Quick Glance:

If you look at the two teams’ defensive numbers (goals against and shots allowed averages), you will see they are very close. In the other end of the rink, Belfast has been able to apply more offensive pressure, but where the Giants really seem to have an advantage is when there are players in the penalty boxes. Their penalty killing was 3rd best in the league and their powerplay was tied for 3rd best. Tallinn struggles in both areas. So the more whistles the better for the Giants.

Goalies:

• Tallinn – Juuse Saros, 3.08 GAA, .897 save pct.
• Belfast – Braden Holtby, 3.02 GAA, .897 save pct.

Top Plus/Minus players:

• Tallinn – Michal Kristof +32
• Belfast – Roope Laavainen +27

Expert Panel Predictions:

• Commissioner Chuck: Tallinn in 7 games. I find it really hard to predict this series because Belfast is an unknown even after 82 games. They locked up the division title about halfway into the season so who knows how hard they have been playing. They played goalie Braden Holtby in 59 games and Mackenzie Blackwood in just 27, but Mack had better numbers. Defenseman Neal Pionk excelled in Northern Ireland after being traded from Athens halfway into the season, but he really hasn’t played a meaningful game yet for the Giants. I don’t know what to expect from Belfast. Tallinn plays like demons at home and even though their top forward line has been eaten alive many times by opponents, the rest of squad has made up a lot of ground … er, ice … for the team. They have depth and seem to play hard for each other. I’m Liking the Vikings but I’m unsure for sure.
• Rose: Belfast in 4 games. This is an easy one to predict if you have even moderate intelligence. First, I’ve never even heard of Tallinn. Is it the city in that book by J.R.R.R.R Tolkien? I always favor real places over fictional ones. Plus Belfast (an actual place) has forwards Nathan MacKinnon, David Pastrnak and Mitch Marner and they are well rested and ready to roll. And lastly, Tallinn has allowed almost a shot per game more than they have taken, while Belfast was “plus” by more than 2.5 shots per game. This is an easy one that our overrated commissioner can’t comprehend for some reason.