Playoff Series Preview: Trash Pandas vs Jagaloons

by Anthony Flynn

📅 Game 1: February 22, 2025 – 6:40 PM
📅 Game 2: February 22, 2025 – 8:00 PM
📅 Game 3 (If Necessary): February 22, 2025 – 9:20 PM
🏆 Series Winner Advances to Metropolitan Division Final on February 23, 2025, vs. Winner of Empire State Labeda Legends Black vs. Champion Purple Pandas

A Tale of Two Teams

The Champion Trash Pandas are the defending Metropolitan Division champions, but this year’s squad looks drastically different from the team that hoisted the trophy last season. Almost the entire roster moved up to semi-pro, leaving Finals MVP Steve Bernhardt as the lone returning player. The transition wasn’t easy—the Trash Pandas struggled early in the season—but a strong second half pushed them to a second-place finish and home-ice advantage in this series.

On the other side, the New Jersey Jagaloons enter the playoffs as one of the league’s most unpredictable teams. This group is new to the league and, by their own admission, still adjusting to the inline game after coming over from ice hockey. When they’re clicking, they can compete with any team in the division. When they’re off, they’ve suffered some tough losses. The question is—which version of the Jagaloons will show up?

Regular Season Recap: Trash Pandas Dominated Head-to-Head

The Trash Pandas swept the season series, winning all three matchups in convincing fashion:
đź“Ś Dec 14: Trash Pandas 4 - 1 Jagaloons
đź“Ś Nov 16: Trash Pandas 4 - 2 Jagaloons
đź“Ś Oct 12: Trash Pandas 8 - 2 Jagaloons

New Jersey was outscored 16-5 across the three games, showing that they’ll need to drastically change their approach if they want to flip the script in the playoffs.

Champion Trash Pandas: A New Look, But Still a Threat

While this isn’t the same team that won the division last season, the Trash Pandas still have weapons. They feature a balanced offensive attack, with five players recording at least 16 points this season. Their defense and goaltending have also improved as the season progressed, giving them momentum heading into the playoffs.

Key Players to Watch:
  • Ryan Scott (#26, F) – The team’s leading scorer with 30 points (16G, 14A), Scott will be counted on to drive the offense.
  • Steve Bernhardt (#14, D) – Played with Sting last year and could offer a bit of insight if they make it that far.
  • Greg Bernhardt (#5, F/D) – A versatile two-way player, he finished the season with 24 points (13G, 11A). The only returning player from last year’s championship team, he brings veteran leadership and playoff experience.
Goaltending:
  • Kyle Mortensen (#35) – One of the better goalies in the division, Mortensen posted a 2.60 GAA and .834 SV% with three shutouts.

New Jersey Jagaloons: Wild Card Team Looking to Shock the Division

The Jagaloons may be new to the league, but they have some offensive firepower and are capable of scoring in bunches. The key for them will be defensive discipline and goaltending, as they’ve allowed too many goals in big games this season.

Key Players to Watch:
  • Brendan Reed (#72, F) – The team’s offensive leader with 24 points (12G, 12A), he will need to be at his best for the Jagaloons to have a chance.
  • Kyle Lange (#88, F) – With 19 points in 18 games, Lange is a key secondary scorer.
  • Ty Carter (#2, F) – Another offensive contributor, Carter finished the season with 19 points (12G, 7A).
Goaltending:
  • Blake Guerriero (#31) – Played 10 games this season, posting a 4.22 GAA and .710 SV%.
  • Mike Broccoli (#94) – Allowed more than four goals per game (4.24 GAA, .703 SV%) but has playoff experience.

Series Outlook: Can the Jagaloons Pull Off an Upset?

On paper, this looks like a clear advantage for the Trash Pandas. They have:
âś… More playoff experience
âś… A deeper roster
âś… Stronger goaltending

However, the Jagaloons are a true wild card. If their offense catches fire and they limit defensive breakdowns, they could push this series to three games and put pressure on the Pandas.

The winner of this series will face either Empire State Labeda Legends Black or Champion Purple Pandas. The Legends Black team is the division’s most dominant squad, meaning whoever advances will have a tough road ahead.