Quick Glance:
It seemed like Lisbon got serious about making the playoffs and winning games about three-quarters of the way through the season. So, don’t take the Portuguese lightly. But still, Munich is a powerful club. The Red Bulls finished 9th in the league with 98 points after hanging in the Top 4 earlier in the season. Munich’s Dylan Sikura recently made headlines with a 30-game scoring streak, and he and linemate Clayton Keller both ended the season with 89 points – personal bests for players who still have three years or more to go before they are out of their 20s. Lisbon will ask a lot from Max Domi, who was their most productive forward by a lot. Winger Spencer Smallman scored 28 goals and Lisbon fans hope he gets a hot stick again right about now.
Goalies:
- Lisbon – Robin Lehner 2.92 GAA and .903 save pct.
- Munich – Niko Hovinen 2.96 GAA and .895 save pct.
Top Plus/Minus players:
- Lisbon – Matt Dumba +10
- Munich – Cale Makar +14
Expert Panel Predictions:
- Commissioner Chuck: Lisbon in an upset; 6 games, we’ll say. It can definitely be argued the Portuguese have the better goalie in this series. Traditionally, Robin Lehner has been streaky and lately, the results have been coming for Lisbon. The fact Munich lost 5 of their last 6 games can’t be a great sign for the Red Bulls.
- Rose: Munich wins in 7 games. The Red Bulls will settle into the series and overtake Lisbon. I can feel it in my bones. Or it’s more of that damned arthritis. Regardless, Munich is talented and they scored 14 shorthanded goals this year, which tells me how this bunch handles tough situations.
