VHLM Power Rankings - October 17th

[MrMonkey 58]

My power rankings October 17th, some teams have conclusively decided to tank and some teams have bolstered there roster for the incoming playoffs. There are some clear favorites but there are some fun underdogs that could go farther than expected. I personally like Ottawa and there roster than Yukon, that may be surprising but I feel Yukon's goalie could be easily exploited and there lack of dept can't help them.

 

X - Playoff Lock

 

1. (X) Yukon Rush - This teams has been incredible, they have a very high ceiling with players like Harkat Mulds, Kyosti Karjalainen, and that amazing starting three on defense. That doesn't mean Yukon is invincible, they do have some weak spots, there goalie, Thomas Price has posted a 88% save percentage thus far placing him just outside the top 10(there are 12 teams) in the VHLM in save percentage. Additionally, there depth could be questioned, they have excellent first/second lines but anything past that is a big question. With such a big recruiting week for some teams, this lack of depth in Yukon could prove to be fatal.

 

2. (X) Ottawa Lynx - Ottawa is a great team, there defense is undoubtedly the best in the league. Juice Box and Matty Live prove to be some of the best defensemen in the league posting a 41+/- and a 40+/- respectively. Ottawa's weakness is shown in there offense, they have some incredible depth but they just don't have the right set of pieces on offense to put them it first. Towards the later lines there is some notable stagnancy, this hasn't just hurt the team massively, it may have been what took first place away from them.

 

3. (X) Minnesota Storm - The Storm has has the second best offense and a solid defense, this has put them in a position to make a legitimate push against Ottawa and Yukon during the playoffs. There star scorer, Barry Bonds Jr., has proven to be an incredible player and could keep Minnesota in the playoffs for years. Minnesota's only weakness is there defense, but even then they still maintain a top 4 defense and the third best point differential in the league.

 

4. (X) Houston Bulls - This team is well composed and ready to fight in the playoffs, however after Minnesota there is a noticeable drop in rostered talent. The Bull's point differential is +32, that is less than half of Minnesota's point differential. Houston is guaranteed to make the playoffs but will have a tough time going very deep, I don't see how they could get past Ottawa, even Minnesota is a stretch. Houston could be a really fun underdog to watch in the playoffs, with a little luck they could get past Minnesota.

 

5. (X) Halifax - Halifax has been impressive over the last week, they have signed the last 6 out of 10 new recruits. With these new additions Halifax is in a better position then ever this season. If there talent can progressive effectively before seasons end they could definitely contend with Houston. Halifax has the fifth best offensive in the league, could even be fourth depending on how they progress through the end of the season. There offense has arguably the best first line with lead goal scorer Bryn Ywry, top five Jacob Richard, and top five Jorgen Von Strangle. Halifax has a bad defense, being in the bottom four in terms of goals against. There are hopes however with recent defensemen signings there is a legitimate hope for a strong contention as a top five team. Recent defensemen signings include, Connor Johnson, Marshall Maxx (Mean Maxx), and Derek Erkope. 

 

6. (X) Mexico City Kings - The Kings have have an average offense and an average defense, there is clear lack of star players on offense. There defense however has a very good first line but just question marks past that. The Kings star defensemen are Dookie Headtop and Wattson Power, they are very good but there's a clear lake of offensive support while there on the ice. If the Kings make the playoffs they will have a very difficult time getting past Houston let alone Minnesota. Recent signings include Brayden Smith. Mexico might have a tough time fending off Halifax and Bryn Ywry, the Kings could absolutely lose there position in font of Halifax in the standings. 

 

8. Philadelphia Reapers - The Reapers roster a nearly full squad, which has put them in a position to clinch the final playoff spot however it's a very close race as the team right behind them have a slightly better point differential. The Reapers need to make a move or else they won't have a shot at progressing in the playoffs. There recent signings include Eduard Saidgariev. 

 

7. Las Vegas Aces - Despite there impressive record, LA only rosters four players, that is what will kill there playoff hopes or playoff progression. They haven't made any recent signings to try and fill those holes. There record is sure to suffer. The Aces clearly are tanking to attempt to get a better pick in the up coming draft, but with such a good record before they decided to tank makes me curious, I may not understand the big picture but they were a sure fire playoff lock.

 

9. Miami Marauders - There recent four game lose streak just nudged them outside the playoffs, additionally they have seemingly tanked there team to attempt to get a better pick in the draft and negate the playoffs entirely. This is a common strategy for teams that don't have strong rosters. 

 

10. San Diego Marlins - Despite having a fairly full roster (In comparison to teams with similar records) they still suck. They could move up a spot or two because some teams in front of them  are tanking. They are experiencing a fairly strong incoming rookie class, could help them in the long run.

 

11. Mississauga Hounds - They have two players, tanking. 

 

12. The Saskatoon Wild -  They have seven players, tanking. At least in a better position then the Hounds. 

 

 

 

1004 Words

Claiming Two Weeks

Edited October 17, 2021 by MrMonkey

[Ente2997 49]

Great list keep up the grind man

[Tomat0 50]

REVIEW

 

Very good read. Always enjoy this type of look at the league's power ranking. Read well and you made some interesting points. Could have spent a bit more time talking about why some of the bottom teams are bad. Overall really good job.

7.5/10