This is a weekly article series that will go over just some thoughts, ideas, predictions...whatever I’m feeling for the week. It may be anything from current champion ratings to the pro’s state of mind.

Capten’s Pieces o' Eight

What happened in week 9?

Short answer... a lot. Standings were completely shaken up, 100T takes 1st and Clutch falls to 6th. Take a look at the infographic from Riot.

TSM and 100 have massive end of season surges, both teams look very strong and securing their places in the playoffs. FOX looking pretty weak for the past few weeks, but luckily still holding onto second place. TL, C9, and Clutch all looked pretty bad the past week or so as well. In the end, they still maintain playoff spots and will battle each other along with TSM during quarterfinals. Which start this weekend.

No. 2 Let's go Clutch!

Clutch hasn’t been performing as I expected and hoped the past couple weeks. This worries me that they can’t perform when it counts. The point could be argued that once they secured a playoff spot...the rest of the regular season “didn’t matter”, but it sure would have made for an easier playoff run if they had had a late-season surge such as 100 or TSM.

On Sunday Clutch takes on TSM for quarterfinals in a best of 5. This also worries me. Sure Clutch has won more games than they have lost against TSM this season, but they were all best of 1’s. TSM has always been that team that loses the first game in a series and then comes out with the win. I really hope Clutch’s consistency can provide them the endurance to smash TSM in this series.

My advice...

• Make mikeyeung tilt. He’s gotten some practice in getting smashed and playing from behind this season, but I think he’s still not experienced enough to deal with constant pressure.
• Ban gangplank, I don’t care if Hauntzer actually sucks and Solo thinks he can take him...he has like a 100% win rate on the champion this season. Just burn the ban and don’t worry about it.
• Don’t waste bans on Bjergsen...he’s capable on any champ and he USUALLY doesn’t hard carry in my opinion, he’s just a stalwart midlaner than isn’t ever going to be the reason his team loses.
• Focus bot lane. Zven/Mithy have really not been performing to expectations this season, at all. Smash that lane.

The general strategy should be to create a large amount of pressure on TSM, exposing their communication and synergy issues they seem to be having.

Have some confidence guys and GLHF.

Best of 5’s

The format for playoffs, as mentioned, is best of 5’s. A common theme throughout this season has been discussing how the format is affecting the standings. Will the standard teams we expect to be on top (TSM, C9, TL) easily rise to the top due to the longer format? Does a team with more skill just flat-out win a longer series due to their ability to adapt and match their opponent’s style? I think this season is going to be a great indicator of the future.

To sum up....I'm HYPED for this weekend! It's Thursday...HURRRY UP WEEKEND!

Well, those are my ramblings for the week. Shower thoughts. Momentos. Whatever. Feel free to comment below and strike up a conversation on any of the above, or anything at all.

Source: All from Giphy.com or Riot.com