Empire State Labeda Legends Black Dominate Purple Pandas

The Empire State Labeda Legends Black made a statement in the Metropolitan Division Semi-Finals, sweeping the Champion Purple Pandas in two decisive victories. With a 6-0 shutout in Game 1 and a 5-2 win in Game 2, the Legends Black showcased their depth, experience, and elite defensive play, punching their ticket to the Metropolitan Division Final.

Game 1: Legends Black Set the Tone with a Shutout

In Game 1, the Legends Black wasted no time proving why they are one of the strongest teams in the league. Their aggressive forecheck and clinical finishing overwhelmed the Purple Pandas, resulting in a dominant 6-0 shutout victory.

First-Period Explosion

The Legends Black took full control of the game in the first period, scoring four unanswered goals and setting the tone for the series.

• Steve Sharkey (SH, 5:23) opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal, assisted by Ryan Murray and Michael Greenberg.
• Just a minute later (4:43), Bryan Rosen extended the lead to 2-0 off a great feed from Angelo Marrano.
• Bailey Sparacio and Matthew Ferrari connected on two quick goals in the final minute of the period, pushing the lead to 4-0 before intermission.

The second period was more of the same, with Matt Russo and Mark Brady adding goals to complete the 6-0 rout.

Goaltender Sean Connolly was unbeatable in net, turning aside all 21 shots he faced, earning a perfect shutout performance.

Game 2: Legends Black Close Out the Series with a 5-2 Win

Needing a win to keep their season alive, the Purple Pandas put up a stronger fight in Game 2, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Legends Black from closing out the series in dominant fashion.

Legends Strike First, Never Look Back

Unlike the previous game, the Purple Pandas managed to keep things close early, but the Legends Black still found a way to capitalize.

• Matt Russo (5:20, ES) opened the scoring for the Legends Black, with assists from Steve Sharkey and Adam Baker.
• Bryan Whelan (3:02, ES) doubled the lead minutes later, set up by Ryan Murray and Matthew Ferrari.

The Legends carried a 2-0 lead into halftime, but the Purple Pandas refused to go away quietly.

Pandas Fight Back, But Legends Black Deliver the Knockout Punch

In the second half, the Pandas finally broke through, getting on the board with Dominic Micalizzi (6:19, ES) and Traevon Walker (1:42, ES) scoring to keep the game within reach.

However, the Legends Black responded in dominant fashion:

• Mark Brady (9:15, ES) made it 3-1.
• Chris Ryan (7:22, ES) and Ryan (4:23, ES) added insurance goals to seal the win, 5-2.

Goaltender Josh Gilbert was solid, stopping 9 of 11 shots to secure the series-clinching win.

Legends Black Advance to the Metropolitan Division Final

With the series sweep, the Empire State Labeda Legends Black move on to the Metropolitan Division Final, where they will face the winner of the Champion Trash Pandas vs. New Jersey Jagaloons series.

The Legends Black have looked unstoppable, outscoring opponents 11-2 in the first round, and they now look ahead to taking the next step toward a championship.

Can anyone stop this powerhouse team?

plete the sweep?