The Mann Cup so far has been an offensive oriented affair. Both teams have had their moments to shine as the Langley Thunder and the Peterborough Lakers head into game 5 there is only one thing that is known for certain and that is that this series will see some serious fireworks in the last three games.
All year long the Langley Thunder were able to win games due to their powerful offense but it appears they have finally met their match as Peterborough has met them step for step. The Thunder have proven that they have changed from last year when they were swept by the Brampton Excelsiors as they have shown they can dig deep and win. In game one of the Mann Cup despite being down 5-2 after the first period Langley rallied and was able to win the game 13-12. The Thunder have been able to get a team effort beginning with Brodie MacDonald in net who has done all he can to slow down Peterborough’s offense and has looked excellent so far this series. The heart and soul of Langley’s team has been Athan Iannucci as he has been clutch for them all season and this Mann Cup is no different. Iannuci has had 11 goals and 8 assists and has proven that he is the leader of this team. Langley has also gotten excellent play from offseason acquisitions Garrett Billings and Lewis Ratcliff. Langley will have their work cut out for them with Peterborough but their dynamic offense may just find a way to win.
Peterborough so far has won their games because of their offense but in game four it was their defense that came to the table as they held Langley to just 34 shots. Defense can win championships and if they can contain Langley’s offense they will win the Mann Cup. Peterborough will need to continue to play tough defense because Langley can expose any cracks and take advantage. Peterborough has been led by John Grant Jr who despite being knocked out in game 2 has 20 points in the series and has the heart of a champion. Peterborough will need to continue to match Langley step for step on offense but if their defense can step up it will take some of the pressure off Peterborough’s offense.
With only three games left these two teams will continue what has been an epic battle for the mann cup as this Mann Cupp has seen late game heroics and insane offense and will go down as one of the best in history. These two offenses will continue to light up the scoreboard but when the dust finally settles there will be only one team left standing.
Comments are closed.