D0ctorCool
Registered User
I think it's because goalies are big part of outcome. Team that lose in qualification round, then uses different goalie in playoffs, and suddenly it's different game.
Another point I'd argue is that in short form tourneys, the losing team will make significant adjustments while the winning team tries to execute the exact same way that got them the win. The winning team then has to react to a new set of tactics.