As the second half gets underway in the MLL, the competition will heat up as there are only four games remaining for each team and playoff berths are on the line. As it stands right now, the Rochester Rattlers, Boston Cannons and Charlotte Hounds are all battling for the fourth and final playoff spot. The Denver Outlaws seem to be a lock as they are 10-0 and the Hamilton Nationals and Chesapeake Bayhawks are 7-3 and 7-4 respectively.
Players will be bringing a little something extra to the fold as they try and help their respective teams to a playoff berth. With so many playoff implications, it will be interesting to see who steps up for each squad. Without further adieu, here are the players to watch as teams head down the homestretch.
Casey Powell, Attack, Chesapeake Bayhawks
Powell made his debut earlier this week and appeared to have not missed a beat with the Bayhawks. He was even named player of the game as he registered three goals and an assist in the Bayhawks 13-12 win over the Boston Cannons in overtime.
Powell adds another threat to the Bayhawks and could be the key to help the Bayhawks threaten both the Hamilton Nationals and Denver Outlaws. Powell joins two 30-plus point players in Drew Westervelt and Ben Rubeor, as well as, four 20-plus point scorers in Matt Mackrides, Kyle Dixon, John Grant Jr. and Steven Brooks. The only offense that may be better is Denver’s, and if that is the case, he may be the key in helping the Bayhawks go toe-to-toe with the league’s best offense.
Rob Pannell, Attack, New York Lizards and Eric Law, Attack, Denver Outlaws
I group these two players together not so much for playoff implications, but in the race for Cascade Rookie of the Year honors. After the first half of the season, both players have been putting up impressive performances for their respective teams. Pannell was even named to the All-Star game where he registered four points against the best the league had to offer. He also leads the Lizards in points (24) and is the quarterback of that team.
Meanwhile, Law has stepped right in and become a deadly finisher, adding yet another threat to a seemingly unstoppable offense. He has 18 goals and five assists on the season, and is shooting a blistering .720 on the season.
With four games remaining, and both their team’s fates essentially guaranteed, fans should anticipate an exciting finish to a close Rookie of the Year race.
Stephen Berger, Attack, Boston Cannons
Berger was brought in just before the trade deadline passed in a blockbuster deal in the hopes of adding yet another weapon to an already impressive bunch. Pairing him with Paul Rabil, Matt Poskay, Ryan Boyle, Mike Stone, Will Manny and Cameron Flint will cause defenses fits as every player is a threat. If he can add a goal or two a game for the Cannons, that should be enough to put them over the edge, give the defense enough time to get their act together and see them competing at Championship Weekend.
Jordan Burke, Goalie, Boston Cannons and Adam Ghitelman, Goalie, Charlotte Hounds
Everyone knows a hot goaltender can cover up the mistakes of a suspect defense. Everyone also knows that a hot goaltender can also carry a team for a stretch of time, whether it is over the course of a game or the course of several games. Both Burke and Ghitelman are players to watch because if one of the two can give their team’s a boost in this four game stretch, they will likely make the playoffs.
In Burke’s case, he has a stellar offense in front of him with weapons all over the field. Veterans like Paul Rabil, Matt Poskay, Ryan Boyle, Mike Stone and Stephen Berger are meshing well with newcomers Will Manny and Cameron Flint. With so much offensive firepower, the team’s defense just needs to be a little above average if the Cannons have any hopes of making it to Championship Weekend.
Burke is the key as he currently is last in GAA at 13.78 and has given up 10 two point goals. If Burke can cut a couple of goals off that average over the course of the next three games, then the Cannons will only help their chances of succeeding as they will give their potent offense more chances to score. Unfortunately, Burke and the Cannons defense could not stop the Bayhawks from mounting a comeback and ultimately beating them 13-12 in overtime earlier in the week.
Meanwhile, Ghitelman, despite having the lowest save percentage in the league at .477, still finds himself better than Burke in the GAA department. However, it is not by much, and his play will be pivotal in determining whether or not Charlotte makes it to Championship Weekend this year. If he can provide the Hounds with performances such as when they beat the Ohio Machine and Chesapeake Bayhawks, then the Hounds will be in great position to make it to Championship Weekend. But, if he goes .500 in cage, such as his past two games against the Boston Cannons and Denver Outlaws, his team will find themselves looking up in the standings.
