Playoff Series Preview: Empire State Labeda Legends vs. Morristown Revolt Lightning

The Empire State Labeda Legends and the Morristown Revolt Lightning are set to battle in a best-of-three series on February 8, 2025, with the winner advancing to the Atlantic Division Final against the victor of the Champion Trash Pandas vs. Labeda Whip matchup. With both teams having split their regular-season meetings, this series is shaping up to be a closely contested battle.

Regular Season Head-to-Head

• Nov 9: Empire State Labeda Legends 4 – 5 Morristown Revolt Lightning
• Oct 5: Morristown Revolt Lightning 1 – 5 Empire State Labeda Legends

With each team securing a decisive victory in their two meetings, the rubber match in the playoffs promises an intense showdown.

Team Breakdown

Morristown Revolt Lightning

The Lightning boast an offense led by Chris Cromwell, who finished the regular season with 25 goals and 32 points in just 20 games, averaging an impressive 1.6 points per game. Supporting him are Sean Haggerty and Keith Henning, both of whom contribute offensively while adding a physical presence on the ice.

On the blue line, Billy Compagnone and Chris Wolf anchor the defense, playing key two-way roles. The Lightning performed significantly better when their full veteran lineup, including Rob Fulton and Wolf, was available, a factor that could make or break their playoff run.

Between the pipes, Kyle Edgar has had an up-and-down season, posting a 4.77 GAA and a .746 save percentage. If he can elevate his play in the postseason, Morristown has a chance to pull off an upset.

Empire State Labeda Legends

The Labeda Legends counter with a more balanced attack, led by Nick Lang (10 goals, 11 assists, 21 points in 17 games) and Aidan Ryan (12 goals, 20 points in 20 games). The duo has been the driving force behind Empire State’s offense, while Marc Mayer and Doug Sheeler have provided secondary scoring.

Defensively, the Legends have been more stable than their opponents, with Matthew Lazaro and Mike Muccio-Schrimpe splitting time in net. Lazaro has recorded two shutouts this season and holds a 2.68 GAA with a .802 save percentage, while Muccio-Schrimpe has been solid with a 2.56 GAA and a .833 save percentage.

Keys to Victory

Morristown Revolt Lightning:

• Cromwell must dominate – The Lightning’s offense runs through their top scorer, and he will need to be a difference-maker.
• Defense needs to tighten up – Limiting scoring chances and protecting Edgar in net will be crucial.
• Special teams performance – Power play opportunities could be a deciding factor, and they must capitalize on them.

Empire State Labeda Legends:

• Goaltending must be sharp – The Legends have the edge in net and need to make that count.
• Balanced attack – Scoring depth gives them an advantage, and contributions from all four lines will be key.
• Physical play – Matching Morristown’s intensity and limiting their top scorers will go a long way in securing a series win.

Prediction

With Empire State having a slight edge in goaltending and depth scoring, they enter the series as slight favorites. However, if Morristown can get a standout performance from Cromwell and a strong defensive effort, they could force a Game 3 and pull off an upset.

Expect a tight, physical series that could go the distance. If Empire State’s goaltenders hold strong, they should be able to secure a trip to the Atlantic Division Final.