The newest professionally signed NHL 6v6 team, along with other high-potential teams, including one from PlayStation 5 will look to make headlines in the IGT NHL 24 Open Playoffs.
The regular season of the first NHL 24 6v6 eSport event, the IGT 24 Open, is officially complete, with the first round of the playoffs set to begin tonight at 9 p.m. ET.
The first round of the Main Stage division will highlight many experienced and potential-filled 6s teams. Here are three storylines to follow.
How will SJ Sharks Gaming perform in their first tournament?
SJ Sharks Gaming, the NHL gaming division of the San Jose Sharks, now has a dual content-competitive 6v6 team. The roster includes established players, including Reidxrs (LW), McNiips (C), Boogie (RW), Wrxsto (LD), Dimitri (RD), and Hxdman (G).
SJ Sharks Gaming placed 11th in the regular season standings of the IGT 24 Open with a record of 14-10-0. They are set to take on Elevated (21st seed) in the first round. Expectations are high, and starting tonight, the Chel community will get a glimpse into how good this team is and can be.
Which team will have a breakout run in the IGT 24 Open Playoffs?
The first 6v6 NHL eSport tournament provides an exciting element in that some surprises are guaranteed. If previous years are an indication, then the community can expect a team or two to make a strong push as early as this tournament. So, which team/s will have a breakout run and impress the community early on? Answers to that question will be provided starting tonight!
Team Empire will look to impress the 6s scene as one of the few competitive squads from PlayStation 5.
Team Empire is one of few PlayStation 5 teams in the IGT 24 Open Playoffs. As the 8th-seeded team, they bolstered an impressive 15-7-2 record during the regular season. Most impressively, they split their regular season games against Scary Hours and Isles GT, two of the most formidable 6s clubs in the history of NHL 6v6.
Owner and Center of team Empire, HRA-ow, was asked how the team feels going into the IGT 24 Open Playoffs. He says, "We are feeling confident. We believe we are capable of being a top team in esports." Straight to the point and focused, the team will look to catch many more eyes during the playoffs, and they will look to start that tonight as they take on the 10th-seeded team in Inevitable.
The IGT 24 Open Playoffs is set to begin tonight at 9 p.m. ET. Catch all the action HERE.
Stay tuned for deep dives, impressions, and more on The Hockey News Gaming Site.