is more than safe to say that we are all still learning the details of the "new" development system.

Take a picture of the standings now because you will never see it again nor will you believe it if you were told about it in the future.

Take a picture of the standings now because you will never see it again nor will you believe it if you were told about it in the future.

Take a picture of the standings now because you will never see it again nor will you believe it if you were told about it in the future.

Just in time for the start of the regular season!
 
 
Eastern Conference
 
1. Slaughterville Red Tide (Alexander Rasputin)
OFF: 88 DEF: 89 SG: 92 OVR: 89,0
 
2. Sheshegwaning Dragons (Ives Pa)
OFF: 88 DEF: 87 SG: 93 OVR: 88,0
 
3. St.Thomas Stray Cats (Erzac Ray)
OFF: 86 DEF: 88 SG: 96 OVR: 87,6
 
4. Sault Ste Marie Battlin Bears (Joe Leconte)
OFF: 87 DEF: 88 SG: 88 OVR: 87,6
 
5. Lake Viking Bulldogs (Max Mol)
OFF: 86 DEF: 88 SG: 94 OVR: 87,3
 
6. Big Delta Stealheads (Paul T)
OFF: 88 DEF: 87 SG: 88 OVR: 87,2
 
7. Kingston Kamikaze (Antti Hänninen)
OFF: 86 DEF: 89 SG: 85 OVR: 87,2
 
8. Netherhill Nightmares (Tyrod Gibson)
OFF: 85 DEF: 88 SG: 91 OVR: 86,9
 
9. Fairbanks Union (CPU)
OFF: 85 DEF: 87 SG: 92 OVR: 86,5
 
10. Cedar Rapids Minutemen (Richard Armour)
OFF: 85 DEF: 87 SG: 90 OVR: 86,2
 
11. Mango Duhawks (Dr. Jones)
OFF: 86 DEF: 86 SG: 90 OVR: 86,0
 
12. Becancour Patriots (Nick Menard)
OFF: 85 DEF: 85 SG: 87 OVR: 85,1
 
13. Wolf Trap Claws (Fango Wolf)
OFF: 83 DEF: 83 SG: 85 OVR: 83,2
 
14. Summertown Six Pack (Jonathan D)
OFF: 82 DEF: 82 SG: 87 OVR: 82,3
 
 
Western Conference
 
1. Kegashka Prairie Stars (Ferris Mason)
OFF: 87 DEF: 91 SG: 94 OVR: 89,3
 
2. Ithaca Ricochet (Marc S)
OFF: 86 DEF: 89 SG: 93 OVR: 87,8
 
3. Red River Red Bulls (Marko Vuoto)
OFF: 87 DEF: 88 SG: 87 OVR: 87,8
 
4. Scandinavia Steelers (J Jono)
OFF: 87 DEF: 88 SG: 91 OVR: 87,7
 
5. Vauban Tomahawks (Ben \)
OFF: 87 DEF: 88 SG: 92 OVR: 87,7
 
6. Eastern Outlaws (The Champ)
OFF: 87 DEF: 88 SG: 92 OVR: 87,6
 
7. West Chicago Hawks (Richard Feynman)
OFF: 86 DEF: 88 SG: 94 OVR: 87,5
 
8. Enigma Rage (Wendel Clark)
OFF: 87 DEF: 87 SG: 88 OVR: 87,4
 
9. Yonker Wolverines (Jiri Heikkala)
OFF: 86 DEF: 88 SG: 87 OVR: 86,7
 
10. Eldred Elite (Steven Bennett)
OFF: 86 DEF: 87 SG: 87 OVR: 86,5
 
11. Canuck Red Dragons (P K)
OFF: 84 DEF: 86 SG: 85 OVR: 85,2
 
12. Deadwood Vandals (Kim Vandaele)
OFF: 84 DEF: 85 SG: 85 OVR: 84,5
 
13. Parkville Lightning Bolts (Jan Rosa)
OFF: 82 DEF: 85 SG: 88 OVR: 83,9
 
14. Richibucto Masons (Dr. Wendt)
OFF: 82 DEF: 83 SG: 89 OVR: 83,0
 
 
Calculated on day 7 of S3, using:
 
Team OVR = (OFF + (DEF*2) + (SG*2))/26
 
where
OFF: ovr sum of best 12 centers/forwards
DEF: ovr sum of best 6 defenders
SG: ovr of starting goalie

Hahaha those 2 got me, Well done Alex!
 
Edit: Also how about the Tiger Williams Trophy instead of roid rage lol

To celebrate the beginning of the 2019/20 NHL season today, the second annual Cage Awards are up!

I added some categories based on feedback from last year, split the D-men awards, and adjusted ratings for others (i.e. removing +/-). 
 
