Game one results and game 2 rematch!
Rivalries build going into game two of round robin
The PHN 20th anniversary playoffs are getting tense!
Game 2 of the series is a rematch
Nords v Seals at 8 pm
Caps v Whalers at 9 pm.
Game 1 was an 8-4 Seals win over the Nords and 5-5 Caps/Whalers tie.
Here’s where things stand after the first game of the round robin.
Seals: 4 set points + 6 for win + 3 for 3 goals or more margin = 13 points
Whalers: 3 set points + 3 for the tie = 6 points
Caps: 2 set points + 3 for the tie = 5 points
Nords: 1 set point + 0 points for getting smoked = 1 point
So there are few scenarios for how things can go and here we’ll go over them all.
How in the world can the Nords advance?
If the Caps and Whalers tie again next week then they max out at 9 points for the Whalers and 8 points for the Caps.
So the Nords would then need to get 10 points or more to advance.
That means must win by 3 goals and/or have a shut out in order to have any chance of making the final.
Here’s why:
The Nords currently have 1 point.
A win would add 6, and each goal up to a max of 3 on goals for tally adds a point each. A shut out would add another 3.
For example a 6-3 win by the Nords would give them 9 points.
But add in their 1 set point + 6 for the win + 3 for the goals = 10 points.
A 3-0 win would be even better, 1 + 6 points for the win, 3 points in goals and 3 points for the shut out = 13 points.
1 set point + 6 for the win, + 2 for the differential = 9 points.
In this case the Nords lose the regular season record tie breaker to the Whalers and do not advance to the final.
A 1-0 Nords win though would get them over in a Caps/Whalers tie, because that would be:
1 set point + 6 for the win + 3 for the shut out + 1 for the differential =11 points.
What’s the deal for the Whalers?
If the Whalers win by just one goal over the Caps they land at a minimum 13 points.
3 set points + 3 for the game one tie, + 6 for a game two win + 1 goal = 13 points.
In this case the Nords cannot catch them even with a monster win over the Seals.
Why? Because the Whalers hold the tie breaker with a higher finish in regular season.
So a one goal win advances the Whalers no matter what the Nords do.
How can the Caps advance?
If the Caps can get to 13 points they also advance even if the Nords have a monster win.
To hit 13 the Caps need a 2 goal win.
It looks like this:
2 + 3 for the game one tie + 6 for a game two victory + 2 goals = 13 points.
But the Caps only get to also advance with just 12 points if the Nords only land at 12 as well.
Here’s how that could play out:
Caps win 3-2. They have 2 + 3 for the game one tie, + 6 for the game two win, + 1 for the goal = 12 points.
Nords win 2-0. They have 1+ 6 for the win, + 3 for the shutout + 2 for the goals = 12 points.
In this case the Caps have the regular season tie breaker and would advance.
If the Caps shutout the Whalers they would lock in at 14 points or more.
2 set points + 3 for the game one tie + 6 for the win + 3 for the shut out + goals = at least 14 points.
Can the Seals be eliminated from the finals?
No. The seals are a lock.
The Whalers or Caps could get more points than the Seals with a big win and a Seals loss.
But even if Nords pull off a 3-0 shut over the Seals they would still be tied at 13 points each and the Seals have the tie breaker with the regular season record.
So it’s Seals vs whoever.
Moe’s getting his shot at the championship!
In summary – lucky 13 for the Nords
The Nords need a tie between the Caps and Whalers to have a chance with just a squeaker win over the Seals.
A monster Nords win by shutting out of the Seals to hit 13 points, combined with a slim Caps win over the Whalers that only brings the Caps 12 total points could also send the Nords into finals.
So a lucky 13 points with a shut out win is the Nords best chance to land in second place and get a spot in the championship.
It may be kind of a stretch, but anything is possible in the PHN.
Good luck Nords, take it one big game at a time and good luck to all the players hunting for PHN glory.