Playoff Series Preview: Outcasts vs Demon Dogs

📅 Game Schedule:
🕖 Game 1: March 7, 2025 – 7:10 PM
🕛 Game 2: March 8, 2025 – 12:30 AM
🕐 Game 3 (If Necessary): March 8, 2025 – 1:50 PM

🏆 Best-of-Three Series – Winner advances to the Rocky Mountain Division Final on March 9, 2025, against the winner of Naples Labeda Kaos vs. Colorado Springs Thunder.

Regular Season Head-to-Head

📅 January 11, 2025:Arizona Konixx Outcasts 7 - 1 Denver Demon Dogs
📅 January 11, 2025:Arizona Konixx Outcasts 3 - 2 Denver Demon Dogs
📅 December 7, 2024:Denver Demon Dogs 8 - 4 Arizona Konixx Outcasts
📅 December 7, 2024:Arizona Konixx Outcasts 5 - 3 Denver Demon Dogs

The Outcasts took three of four games during the regular season, but Denver's explosive 8-4 win in December proved they can go toe-to-toe with Arizona’s high-powered offense. The Outcasts, however, tightened up defensively in their next meeting, winning both January matchups, including a dominant 7-1 performance.

Expect high-intensity hockey as these two teams fight for a spot in the Rocky Mountain Division Final.

Arizona Konixx Outcasts (2ND Seed)

Regular Season Record: 🔥 16-4-0

Arizona enters the playoffs as one of the most balanced teams in the Rocky Mountain Division, featuring elite offensive talent, a strong defensive core, and solid goaltending. They were dominant in their home games, and their depth scoring has made them a nightmare matchup for opponents all season.

Key Players to Watch:

⭐ Kyle Mooney (#33, D) – 27 points, league leader in assists (19)
⭐ Paul Boutoussov (#22, F) – 19 goals in just 12 games
⭐ Travis Meyer (#24, D) – 24 points, stabilizing force on the blueline

Mooney is a high-end playmaker, leading the offense from the blue line. Boutoussov is an elite finisher, while Meyer provides a two-way presence that makes Arizona difficult to contain.

Goaltending:

🥅 Clay Taylor (#33, G) – 4-1-0, 2.35 GAA, .887 SV%
🥅 Aaron Gittings (#31, G) – 13-2-0, 3.43 GAA, .805 SV%, 1 SO

Taylor has been a rock in net, and Gittings led the Pro Division in wins this season. If Arizona plays to its potential, they have the right tools in the crease to secure a series victory.

Denver Demon Dogs (#RD Seed)

Regular Season Record: 🐶 10-10-0

The Demon Dogs are no strangers to playoff success. They won the 2022-23 PIHA Pro Championship before falling short in last season’s Finals in a sweep against the Suffolk Sting. Despite finishing as the #3 seed, this team has a history of stepping up in big moments.

Key Players to Watch:

⭐ Jake Townsend (#8, D) – 41 points, multiple-time league leading scorer & former playoff MVP
⭐ CJ Bateman (#7, F) – 31 points, elite playmaker
⭐ Kyle Phelps (#11, F) – 26 points, strong two-way presence

Townsend, a former scoring champion, has flown under the radar this season, but he remains one of the most dangerous players in the league. Bateman and Phelps provide depth scoring that could cause problems for Arizona.

Goaltending:

🥅 Jon Joy (#1, G) – 8-7-0, 3.58 GAA, .812 SV%

Joy will have to steal a game if Denver wants to pull off the upset. He’s had flashes of brilliance and certainly has the pedigree to pull off the steal.

Series Outlook & Keys to Victory

🔑 For Arizona Konixx Outcasts:

✔️ Set the tempo early – Arizona’s best games have come when they control possession and dictate the pace. They’ll look to wear down Denver’s defense with relentless forechecking.

✔️ Shut down Townsend – If Arizona can limit Townsend’s offensive impact, they’ll take away Denver’s most dangerous weapon.

✔️ Solid goaltending from Taylor & Gittings – Arizona’s goalies have been steady all season, and they’ll need strong performances to prevent Denver from getting hot.

🔑 For Denver Demon Dogs:

✔️ Townsend must dominate – Denver’s best chance at an upset is getting elite play from Jake Townsend. He has the ability to take over a game.

✔️ Defensive discipline – Arizona punishes mistakes with their fast transition game. Denver’s blueline must be sharp and limit odd-man rushes.

✔️ Jon Joy needs a standout performance – The Demon Dogs’ goaltender has to be their best player in this series. If Joy can keep scores low and make timely saves, Denver will have a chance.

🔥 Final Thoughts:

On paper, Arizona is the favorite, but Denver’s championship pedigree makes them a real threat. If the Demon Dogs get hot at the right time, they could pull off a major upset.

📌 Winner advances to the Rocky Mountain Division Final on March 9, 2025, against the winner of Naples Labeda Kaos vs. Colorado Springs Thunder.

With playoff experience, high-end talent, and strong goaltending, this series is shaping up to be a battle of two well-matched teams. Will Arizona’s depth and goaltending be too much for Denver, or can Townsend and company find a way to send the Outcasts home early?

🔥 The action starts March 7 – get ready for a high-stakes showdown!