With just three games remaining in the MLL season, everyone except for the 1-10 Ohio Machine are technically eligible for the playoffs. With so many teams still eligible, that means an abundance of playoff scenarios exist. So what are the playoff ramifications heading into this week’s action? Read below and find out.
As it stands right now the undefeated Denver Outlaws continue to hold the top spot with a record of 11-0. They have undoubtedly clinched a playoff spot and are playing for the No. 1 overall seed. If they beat the third place Chesapeake Bayhawks, they will clinch the No.1 overall seed. If they lose, they can still clinch the top spot with a loss by the Hamilton Nationals against Boston.
The Bayhawks are currently sitting in third place right now as they head into Denver later today. Chesapeake currently holds a record of 7-4, just one game back of the Hamilton Nationals for second place. The Bayhawks can clinch a spot this week with a win over the Outlaws or a loss by either Charlotte or Boston.
Speaking of Hamilton, they have yet to clinch a playoff spot despite an 8-3 record. A win against the Cannons will clinch them a berth into Championship Weekend. However, if they lose, they can also clinch a playoff spot with a loss by the Charlotte Hounds.
Boston, on the other hand, is currently tied with the Charlotte Hounds for the last playoff spot. With both teams at 5-6, Boston holds the last playoff spot due to head-to-head matchups. The Cannons defeated the Hounds in both meetings during the regular season and thus, hold the tiebreaker.
Lastly, in the battle of New York state, the Rochester Rattlers and New York Lizards face off in a big game. Despite being from the same state, Rochester and New York currently sit sixth and seventh in the standings respectively. New York has a very slim chance of making the playoffs as they will be eliminated from the playoff race with a loss, or a win by either Boston or Charlotte. A win against the Rattlers and a loss by both Charlotte and Boston would keep them in the race for another week.
Conversely, while Rochester’s fate will not be decided this week, they clearly need a win to improve their standing. The Rattlers sit at 4-7, one game back from both Charlotte and Boston, and a win would put them at 5-7. The best case scenario for the Rattlers would be to see both Charlotte and Boston lose. If that occurs, a Rattler win would put all three teams in a tie for the last playoff spot with two games remaining.
