Philadelphia on brink of elimination, but Taylor Mourning turns heads

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During the first period of the Game 5 match between San Diego and Philadelphia, the Marlins scored four straight goals in a span of less than five minutes. They were up 4-1, but the game was evidently not out of hand, as the Reapers surged back with the next four goals of the game. The comeback effort proved fruitless, as Declan Wolf tied it up late in the third with his league-leading sixth goal of the playoffs, giving Hendrix Cobberson the opportunity to be the overtime hero. This win gives San Diego their first lead of the series, which now sits at 3-2.

 

While the Marlins, led by Wolf and Aldwin Craig, are win away from knocking the Reapers out of the playoffs, Philadelphia's Taylor Mourning is the most talked about player of the series. Wolf and Craig both have more points, but Mourning gets extra attention for being a draftee, and he sure is using the playoffs to show teams he is worth the pick. Already a projected top-five pick, Mourning has always looked like a player who has potential. His performance during the regular season was adequate, but he was far from a shining star. This series has been a different story.

 

Mourning leads all S79 draftees in goals (4) and points (9) in the playoffs. His performance in Game 5, although the reapers lost, was especially noteworthy. After trailing big early on, Mourning was instrumental in Philadelphia coming close. He scored two of their five goals and assisted on the other three. He is proving that the talk of him being a top pick is warranted based on more than just the speculation that he will be good in the future.

 

It is unclear if Mourning will be back with the Reapers next season. The VHLE does not start up until S80, but there has been word that he would prefer to not spend any more time in the minors. It may depend on the outlook and needs of whichever team drafts him., but his time in Philadelphia could be coming to an end very soon.