CFHL Playoffs and Cup Preview

 Well the stage is set.  The 2023 Cherry Cup begins today.  But first let's take a look at the semi-final games that took place this past week...

California Raisins 3  Who Gives a Puck 3 - Turn about is fair game I guess as this time the Raisins were at the wrong end of the tie breaker.  Last week the Raisins skated to a 3-3 tie and won being the home/higher seeded team.  This week the tie went to the Puck.  Goalies for the Raisins held up their end of the deal getting 3 wins and a SV% of .967.  Sorokin had 2 wins and .983!  However they couldn't match offensively with the Puck who beat them in goals, assists and PPP.  Dawson "Creek" Mercer led the Puck with 3 goals while Zibanejad had 6 assists!  The Puck will try for their 3rd Cherry Cup.

Mercer for the Puck

Greek Empire 4  Checkers 2 - Down go the Checkers.  Their quest for their 6th Cherry Cup came to an end as they ran into a team that is on a mission, the Greek Empire.  The Empire destroyed the number 2 team Goon Crew last week and then had very little problem with the top team in the league.  They beat the Checkers by 4 goals, 4 assists and 6 PPP!  The Empire really got scoring all around from their team.  Every player except Nurse had at least 1 assist, with Matthew Tkachuk  getting 4 helpers to go along with his 2 goals.  Timo Meier had a great week too with 3 goals and 3 PPP for the Empire.  They go to their first ever Cherry Cup Finals.

Matthew Tkachuk  for Empire

Cherry Cup Finals:  Greek Empire at Who Gives a Puck

This year's Cherry Cup Finals is a game between experience versus inexperience.  The Puck will be going for their 3rd Cherry Cup and this is the Empires first trip.  On paper this appears to be a close match up.  It will be a quick final as the end of the regular season is Friday which only has 2 game.  

Skaters - The edge has to go to the Empire right now.  Leon Draisaitl is one of the top scorers in the league.  Boldy has been scoring a lot too.  Plus with Matthew Tkachuk, who can score and hit but will be playing against his brother Brady for the Puck.  Puck will likely win the hits with Brady Tkachuk and Tom Wilson on their team.  

Boldy has found his scoring touch

Blue Line - These group are a little closer but I still think the Empire edge them in defenseman.  Burns, Doughty, Fox and Nurse are a hell of a line up.  Shayne Gostisbehere is the best D-man for the Puck.

Burns actually looks a little like Empire owner Mark..

Goalies - Here is where the Puck can make it a game.  With the emergence of Korpisalo and the great play this year by Oettinger they may be able to sweep the goalie categories.  Juuse Saros for the Empire and Jarry  are solid.  

Korpisalo hopes he can win a cup for the Puck

Outlook - I think this Greek Empire is on a mission.  Taking down the two best teams and now are ready to win the Cup.  If the Puck can win both goalie categories, they only need to grab one more for the win as they would hold the tie breaker if the final is 3-3.

Prediction:  Greek Empire 4-2