Playoff Series Preview: Kaos vs Thunder

📅 Game Schedule:
🕡 Game 1: March 7, 2025 – 6:30 PM
🕦 Game 2: March 8, 2025 – 11:50 AM
🕐 Game 3 (If Necessary): March 8, 2025 – 1:10 PM

🏆 Best-of-Three Series – Winner advances to the Rocky Mountain Division Final on March 9, 2025, against the winner of Arizona Konixx Outcasts vs. Denver Demon Dogs.

Regular Season Head-to-Head

📅 January 24, 2025: ⚡ Naples Kaos 3 – 0 Colorado Springs Thunder
📅 January 24, 2025: ⚡ Naples Kaos 4 – 2 Colorado Springs Thunder

The Naples Kaos took both regular season meetings against the Thunder, outscoring them 7-2 in two low-scoring games. The Thunder managed to keep the scores respectable, especially in their second matchup, but they will need to find more offense if they want to pull off the upset.

Naples Kaos (1st Seed)

Regular Season Record: 🔥 16-4-0

The Kaos had a slow start to the season, going 4-4 in their first eight games after a challenging East Coast road trip. However, since returning to their division, they have been unstoppable, closing out the season on a 12-game winning streak.

Key Players to Watch:

⭐ Tyler Kraft (#22, D) – 51 points (League Leader), 32 assists (League Leader)
⭐ John Schiavo (#44, F) – 27 goals (League Leader), 39 points
⭐ Kyle Novak (#9, F) – 42 points, elite playmaker

The Kaos offense is one of the best in the league, with multiple players ranking at the top of the PIHA scoring charts. Kraft, Novak, and Schiavo give them a lethal combination of passing, shooting, and puck control that will test the Thunder defense.

Goaltending:

🥅 Anthony Butrico (#1, G) – 10-0-0, 1.70 GAA, .790 SV%, 2 shutouts
🥅 Patrick Pugliese (#33, G) – 6-2-0, 3.31 GAA, .812 SV%

With an undefeated record, Anthony Butrico is the go-to option for Naples and has been outstanding in net. His league-best goals-against average and shutout performances will make it difficult for the Thunder to find offense.

Colorado Springs Thunder (4th Seed)

Regular Season Record: ⚡ 8-12-0

The Thunder have long been one of the most decorated franchises in the Rocky Mountain Division, but this season has been one of transition. They enter the playoffs as the clear underdog, but history has shown that underdogs thrive in the postseason.

Key Players to Watch:

⭐ Cody Ayers (#10, F) – 17 goals, 26 points (Leads team in scoring)
⭐ Christian Perry (#27, F) – 25 points, consistent offensive presence
⭐ CJ Yoder (#9, F/D) – 17 points, legendary leadership

For years, CJ Yoder was considered one of the best players in the sport. Now in the later stages of his career, he will need to dig deep and use his experience to guide the Thunder through this difficult matchup.

Goaltending:

🥅 Avery McDonnell (#1, G) – 4-6-0, 3.17 GAA, .843 SV%, 2 shutouts
🥅 Keith Seiberlich (#31, G) – 4-3-0, 3.99 GAA, .801 SV%

The Thunder's goaltending tandem has been solid but will face their toughest test yet against an explosive Kaos offense.

Series Outlook & Keys to Victory

🔑 For Naples Kaos:

✔️ Start fast, finish strong – The Kaos are a high-flying offensive team that likes to dictate the pace. If they jump out to early leads, they can force the Thunder into playing from behind, which is not their strength.

✔️ Lean on their offensive stars – Kraft, Schiavo, and Novak have been unstoppable this season. If they can control possession and capitalize on power plays, the Kaos should have no problem advancing.

✔️ Butrico must stay sharp – Despite their high-powered offense, the Kaos’ biggest strength might be their goaltending. Butrico has been the best goalie in the division, and if he plays to his usual level, the Thunder will struggle to score.

🔑 For Colorado Springs Thunder:

✔️ Tighten up defensively – The Thunder can’t afford a run-and-gun style of play against Naples. They must clog passing lanes, block shots, and keep things physical to slow down the Kaos' offensive weapons.

✔️ McDonnell needs to steal a game – The Thunder’s best chance to win is a low-scoring, grind-it-out game. If Avery McDonnell can stand on his head and turn away 30+ shots, they could force a Game 3 and keep things interesting.

✔️ Veteran leadership matters – CJ Yoder’sexperience and leadership will be invaluable. The Thunder need a strong locker room presence, a calm demeanor, and belief that they can pull off the upset.

🔥 Final Thoughts:

On paper, this heavily favors Naples Kaos. They dominated the season series, have elite offensive depth, and boast one of the best goalies in the league. However, playoff hockey is unpredictable, and if the Thunder can slow down the tempo, capitalize on key moments, and get strong goaltending, an upset is possible.

📌 Winner advances to the Rocky Mountain Division Final on March 9, 2025, against the winner of Arizona Konixx Outcasts vs. Denver Demon Dogs.

This is a must-watch series with plenty of storylines. Will the Kaos’ offense overwhelm the Thunder, or can Colorado Springs find a way to grind out a shocking upset? We’ll find out soon. 🔥