London Heating Up at the Right Time

[Cornholio 182]

The London United had its struggles throughout the first half of the regular season despite a top-end talent type of roster. The problem appeared to lie within the team's depth as well as its offense not clicking on all cylinders like anticipated in the preseason. Through 53 games (with approximately 2/3 games in hand over everybody else), London has only scored 185 goals, more than 40 short of the league leading Warsaw Predators. However London's defense has proved to be the most stingiest, only yielding 146 goals, 11 fewer than the very same Predators team. In these two teams' most recent matchup, London won 4-1. 

 

"That Dude is starting to sense a turn of the tide here in London which is really nice. Everybody is starting to play together better, the cohesion is starting to click and all that. Folks are now aware of where everybody else is/will be and I think that has really helped us play better as a whole. The goaltending (Jacob Tonn) has been awesome for us and I think our increased buy-in defense has really shown its rewards."

 

In an interesting turn of events, the European Conference has proved to be superior compared to the North American Conference this year. The NA's leading team and the reigning champions Chicago Phoenix as accumulated 68 points through 56 games. There are four teams in the European Conference that has just as many points, including London. Unfortunately, only one team from each conference will meet to battle it out for the Cup - so London's going to have a tough road ahead of them in the playoffs. But if London continues its current trajectory, one has to feel good about their odds. 

 

In other news, That Dude has been stuck as the right winger on the second line - however he has started to pick up a few more assists now and then (9G, 12A through 53 games) along with dishing out hits as needed. Not quite the stat stuffing year, but I think he's on the right path on a top-heavy team.