Playoff Series Preview: V. Vikings vs Stallions

The top-seeded Falcon Vikings face off against the fourth-seeded Denver Stallions in the Rocky Mountain East Minor Division Semifinals, with a trip to the Division Final on the line. This best-of-three series begins March 8, 2025, and the winner will take on the victor of the Lambs Grove Leaf Ray vs. Monument Thunder matchup.

While the Vikings dominated much of the regular season, the Stallions showed early in the year that they could compete, making this a potentially interesting series if Denver can find its form.

Regular Season Head-to-Head

🔹 Vikings won all four matchups
🔹 First two meetings were competitive, second two were blowouts
🔹 The Stallions must play like they did in January to have any chance at an upset

Falcon Vikings (1st Seed) – Powerhouse Offense & Depth

The Vikings enter the playoffs as heavy favorites after a dominant regular season, finishing atop the Rocky Mountain East Division. They have an explosive offense, depth across all positions, and solid goaltending, making them a tough team to beat.

Key Players

🔥 Kelly Miyamoto (#64, F) – One of the league’s most dynamic scorers, Miyamoto posted 32 points (16G, 16A) in just 14 games, averaging an impressive 2.3 points per game.

🔥 Matt Levine (#1, F) – A consistent offensive threat, Levine tallied 32 points (15G, 17A) in 20 games, making him a key playmaker for the Vikings.

🔥 Cody Osmon (#93, D) – A two-way defenseman, Osmon led the team in goals with 20, finishing with 29 points (20G, 9A) in 20 games.

Goaltending Stability

The Vikings have one of the most reliable goalies in the division in Brandon Clark (#31, G), who has been a major factor in their success.

• Brandon Clark (#31, G) – 13-6 record, 3.75 GAA, .797 SV%, 4 shutouts

With four shutouts this season, Clark gives the Vikings a big advantage in net.

Denver Stallions (4th Seed) – Underdog Mentality & Early Season Success

The Stallions will need to recapture their early-season form if they want to stand a chance against the Vikings. They played tight games in January, but their later performances were not competitive.

Key Players

⚡ Chase Trautwein (#10, F) – The Stallions' offensive leader, Trautwein recorded 22 points (12G, 10A) in 16 games, averaging 1.4 points per game.

⚡ Jake Kapicak (#77, F) – A dangerous scoring threat, Kapicak led the team with 14 goals and 22 points in 17 games.

⚡ Alec Kapicak (#12, F) – Another key contributor, Alec Kapicak posted 16 points (13G, 3A) in 19 games.

Goaltending Struggles

Goaltending could be a major issue for the Stallions against the high-powered Vikings.

• Dillon Lorey-Grieve (#14, G) – 3-2 record, 3.40 GAA, .855 SV%
• Matt Lodge (#32, G) – 2-4 record, 5.37 GAA, .776 SV%

If Lorey-Grieve gets the start, the Stallions will have a better chance to keep games close.

Series Breakdown & X-Factors

Keys to Victory – Falcon Vikings

✅ Keep applying offensive pressure – With Miyamoto, Levine, and Osmon leading the charge, the Vikings should stick to their high-powered attack.

✅ Shut the door early – The Stallions showed they can compete, but if the Vikings score early and often, it could demoralize their opponent.

✅ Clark needs to stay sharp in net – The Stallions don’t generate a ton of shots, so Clark must stay focused even when he’s not facing heavy pressure.

Keys to Victory – Denver Stallions

⚡ Recreate their January success – They need to go back to what worked early in the season and make the games close.

⚡ Lorey-Grieve must steal a game – If the Stallions’ goaltending isn’t solid, they won’t have a chance.

⚡ Stay disciplined & capitalize on power plays – The Stallions must avoid penalties and make the most of their chances.