Playoff Series Preview: Moustache vs Legends Gold

📅 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

The Mach 1 Moustache enter the playoffs as the top seed in the Metropolitan Division, but their regular season battles with the Empire State Labeda Legends Gold were anything but easy. Mach 1 claimed both matchups, winning 4-2 on October 12 and edging out a 4-3 victory on September 21. While they secured the sweep, both games were competitive, and the Legends will be looking to turn the tables when it matters most.

Mach 1 Moustache: Experience, Size, and Depth

One of the oldest and most experienced teams in the league, the Mach 1 Moustache have used their physicality and veteran leadership to dominate opponents all season long. They finished the regular season atop the division, largely thanks to their well-rounded scoring and strong goaltending.

Key Players to Watch:

• Tyler Rifice (#12, F) – The team’s offensive leader with 18 goals and 28 points in 20 games, Rifice has been a constant scoring threat.
• Rory Sheppard (#10, F) – Another dynamic forward, Sheppard posted 23 points in 16 games, averaging 1.4 points per game.
• Tom Cartwright (#4, D) – One of the best offensive defensemen in the division, Cartwright finished with 20 points in 16 games.

Goaltending:

• Tom Sharkey (#31) – Sporting an impressive 2.34 GAA and .864 SV%, Sharkey has been a reliable presence between the pipes.
• Brandon Morgenstern (#44) – Provides depth in net with a 2.72 GAA and .789 SV%.

Empire State Labeda Legends Gold: Underdogs with Something to Prove

The Empire State Labeda Legends Gold enter the playoffs as the underdog, but they’ve shown flashes of potential throughout the season. While their offense hasn’t been as high-powered as Mach 1’s, they play a structured game and rely on defensive discipline to stay competitive.

Key Players to Watch:

• Mike Miller (#55, F) – Team leader with 17 points in 20 games.
• Andrew Ohman (#26, F) – One of the Legends' best offensive playmakers, finishing with 13 points.
• Chris St. Clair (#20, F) – Contributed 13 points and is a key part of their depth scoring.

Goaltending:

• Anthony Manginelli (#30) – The go-to starter with a 3.69 GAA and .785 SV%, he will need to elevate his play against Mach 1’s potent offense.
• Marcus Conti (#72) – Has struggled in limited action (4.31 GAA, .746 SV%) but could be called upon if needed.

Series Outlook: Can the Legends Overcome Mach 1’s Experience?

Mach 1 Moustache come in as the clear favorites, with an offense that is deeper and more dangerous. Their size and experience have been key advantages all season long, and they’ll look to impose their physical style of play early.

For the Empire State Labeda Legends Gold, the key to an upset lies in tight defensive play, limiting mistakes, and capitalizing on scoring chances. If they can keep the games close and force Mach 1 into a defensive battle, they have a chance to steal a game and push the series to the limit.