Post by St. Louis Sting on Nov 30, 2014 18:03:29 GMT -5
As of Week 8
1. St. Louis Sting - The Sting currently sit atop the leaderboard and show no signs of slowing down with a 28-5-0 record over the last 3 weeks. A healthy balance of scorers and enforcers have the Sting in the top 3 of almost every skater category, as well as currently leading the league in goalie victories.
2. Norwich Nemesis - One could make a case that the Nemesis could be atop the power rankings. The Nemesis are leading all offensive categories and their goalies are top 2 in all categories. Their 23-5-5 record over the last 3 matchups keeps them just below the Sting, but don't be surprised to see them at the top in a few weeks.
3. Clayhounds Dawgs - Aside from one beating by the Nemesis, the Dawgs have looked like a serious title contender. The Dawgs could benefit from the addition of another scorer, as they are 6th in the league in goals, but they get plenty of assists and are near the top in the grinder categories. The Dawgs may not have the upside or explosiveness of some of the other top teams, but they will be a threat throughout the season.
4. Dallas Desperados - The Desperados goalies help them to the #4 spot in the rankings, sitting near the top in all categories. The Desperados also love to hit, leading the league in PIM's and 2nd in Hits. The Desperados just got key D-man Victor Hedman back from the IR, and he should help to propel the team into the upper tier.
5. New Jersey Haze - New Jersey has had their fair share of injuries this year. The Haze are near the top of the league in most skater categories at this point, and they have the star-power to make a push. A lot depends on the health of this team, however, as some of their key players are now returning.
6. Syracuse Warriors - This team has been absolutely devastated by injuries to key players, but they have been able to retain a spot in the top half of the league due to the team's depth throughout the lineup. However, with Jake Allen stepping into a full-time role the squad's net situation has improved drastically. If they can get healthy, either through the natural healing process or a trade, this team could join the top teams in the league. Given the injury histories of some of their top players, however, a trade may be the only true option here.
7. Chicago Fire - This team's goaltending situation is absolutely horrendous. None of the team's three options is highly trustworthy on any given night, and that shows in the stats. The Fire are average in most other categories, but unless the situation in net improves this team will be fighting for their playoff lives.
8. Eakin Doughnuts - The Doughnuts have some serious young talent on their squad, including one of this year's phenoms Vladimir Tarasenko. What this team lacks is defenseman and depth, which shows in their low standing in the enforcer categories. The goalie situation is also not good, and they could really benefit from the addition of another netminder through trade. This team could easily find its way into the playoffs on the backs of its star scorers, but do not expect a real run from this team for another few years. The future is bright, though.
9. Salisbury Hotdogs - The last few weeks have not been kind to the Hotdogs, compiling a 9-22-2 record over the last 3 matchups. Some of this may be explained by a relative lack of activity over that span, but it also has much to do with lack of depth and goaltending. Corey Crawford is doing his best to anchor the team, but the Carolina handcuff isn't paying off. Don't be surprised to see the Hotdogs in the playoffs at the end of the season, but unless there are some major moves made they can't be taken seriously as contenders.
10. Gainesville Gators - The first of the three teams late to the draft party, the Gators are in a tough spot. Frederik Anderson has been a pleasant surprise, but not much else has gone right. A lack of depth (only worsened by a roster that isn't full), is really hampering this team, and it may be time to start selling their proven veterans for help in future seasons.
11. Buffalo Wings - Despite the late showing, the Wings do have something to build on, primarily in net. The goalies will anchor this team for the future, unless of course the owner decides to trade them (Chicago, perhaps?) for youth in other areas. There are a few talented scorers on the roster, but the Wings may want to consider shopping some vets for the future.
12. Pensacola Pelicans - The poor Pelicans got a heavily belated start to the drafting and it shows in their performance. Dead last in the league and being left in the dust, they have almost no shot of competing this season, and it seems as though their new owner has realized that. The Pelicans have begun the process of signing young, talented free agents for future seasons, a strategy that could pay dividends in the coming seasons. Just don't expect many wins now.
