PLAYOFF MADNESS BEGINS: A GUIDE TO PLAYOFFS

As the regular season wraps up with Gears Beer (25 points) claiming the top spot, it’s time to break down our league’s distinctive playoff format that sets us apart from typical beer leagues.

PLAYOFF FORMAT BREAKDOWN:

ROUND 1 – THE QUARTERFINALS (Total Goals Series)
• Two-game series where total goals determine the winner
• Unique Goalie Rotation System:
– Same goalie pair works both games
– Goalies switch teams after Game 1 for complete fairness
– This eliminates any goalie advantage/disadvantage
• All eight qualifying teams participate
• Matchups follow standard 1v8, 2v7, 3v6, 4v5 format

What makes our playoff format special is the emphasis on fairness, particularly with our goalie rotation system. Since we’re a draft league where goalies are managed separately from teams, this system ensures that goaltending can’t unfairly influence a series outcome. Each team gets to play with both goalies, creating a pure test of team skill.

ROUND 2 – THE SEMIFINALS
• Best 2-out-of-3 series format
• Winners advance to championship

Goalies are drafted by teams in the order of their ranking for the second round of playoffs and the goalie stays with the team through the remainder of the playoffs.

CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
• Best 2-out-of-3 format
• Winner takes all!

QUARTERFINAL MATCHUPS:
1) Gears Beer (25pts) vs Madd Dogs (19pts)
2) Goyette (24pts) vs Lukes Lawn (20pts)
3) Milnes (23pts) vs Flint OT (21pts)
4) Saber Electric (23pts) vs Tucker (22pts)


The transition from total goals in round one to best-of-three series adds another layer of strategy. Teams must adapt their approach – from managing goal differential in the quarterfinals to winning individual games in the semis and finals.

Stay tuned for game schedules and results as we crown our 2024/25 champion!