Playoff previews 2021: the final

Can KPL go all the way this season and take gold in their second consecutive final?

After some intense semifinal series, the finals are set, with Manse and KPL in search of gold, whilst Vimpeli and Sotkamo go head to head for bronze. The post season so far has been one of the most thrilling and exciting in recent memory, now we will we if Manse’s big spending can pay off, or whether KPL can end their long wait for a championship…



(1) Manse PP v (3) KPL

This has been the toughest series for me to predict so far. Both teams are worthy champions this year and I have gone back and changed my mind several times. Manse beat Sotkamo in 3 straight games, but it was far from being an easy series. The first 2 games went to a scoring contest! Manse executed their game plan well to defeat the reigning champions, but some uncharacteristic errors (like Puhtimäki walking in a run in game 1) that made things harder than they needed to be. In a scoring contest, Manse probably has the best batting and running pairs to win out of any other team in the top 8 (Vimpeli are a close 2nd). KPL’s strengths have been in the way that they have played defensively. KPL managed to shut down Vimpeli’s powerful lineup and Janne Kivipelto is playing exceptionally. The real keys to this series will be whether  aManse can break through KPL’s defensive game - if the games end up going to a scoring contest however, expect to see Manse come out on top. In my opinion KPL are playing a solid game and it will be tough for Manse to overcome. In contrast, I just don’t think Manse have been able to unlock their true potential yet this season… maybe it will all finally come together in the finals? But I think it is more likely that KPL will take the championship.

Prediction: Manse 1 - 3 KPL




(2) Vimpeli v (4) Sotkamo

Unlike the final series, the bronze series is clearer in my mind. Although Sotkamo is a solid team, their offence does not have the variety and flare that Vimpeli’s does. Whilst Joni Rytkönen continues to excel, he is the only player that has a stack of tricks up his sleeve. All too often this season Roope Korhonen or Lauri Rönkkö were out played defensively and Sotkamo’s offence stumbled despite putting up some solid numbers. The margins I am talking about here are so fine, but when you compare the lineup to Vimpeli’s, there really is only 1 winner. Vimpeli has continued to dominate up and down the lineup and I just don’t believe that Aapo Komulainen and Sotkamo’s defence will be able to stop their rivals (especially when they have home field advantage). 

Prediction: Vimpeli 2 - 1 Sotkamo 

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