1. St. Louis Sting - The Sting currently sit atop the leaderboard and show no signs of slowing down with a 28-5-0 record over the last 3 weeks. A healthy balance of scorers and enforcers have the Sting in the top 3 of almost every skater category, as well as currently leading the league in goalie victories.
2. Norwich Nemesis - One could make a case that the Nemesis could be atop the power rankings. The Nemesis are leading all offensive categories and their goalies are top 2 in all categories. Their 23-5-5 record over the last 3 matchups keeps them just below the Sting, but don't be surprised to see them at the top in a few weeks.
3. Clayhounds Dawgs - Aside from one beating by the Nemesis, the Dawgs have looked like a serious title contender. The Dawgs could benefit from the addition of another scorer, as they are 6th in the league in goals, but they get plenty of assists and are near the top in the grinder categories. The Dawgs may not have the upside or explosiveness of some of the other top teams, but they will be a threat throughout the season.
4. Dallas Desperados - The Desperados goalies help them to the #4 spot in the rankings, sitting near the top in all categories. The Desperados also love to hit, leading the league in PIM's and 2nd in Hits. The Desperados just got key D-man Victor Hedman back from the IR, and he should help to propel the team into the upper tier.
5. New Jersey Haze - New Jersey has had their fair share of injuries this year. The Haze are near the top of the league in most skater categories at this point, and they have the star-power to make a push. A lot depends on the health of this team, however, as some of their key players are now returning.
6. Syracuse Warriors - This team has been absolutely devastated by injuries to key players, but they have been able to retain a spot in the top half of the league due to the team's depth throughout the lineup. However, with Jake Allen stepping into a full-time role the squad's net situation has improved drastically. If they can get healthy, either through the natural healing process or a trade, this team could join the top teams in the league. Given the injury histories of some of their top players, however, a trade may be the only true option here.
7. Chicago Fire - This team's goaltending situation is absolutely horrendous. None of the team's three options is highly trustworthy on any given night, and that shows in the stats. The Fire are average in most other categories, but unless the situation in net improves this team will be fighting for their playoff lives.
8. Eakin Doughnuts - The Doughnuts have some serious young talent on their squad, including one of this year's phenoms Vladimir Tarasenko. What this team lacks is defenseman and depth, which shows in their low standing in the enforcer categories. The goalie situation is also not good, and they could really benefit from the addition of another netminder through trade. This team could easily find its way into the playoffs on the backs of its star scorers, but do not expect a real run from this team for another few years. The future is bright, though.
9. Salisbury Hotdogs - The last few weeks have not been kind to the Hotdogs, compiling a 9-22-2 record over the last 3 matchups. Some of this may be explained by a relative lack of activity over that span, but it also has much to do with lack of depth and goaltending. Corey Crawford is doing his best to anchor the team, but the Carolina handcuff isn't paying off. Don't be surprised to see the Hotdogs in the playoffs at the end of the season, but unless there are some major moves made they can't be taken seriously as contenders.
10. Gainesville Gators - The first of the three teams late to the draft party, the Gators are in a tough spot. Frederik Anderson has been a pleasant surprise, but not much else has gone right. A lack of depth (only worsened by a roster that isn't full), is really hampering this team, and it may be time to start selling their proven veterans for help in future seasons.
11. Buffalo Wings - Despite the late showing, the Wings do have something to build on, primarily in net. The goalies will anchor this team for the future, unless of course the owner decides to trade them (Chicago, perhaps?) for youth in other areas. There are a few talented scorers on the roster, but the Wings may want to consider shopping some vets for the future.
12. Pensacola Pelicans - The poor Pelicans got a heavily belated start to the drafting and it shows in their performance. Dead last in the league and being left in the dust, they have almost no shot of competing this season, and it seems as though their new owner has realized that. The Pelicans have begun the process of signing young, talented free agents for future seasons, a strategy that could pay dividends in the coming seasons. Just don't expect many wins now.