It was once again tough to get into detail, as it is impossible to sort lists bottom up, and only top 20 players by each category are visible, but this should be accurate nevertheless. Including runner-ups as usual. 
 
Scoring was down this season in general, so competition was tighter than last, but goalies still seem to rule the Cage world. 
 
Have at it.


 
 
 
 
ART ROSS TROPHY (Most League Points)
 
SAMUEL LUMPKIN (Nightmares) - 75 points    
 
Vendelin Jaros (Minutemen)
Tintin Petterson (Minutemen)
 
 
 
OVECHKIN TROPHY (Top Goalscorer)
 
ELOUAN SCOTT (Red Tide) - 38 goals - RETAINED TITLE               
 
Theodore De-Nobile (Leopards)
Quinton Goff (Battlin Bears)
 
 
 
GRETZKY TROPHY (Best Playmaker) 
 
YAN SHARSHIN (Red Tide) - 47 assists           
 
Joaquim Harter (Union)
Jeremy Lawhorn (Wolverines) / Riyad Lassiseraye (Minutemen)
 
 
 
VEZINA TROPHY (Best Goaltender)
 
KWESI CUTTER (Prairie Stars) - RETAINED TITLE              
 
Philipe Haywood (Union)
Renaud Pettigrew (Hawks)
 
 
 
ORR TROPHY (Best Offensive Defenceman)
 
YAN SHARSHIN (Red Tide)                        
 
 
NORRIS TROPHY (Best Defensive Defenceman)
 
MAREK KOCH (Prairie Stars)                       
 
ORR - Points leader among defencemen
NORRIS - Calculated with the following formula among D: [PLUS/MINUS + BKS - GVA + TKA], PER also taken into consideration 
 
 
 
SELKE TROPHY (Best Defensive Forward)
 
ALEKSANDAR SCHALLER (Prairie Stars)                   
 
Elouan Scott (Red Tide)
Chad McGraw (Dragons) 
Calculated with the following formula among F: [PTS + BKS - GVA + TKA]
 
 
 
LADY BYNG TROPHY (Most Gentlemanly Player)
 
TINTIN PETTERSON (Minutemen)               
 
Ian Frerot (Wolverines)
Cherif Jackson (Union)
Calculated with the following formula [PTS - PIM]
 
 
 
HART TROPHY (League MVP)
 
KWESI CUTTER (Prairie Stars) - RETAINED TITLE      
 
Samuel Lumpkin (Nightmares)
Philipe Haywood (Union)
 
 
 
CALDER TROPHY (Best Rookie)
 
RADOVAN GIERTL (Steelers)
 
 
 
GOOD SAMARITAN AWARD (Most Giveaways)
 
ADOLFO DURHAM (Owls)   
 
 
 
ROID RAGE TROPHY (Most Hits + PIM + MP)
 
RICHARD YILDIRIM (Tigers)  

Ego - This can be looked at as the general disposition that a player has. It mainly impacts teamwork and how much the team likes to play with each other. You want to have a good mix of the best but don't get too concerned about having a few of the worse ones on your roster. It goes through these ranks from lowest to highest.
Arrogant, cocky, responsible, friendly, compassionate.
 
Dirty - This is how dirty a player plays the game. The dirtier a player is willing to play the more they push the boundaries of the rules to gain an advantage. That also mean they are more likely to take penalties, especially majors that aren't fighting majors. It goes through these ranks from lowest to highest.
Tough, agitator, respectful, gentle.
 
Leadership - This is a take on how much of a leader presence the player can have in the locker room. This is mostly relevant for whom you want to make captains for your team. This goes through these ranks from lowest to highest.
Anonymus, modest, respected, role model, motivator, commander, true leader
 
Big Games - This is a showing of how the player is likely to respond in big moments. The lower the ranking the more likely they are to make mistakes in big moments. It goes through these ranks from lowest to highest.
Nervous, anxious, stable, determined, heroic.
 
Ambition - This is a showing of how much interest the player has in the sport and how much they care about how good they are. This is mostly going to be used in conjunction with development to determine how good the player might get. This may also have an impact on how long of a career a player may have. This goes through these ranks from lowest to highest.
Lazy, half-hearted, enthusiastic, purposeful, ambitious.
 
Hidden profile:
There is one hidden profile that used to be known. Talent. It was hidden for obvious reason. Everyone would go after the players with the highest ranking in this category without touching any of the others if at all possible. It made it too easy to go after the players that were most likely to be the best in the game.
 
The rankings might not be fully accurate but they are to the best of my knowledge. Also, I don't think I did the best job of describing the different profile points so do not hesitate to point out what is missing or may be worth including.