EBEL Playoffs start without defending champions

Erste Bank Eishockey Liga's regular season has sailed to its end. For some, the playoffs started a bit earlier, as EBEL divides the teams into the Winners round and Qualfication round at a certain point. The first 6 teams play in the Winners round to determine the final standings among themselves prior to going to the playoffs. The lower six play additional ten games to buy the final two tickets for the playoffs.

And while the reigning champions, the most successful Austrian team ever, had to play in the lower round, they were expected to finish first, or 7th overall. But instead, they've finished 9th overall and missed the playoffs to Dornbirner.

It was made clear which teams will play in this season's playoffs. And yesterday, the first four seeded teams had to chose their opponent for the quarterfinals. Actually, it was the first three, as Znojmo placed 4th had to put up with what was left.

So, let's take a look at their choices and what to expect in the playoffs this season:

Red Bull Salzburg - Dornbirner Bulldogs

Red Bull had nothing to fear. They were first and could have picked anyone they wanted. Two teams emerged as the most probable: Dornbirner and Villach. They could have picked either, only Villach would be easier in means of travelling. Red Bull won all four of their games head-to-head this season and it's easy to understand why they've picked this team. Red Bull will have the home field advantage which might become crucial in the playoffs. Despite most analysts won't give much chances to the Bulldogs, they are sure to put Red Bull to a lot of trouble.

Projected outcome: Red Bull win 4-0.

Bolzano Foxes - SAPA Fehervar Alba Volan 19

Another expected choice, this time by Tom Pokel and the Italian side. Bolzano lead head-to-head series with three wins and one overtime loss. There shouldn't be too much room for surprises, Bolzano is the team who were at the peak of the table for most of the season before giving it out to Red Bull and were among the biggest surprises this year. The replacing team for Medvescak who had gone to play in the KHL proved to be a tough opponent for anyone. Also, they're a bit far away for teams like Znojmo, SAPA or Red Bull and that might have played a role in their success. According to their coach they're used to it, but the others are not.

Projected outcome: Bolzano win 4-1

Vienna Capitals - Villacher SV

The team from the capital city had a tough one: Villach or Linz. But having won 10 points from VSV and only 6 from Linz made the choice on its own. Vienna will play Villach in the quarterfinals, but it will be extremely tough. Villach are a tough, competitive team and they're always dangerous. They also top the Points, +/-, Goals and Assists sections of the league, which they've been doing for a couple of years now. John Hughes and Derek Ryan are a huge threat for any opposition defnce. The only problem might be that Jean-Philippe Lamoreaux, their starting netminder was reported injured and unsure about returning.

Vienna on the other side has as well always been a tough, high-quality team. And the fact they have the best penalty killing units of the league speaks for itself. Villach were able to snap only one win over Vienna this season, which doesn't speak in their favor. Special teams are of most importance in the playoffs games, and they will play a crucial role in this clash. Villach is better on the powerplay overall and head-to-head. And while Vienna has the best penalty killing unit of the league, it didn't work best against Villach. This one is a game to watch.

Projected outcome: VSV win 4-3.

Orli Znojmo - Black Wings Linz

The Czechs didn't have much to chose. They were left alone with Linz. And while some may think this is not the the best choice for Orli, looking at their overall head-to-head with Linz in EBEL reveals their opponent fits them perfect. 14 games played, 11 wins for the Czech side and this season they went 5 out of 6 against Linz. Orli lead in absolutely every category and the Czechs were quite happy with the opponent for the quarters.

According to Orli Znojmo official website and forward Jan Lattner they're confident going into this series: "I think the whole team is calm right now. We spoke about the playoffs and we hoped to be paired with Linz. Our goals this season are the biggest and we have to beat everyone on the way there."

There is not much more to tell about those two. Linz are a disciplined team, they've been avoiding the penalty box wide and if they can keep it that way, they do stand a chance. Other than that, Orli top them in special teams categories. Linz will have to put a lot of hope into their goalie Michael Ouzas who was third overall in the league in saves percentage.

Projected outcome: Znojmo win 4-2.

The quarterfinal series will be played as the best-of-seven series while the semi-finals and the Finals will be best-of-five due to the Olympic break and shorter season.

First games are set for Friday March 7th.

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