There were some who complained, that 18 teams, was too many to have in this league. I feel it’s good for the league. Gives more players a chance to play. Brings more balance to each team. Not everyone will go undefeated, not everyone will have an amazing season and you will have some teams who will struggle. From the top team in Vegas through the 12th team in Nashville, you have a group of teams that any given week could shift 10 spots up or down. We saw the number 8 team in Toronto knock off the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime. Even at the top of the rankings this year, teams are only separated by 5 points. Everyone still has a chance, even those at the bottom. All it takes are some key moves at the right moment, just ask Redconcept88.
Looking at the standings, Vegas is still on top even after losing to Toronto in overtime. They remain the only team to get a point in every game. They have also not lost in regulation. The Hype/Prodigy tandem will be a tough one for any team to stop. The only thing that may stop them is summer vacations.
Colorado is nipping at the heels of Vegas, only three points back. The team Eggman has put together has been solid so far this year. Each forward who has played 5 or more games is averaging 2.8 or more points per game. Defensively Eggman and Sedinpower are the top defensive pair for Colorado. Both are physical with 29 hits each along with having a plus minus over 20. It is said that offense is generated by defensive play and these two are proving it. Along with Rancher they have only allowed 18 goals this season. The game of the week has to be the showdown between Colorado and Vegas.
Dallas has won 5 straight and boast the top scoring offense in the league this year. The top line Mjvoell, Sfic and Dirty_Triix each average over 3.8 points per game. Sfic and Mj both lead the league in points with 46 each. While they have no problem scoring, stopping the puck appears to be a challenge. Dallas is giving up 38 goals in 12 games. Is goaltending an area they look to improve on before the trade deadline? Do they need to provide Entry with a solid defensive partner? This are questions that will linger over this team if this trend continues.
Week three will be a pivotal week for teams like Edmonton, Anaheim, Ottawa and Detroit. These teams are only 6 points out of being in a playoff spot. Look at Anaheim, they have four overtime losses this season. They are a bounce or some EA luck away from being at the top of the standings instead of the bottom.
Philadelphia and St. Louis have a lot of work ahead of them. At this point of the season, it is make or break it time. They have to start putting some crooked numbers in the win column. If they don’t get some wins this week, their seasons may be over. If I were to guess which of these teams could start a run this week, it would be Philadelphia. The strength of their Week 3 schedule is weaker than St. Louis. Add to the fact that Philadelphia and St. Louis play each other on Friday, we could have another Game of the Week on our hands on Frida the 13th no less.
For all those teams chasing playoffs spots or who are sitting in one. Just remember, once the playoffs start everyone is 0-0. Even a team who squeaks in can go on to win the cup.
To finish off our Week two recap let’s look at some of our top performers for the week:
Top Forwards by Points
Tyler91seguin91 27 Points
hypey- 23 Points
Mjvoell44 21 Points
Sudzy92_ 20 Points
kinglyme89 19 Points
Top Defenseman by Points
||-Entry-|| 12 points
LouieDeuce8 10 points
Deadant 8 points
Uberpwned_6969 8 Points
Redconcept88 7 Points
Goaltenders by Save Percentage
VinceT1393%
Joeja1587.5%
kudlacik187.14%
dophares200086%
The_Gang_Shooter83.72%
Finally some fun facts for the league to date.
Vegas has earned 23 out of a possible 24 points this season.
Dallas leads the league in goals with 63
Colorado has given up the fewest goals with 18
Vegas has the most power play goals with 12
Vegas has the best penalty kill only giving up 1 PPGA.
Colorado is on an 8 game winning streak
Philadelphia still leads the league in goals against with 76.
