Quick Glance:
These teams know each other well, but it’s been a while since they met in the playoffs. Oslo keeps losing to Minsk before they get the chance. But last season, Rose predicted the Outlaws would beat defending champion Helsinki in Round 1 and she was right. This season, Copenhagen was 3rd best in the league in both goals for and goals against. That means they are a very formidable foe. Oslo was 13th and 6th, respectively. Not so formidable. But the Outlaws, with veteran Matt Murray in goal, were the second-best penalty killing team, and their powerplay is better than Copenhagen’s. It all makes for good spectating,
Goalies:
- Oslo – Matt Murray, 2.71 GAA, .906 save pct.
- Copenhagen – Joonas Korpisalo, 2.84 GAA, .887 save pct.
Top Plus/Minus players:
- Oslo – Yegor Sharangovich +28
- Copenhagen – K’Andre Miller +46
Expert Panel Predictions:
- Commissioner Chuck: Copenhagen in 7 games. It will be a close series, but the Tridents showed this year, when they stumbled for a good stretch, that they can get tough when the going gets tough, and they have the tragic death of former teammate Johnny Gaudreau to strengthen their focus and determination. As always, Erik Forssell – the world’s most heroic man – will play an important role as a leader and playmaker.
- Rose: Oslo in 7. It worked when I said it last year. I love Oslo’s defense corps and I think they showed in the regular season they can go toe to toe with the Tridents. Jacob Moverare has become more of an offensive threat this year and he gives the wizard Connor McDavid yet another weapon to pass to. I see the Outlaws busting up the Copenhagen machine.
