Sat-Dec-21, 2024
no games
Spring 2002 Playoffs

Playoff Preview

  • Spring 2002 Playoffs - The Spring 2002 playoffs begin Monday, June 3. Single-elimination, wildcard games are scheduled for Monday, June 3 and Tuesday, June 4. Double elimination play begins Friday, June 7. The playoff schedule is posted on the Master Schedule
  • Playoff Format - B League - top 2 teams, C League - top 4 teams, D,E Leagues - top 6 teams. Additional teams may qualify in case of ties.
  • Playoff Rosters - Only players on team rosters as of April 15, 2002 are eligible to play in the playoffs. Players added after April 15 can not play in the playoffs.
  • Playoff Overtime - A five-minute, stop-time, sudden death overtime is played for any tied playoff games, time permitting. A five man shootout is played for any game still tied after overtime.
June 4, 2002 - The playoff picture is now set and the Race for the Cup begins. Three divisions appear to have clear favorites heading into postseason. The Bulls(B), Bulldogs(D), and Avalanche(E) each look to punctuate their stellar regular seasons with championship runs. All three teams skated through division play nearly unscathed and are clear favorites to secure HLI titles. C League, on the other hand, is a veritable toss-up with all four teams having beaten each other at least once during the regular season.

E LEAGUE

The Avalanche have rolled over through the regular season utilizing a high powered offense to grab a regular season crown in just their second season. They score often and in bunches with several snipers capable of leading them to a title. Unlike their unexepected playoff run last season, however, they are now the hunted and must navigate through several formidable challengers. Perhaps the most formidable is the is the LI-Stars. The Stars, who are hungry to wipe away last fall's playoff disappointment, appear confident and focused. The Stars have the offensive weapons but the question is whether they can limit the defensive lapses that undermined their fall playoff. With a vastly different approach PLT employs defense first and looks to counterpunch waiting for opponents' defensive breakdowns to strike. Using a similar gameplan albeit one perfected and battle tested the Mustangs seek a repeat championship perfomance. Classically employing a "bend-but-don't-break" attack the Mustangs know how to win and can navigate the long road to back-to-back. First up is the mystifying Phantoms. The Phantoms seemingly have all the pieces for a championship run but continue to stumble come playoff time. They can score but they can also be scored upon. Strap in for a wild ride if they can get out of the blocks. Rounding out the playoff field is the upstart LI-Dragons who surprised in their inaugural season. While inconsistent they are dangerous when focused. They can put the puck in the net and will not be an easy out.