Playoff Series Preview: Champion Trash Pandas vs. New York Labeda Whip

The stage is set for a thrilling best-of-three Atlantic Division Semifinal matchup between the Champion Trash Pandas and the New York Labeda Whip on February 8, 2025. The winner of this series will advance to the Atlantic Division Final on February 9, where they will face the victor of the Empire State Legends vs. Morristown Revolt Lightning series.

Regular Season Head-to-Head Matchups

• Dec 14: Champion Trash Pandas 8 - 6 New York Labeda Whip
• Nov 9: Champion Trash Pandas 3 - 2 New York Labeda Whip
• Oct 19: New York Labeda Whip 6 - 4 Champion Trash Pandas

The Trash Pandas hold a 2-1 edge in the season series, but all three games have been high-scoring affairs. Both teams have the firepower to make this an offensive showdown, with key absences potentially shaping the outcome.

Team Breakdown

Champion Trash Pandas

The Trash Pandas enter the playoffs with one of the league’s most dynamic scorers, Justin Skelly, who put up an eye-popping 25 goals and 33 points in just 12 games, averaging 2.8 points per game. Supporting him is Nick DeSalvo, who brings playmaking ability (12 goals, 21 assists, 33 points) and a strong 1.8 PPG. Tommy Russo adds another layer of scoring depth, making the Pandas a lethal offensive unit.

However, the Pandas will be without star forward Matthew Kidney, a major blow to their depth. Kidney was a game-changer throughout the season but did not meet the league's eligibility requirements for playoff participation.

Goaltending has been a concern, with Anthony Gizzi (4.29 GAA, .739 SV%) and Tyler Squitieri (4.40 GAA, .700 SV%) both struggling at times. If the Pandas are to advance, they’ll need their goaltending to step up.

New York Labeda Whip

The Labeda Whip counter with their own offensive firepower, led by Sean McAllister, the another of the league’s top scorers with 28 goals and 37 points in 20 games (1.9 PPG). Defenseman Vincent Comito is one of the best playmakers in the league, with 23 assists and 31 points in 14 games, but his injury status remains a major question mark. He played through pain before missing the team’s final four games, and his availability will be a game-changing factor in this series.

Collin Brady (10 goals, 21 points in 8 games) has also been a key contributor, and if he can continue his hot streak, the Whip have a legitimate chance to take down the Pandas.

Goaltending has been an issue for the Whip as well, with Chris Kotsonis (4.05 GAA, .762 SV%) and Chris Notley (5.56 GAA, .737 SV%) both struggling with consistency. If either netminder can have a standout performance, it could tilt the series in New York’s favor.

Keys to Victory

Champion Trash Pandas:

✅ Offense must deliver – With Skelly and DeSalvo leading the charge, the Pandas need to keep up their high-scoring pace.
✅ Goaltending must improve – The Pandas will need Gizzi to make key saves in high-pressure moments.
✅ Overcome the absence of Kidney – Other players will need to step up to fill the void left by Kidney’s ineligibility.

New York Labeda Whip:

✅ McAllister needs to dominate – The Whip’s top scorer must be at his best.
✅ Comito’s health is crucial – If Comito is at full strength, his playmaking could be the X-factor in this series.
✅ Tighten up defensively – Keeping Skelly and DeSalvo in check will be essential for the Whip’s success.

Prediction

Both teams are evenly matched offensively, making goaltending the ultimate wild card in this series. If Comito is healthy, the Whip could steal the series in three games. However, if he is limited or absent, expect the Trash Pandas’ firepower to take over, securing a spot in the Atlantic Division Final.