Claimed: VHLM Season Review (so far...) [1/2]

[HellBillyXIII 61]

   Hey folks, thanks for taking the time to check out this weeks article. I am shaking things up a bit this week. Instead of my usual player-centric peice in Pilgrim I’m going to do a quick run down of the current state of affairs in the VHLM. I know some of you are too busy to follow closely or don’t have players in the league, so this one is for you guys. 

 

   The season is winding down now, with all teams having 44-47 games completed. The top and bottom teams are pretty clear at this point, and we have a good idea of who will make the playoffs, but there is a very tight battle for 2nd seed. 2nd seed guarantees home ice advanatge all they way through the semi finals for whoever pulls through. 

 

Cream of the Crop

 

Yukon Rush- The Yukon Rush are head and shoulders above the rest of the league as of right now. Through 47 games they have amassed 72 points, good for 1st place by a massive 17 point margin. Their 77% win percentage tops the league, with the 2nd place team coming in at 60% currently. The Rush have an absolutely dominant defense, playing in front of their pleasantly suprising young goalie, that has allowed both the fewest shots on goal and fewest goals allowed all season. Despite their dominance defensively the Rush have their faults. Their offense struggles at times despite leading the league in goals scored. It is rumored they may try moving some draft picks before the trade deadline to bring in a forward or 2. 

 

Almost There

 

Las Vegas Aces: Currently in 2nd place with 55 points Las Vegas Has all but secured their spot in the playoffs. Their offense can hang with anyone in the league but they arw a well balanced team coning in at 2nd fewest goals allowed. On paper their records dont reflect this but Las Vegas seems to be a superior team to the 3rd place Oslo Storm. 

 

Oslo Storm: The Oslo Storm are a bit of a mystery team. They’re play is wildly inconsistent and that is reflected in their results. They currently trail the 2nd place Las Vegas Aces by just 1 point despite having a goals for/against ratio of plus 1. Las Vegas is +28. The most interesting thing about Oslo is the ability to be a true disruptive force come playoff time. For some reason The Yukon Rush struggle mightily against The Storm, and recently lost 3 in a row to them. Should Oslo maintain 2nd or 3rd seed they could potentially meet Yukon in the finals making for a VERY intersting matchup. 

 

Obligatory Mentions

 

Saskatoon Wild: The Wild will most likely make the playoffs this season, but a 1st round exit is very likely. With a goal for/against ration of -29 they have not earned their playoff spot, and more or less back their way into the playoffs by way of default. They look to have some potential and could possibly be in playoff contention next season. 

 

Ottawa Lynx: Punching bag, cupcake, tomato can...any number of deprecating sports cliches apply to the Lynx in their current state. They have a pourous defense and no offesnive spark. This team has to really make some strides this off season to compete next year. 

 

 

 

[diamond_ace 3,112]

Every team makes the playoffs

[HellBillyXIII 61]

Lol oops. I got confused withba different league. 

[DollarAndADream 3,357]

Review:

Come back, Billy.

Solid article here, as usual!