PowerPlay Ajakiri

The halfway point is upon us and therefore it is time to spend a moment reflecting on the current standings and how they are shaping up.

As expected Irresistable Force is way out in front, having only lost 1 game this season, a 1 goal loss to the third placed STL Saints. In clear second are the Miami Rage who started out inconsistently but have played extremely well over the last few weeks to have a seven point lead over the battle for third.

As already mentioned the STL Saints who have been quite consistent throughout the first half of the season sit in third, tied with the Americans who after a dreadful start won 9 of their last 10 games to race up the standings. The Wasphawks who would be fairly disappointed with their form over the last few weeks with only 2 wins make up the top 5 only a single point behind the race for third.

The Psychos, Capitol Hill and Swamp Foxes round out the Top 8. However, there are five teams within 2 points of the Swamp Foxes who currently sit in 8th spot and only 7 points between 16th and 8th leaving the race for the top 8 wide open during the second half of the season.

Additionally of the teams sitting outside the top 8, three of these, the Red Wings, Michigan Goldhawks and the N.©.New York Hellraisers all are in the top 8 for overall team strength and will likely come home strongly. Another interesting point to note is that quite a few of the teams outside the Top 8 have been playing on low intensity regularly and should start reaping the benefits of this through the second half of the season.

The highlight matchup last week was won by the Michigan Goldhawks 5:1 over Capitol Hill. Even though the Goldhawks were playing at a lower intensity, their offensive game plan provided many more opportunities to score and they also took advantage twice with the man advantage.

This coming week’s highlight matchup sees the 2nd placed Miami Rage take on the third placed STL Saints on Wednesday. I am tipping the STL Saints to scrape through due to a higher intensity in their gameplay.

Good luck to all through the second half of the season.