Preview of the Aces-Marauders matchup

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Kicking off the action for the Miami Marauders (50-15-7, +88) is a matchup with the Las Vegas Aces (32-20-20, –8). These teams are built very differently and as such the matchup could hinge on what wins the battle between the unstoppable force versus immovable object.

 

The Marauders thrive on the offensive side of the puck. With four users above the 370 TPA threshold and four of the top seven offensive point-scorers in the VHLM this season, Miami looks to push aside Halifax as the expected offensive juggernaut in the playoffs. D Armas Jortikka especially is dangerous on the power play, bolstered by a 13.7 shooting percentage resulting in a toasty 13 PPG.  

 

Vegas counters with some strong defensive play, slotting in a strongly physical center Danny Ross (with 246 hits!) with highly touted poke checkers Ceson, Satou, and Aldgard on defense. The defense may not be deep, but it's skilled. The Marauder forwards will have their hands full.

 

Goaltending seems to be about equal on both sides, with Oluwaseun perhaps being narrowly outshadowed by Draw Mac, who had an excellent year for Miami.

 

Overall, the stronger side look to be Miami, but it just takes some good streaks to shift things around. Looks to be a good one!

 

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