Fermin Javier brings a five-goal performance and the chase for 100 career points into Blanco's first Season 8 meeting with Azul. The reigning Campeón Goleador enters October 18 on 94 regular-season points and a league-record 71 goals, after leading Blanco past Negro 6-4. Azul arrive with two wins and 17 goals. Their last playoff meeting went Azul's way, a 3-2 Season 7 semifinal win after Blanco had taken the final regular-season matchup 9-3.

Azul's early identity is relentless shot production: 84 shots on goal through two games and a 67.2% share. Pato Gómez and two-time Mejor Defensa Lorenzo Torres Landa begin the day tied atop the season points table on eight, with Joshua Gutierrez adding six. Blanco's supporting cast delivered around Fermin: Patricio Rincón reached 20 career points with a goal and two assists, Alfonso Calderón supplied two helpers, and Emiliano Ampudia earned his first point.

Ivett Nuñez joins Azul's forward group, while Matt Cooper arrives on Blanco's blue line. Patricio shares Blanco's roster with father Rafael after both played for Azul last season. Christian Hernández De la Rocha's latest outing brought 20 saves on 24 shots. Both teams have one assignment on the revised Sunday schedule. With both power plays still scoreless entering the date, sustained pressure and contributions beyond the headline scorers could decide this semifinal rematch.