Our new season begins with everyone back to square one. Our opening game Friday night is the #2 seeded Italians vs #5 seed Ireland. This match up was the only one that went 5 wins for Italy this regular season. But 3 of the 5 wins were one goal games. Italy out scored the Irish 28 – 20. Ireland went 2 wins and 2 losses in their final round robin games. Italy had one win one loss and 2 ties in their last 4 games. Ireland had the best power play this season and Italy was the weakest. The Italians were the most penalized team this season with 78 minutes, they will need to stay out of the box to not face the league leading Irish power play. Italy had the 2nd best penalty kill % and Ireland the worst. Italy had the lowest goals for this season with 85 but the 2nd best goals against at 93. Ireland had 102 goals for and a league high 114 against. Italians are led by Di Luzio, Boulton and Tygesen. The Irish are led by Vincilli, Stoll and Riopelle. I think this one will be close. Late game between the #3 seed Portuguese and the #4 seed Slovenia should also be a close one. Both squads finished with a 20 point season and their head to head record was 2 wins each and a tie. Slovenia out scored the Portugal squad 29-24 but outside of one blow out win 8-2 these 2 were pretty well even. Slovenia enters the playoffs as maybe the hottest team with only one loss in their last 5 games of the regular season. Portugal has been up and down with 2 wins and 2 losses in their last 4 games. Slovenia was 2nd best in power play % and Portugal was 4th. Ditto for penalty kill %. Portugal scored 100 goals and Slovenia had 105. The Portuguese are led by Rukavina, Russo and Robb and the Slovenians have the rookie sensation Deware, Chantaj and the playoff king Brideau. This one will be close as well. Best of luck lads!!