Playoff Series Preview: Raleigh Title Wave Mops vs. Atlanta Labeda Phantoms

The Southeast Division Semifinals kicks off on February 8, 2025, with the Raleigh Title Wave Mops hosting the Atlanta Labeda Phantoms in a best-of-three series. The winner advances to face the victor of the Florida Citrus Kings vs. Nashville Broadway Blades series in the Southeast Division Final on February 9, 2025.

Regular Season Head-to-Head

• Jan 5: Atlanta Labeda Phantoms 5 - 3 Raleigh Title Wave Mops
• Jan 4: Raleigh Title Wave Mops 4 - 0 Atlanta Labeda Phantoms
• Dec 14: Raleigh Title Wave Mops 5 - 2 Atlanta Labeda Phantoms
• Oct 26: Raleigh Title Wave Mops 8 - 4 Atlanta Labeda Phantoms
• Oct 26: Raleigh Title Wave Mops 5 - 2 Atlanta Labeda Phantoms
• Oct 6: Raleigh Title Wave Mops 8 - 3 Atlanta Labeda Phantoms
• Oct 5: Raleigh Title Wave Mops 5 - 4 Atlanta Labeda Phantoms

Raleigh dominated the regular-season series, going 6-1 against Atlanta. However, their lone loss came in their most recent matchup, a 5-3 victory for Atlanta on January 5.

Team Breakdown

Raleigh Title Wave Mops

Raleigh has been a juggernaut in the Southeast Division, finishing the season with the league's top scorer, Alex Robinson. Robinson, with 51 points (34G, 17A) in 20 games, has been nothing short of spectacular and is a strong MVP candidate. Supporting him are Jared Holst (25 points), Luke DiPasquale (24 points in just 10 games), Nathan Sommerville (22 points), and Michael Curtis (20 points), giving Raleigh one of the deepest lineups in the playoffs.

In net, Raleigh boasts a solid tandem in Brenden Favreau (1.58 GAA, .857 SV%) and Justin Schomburg (2.00 GAA, .856 SV%), both of whom recorded two shutouts this season.

Key Players to Watch:
✅ Alex Robinson – The league’s leading scorer is the engine of Raleigh’s offense.
✅ Luke DiPasquale – Producing at a 2.4 points-per-game pace, DiPasquale’s offensive contributions have been critical.
✅ Brenden Favreau – One of the top goaltenders in the league, he gives Raleigh a significant edge in net.

Atlanta Labeda Phantoms

While Atlanta had a tough regular season, finishing with a losing record, they’ve proven capable of giving Raleigh problems. Their 5-3 victory on January 5 was one of Raleigh’s few stumbles this season.

Atlanta’s offense is led by Ryan MacDonald (33 points), who has been their most consistent threat. Supporting him are Patrick MacDonald (17 points in 10 games) and Korey Walker (15 points). However, they lack the depth to match Raleigh’s firepower.

Goaltending has been a struggle for Atlanta. Anthony Szafranski (4.61 GAA, .794 SV%) has had difficulty keeping pucks out of the net and will need to elevate his play for Atlanta to have a chance.

Key Players to Watch:
✅ Ryan MacDonald – Atlanta’s offensive leader will need to shine for the Phantoms to compete.
✅ Patrick MacDonald – If he can remain healthy, Patrick is capable of making a difference.
✅ Anthony Szafranski – The biggest X-factor for Atlanta. Goaltending will be critical against Raleigh’s high-powered attack.

Keys to Victory

Raleigh Title Wave Mops

✅ Keep Robinson rolling – Raleigh needs their MVP candidate to set the tone offensively.
✅ Stay disciplined – Avoid penalties and don’t give Atlanta any momentum.
✅ Solid goaltending – With two strong netminders, Raleigh must continue their reliable defensive play.

Atlanta Labeda Phantoms

✅ Goaltending must improve – Szafranski needs to deliver his best performances of the season.
✅ Exploit mistakes – Capitalize on any Raleigh turnovers or defensive lapses.
✅ Start strong – An early lead would put pressure on Raleigh, especially in a short series.

Prediction

Raleigh has dominated Atlanta in both the regular season and on paper, with a superior offense, defense, and goaltending. While Atlanta has proven they can compete with Raleigh on occasion, the depth and consistency of the Title Wave Mops should carry them through to the Southeast Division Final.