Early Look at the VHLM Standings, and Parity

[der meister 3,264]

The Mexico City Kings are right where most pundits would have predicted them: a middle of the pack squad with a tepid offense and an above-average back end. Their 38 goals scored ranks as the third worst in the VHLM, or 8^th out of 10 teams, while their goals against ranks 5^th of 10. There are some circumstances to consider when looking at the raw numbers, however, namely the parity of the Western Conference compared to the Eastern Conference.

 

The gap between the top and bottom teams in the West, the Houston Bulls and San Diego Marlins, is 11 points, with San Diego having a game in hand. Meanwhile, the gap in the East between the Philadelphia Reapers and the Mississauga Hounds is a staggering 22 points, which is astronomical this early in the season. Mississauga's 1-13 record, on the "strength" of the league's worst offense and worst defense, has indeed been to the benefit of Philadelphia, Ottawa, and Miami. Taking it a step further, the worst team in the West, San Diego, is only 1 point behind the second-worst team in the East, Halifax.

 

Even though it's early in the season, it's difficult to imagine the Eastern Conference picture changing much. Out West, however, it looks like the VHLM Playoff picture will probably come down to the wire.