Playoff Series Preview: Legends Black vs Purple Pandas

by Anthony Flynn

📅 Game 1: February 22, 2025 – 6:00 PM
📅 Game 2: February 22, 2025 – 7:20 PM
📅 Game 3 (If Necessary): February 22, 2025 – 8:40 PM
🏆 Series Winner Advances to Metropolitan Division Final on February 23, 2025, vs. Winner of New Jersey Jagaloons vs. Champion Trash Pandas

A Heavyweight vs. an Underdog: Can the Purple Pandas Pull Off a Miracle?

This first-round matchup is as lopsided as it gets—at least on paper. The Empire State Labeda Legends Black enter the playoffs as one of the most dominant teams in PIHA this season. Their offense is elite, their defense is disciplined, and their goaltending is arguably the best in the division. Simply put, they are built to win a championship.

Meanwhile, the Champion Purple Pandas are in a tough position. They come in as heavy underdogs, struggling to generate offense all season and finishing near the bottom of the division standings. But this is playoff hockey—anything can happen.

Regular Season Recap: Legends Black are Unstoppable

The Legends Black cruised through the regular season, dominating opponents with their high-powered offense and shut-down defense. While the Purple Pandas battled through an up-and-down season, the Legends Black were consistent from start to finish.

Empire State Labeda Legends Black: A Championship or Bust Mentality

If there’s one team expected to hoist the Metropolitan Division title, it’s Legends Black. They are loaded with offensive talent, structured on defense, and have one of the strongest goalie tandems in PIHA.

Key Players to Watch:
  • Bryan Whelan (#0, F) – The offensive leader, Whelan led the team with 37 points (22G, 15A) and was a constant threat in every game.
  • Matthew Ferrari (#10, F) – A dynamic forward who tallied 30 points (17G, 13A), Ferrari is a playmaker and a finisher.
  • Bailey Sparacio (#5, F) – Another lethal scorer, he finished the season with 21 goals and 29 points.
Goaltending:
  • Sean Connolly (#30) – Connolly is one of the best goalies in the league, posting a 1.44 GAA and a .901 SV%.
  • Josh Gilbert (#39) – Gilbert is a strong secondary option, with a 1.75 GAA and .883 SV%.

The Legends Black don’t just win—they dominate. Their goaltending is elite, their offense is relentless, and their defense rarely gives up high-danger chances.

Champion Purple Pandas: Hoping for a Miracle

The Purple Pandas are massive underdogs, but they still have a chance to shake up the playoffs. While their scoring depth is lacking, they will need to play tight defensively and hope for a breakout performance from their goaltenders.

Key Players to Watch:
  • Andrew Rutherford (#16, F/D) – The team’s offensive leader with 15 points (8G, 7A).
  • Tyler Sanborn (#3, D) – A solid two-way defenseman, he will have to anchor the blue line against Legends Black’s high-powered offense.
  • Vincent Marzullo (#22, D) – A physical presence on defense, Marzullo will need to clear the crease and play shutdown hockey.
Goaltending:
  • Bart Cambria (#78) – Struggled this season with a 5.31 GAA and a .723 SV%, but will need to stand on his head for the Pandas to have a chance.
  • Jonathan Nastashkin (#91) – Posted a 7.82 GAA and a .476 SV%, meaning the Pandas will likely rely on Cambria.

The Purple Pandas must play near-perfect defense, capitalize on every scoring chance, and hope their goaltender steals a game.

Series Outlook: A David vs. Goliath Matchup

The Legends Black enter as overwhelming favorites. They are:
âś… One of the highest-scoring teams in the division
âś… Backed by elite goaltending
âś… Disciplined and structured

For the Purple Pandas, the challenge is immense. If they can somehow steal Game 1 and force a Game 3, they might have a chance at pulling off a monumental upset. But the reality is—this series heavily favors the Legends Black.