As we near the halfway point of the season let’s take a look at where teams are standing and what they need moving forward into the summer stretch of the season.

Fresh Kills at LBS, Inc.

Fresh Kills

Where are they?  Currently sitting at fourth in their division and ninth overall in the league with a questionable goal differential of +5 goals.

What do they need?  Besides Frank, more Tom and Nicole with a lot of what they did in two of their last three games. 

LBS

Where are they?  Currently sitting atop the league and their division with an unbeaten record and a solid goal differential of +12 goals.

What do they need?  Good question.  They are the most balanced team in the league, but if we had to nitpick we’d say consistent attendance heading into the summer stretch.

Prediction: This is hands down the Game of the Early Games and as unfathomable as it seems, Fresh Kills will finish the first half the season with four loses.  3-2 LBS.

Gremlins at Sky Fighters

Gremlins

Where are they?  Currently sitting at third in their division and thirteenth overall in the league with a jaw dropping goal differential of -3 goals. 

What do they need?  Jamie back in net is the obvious answer that comes to mind, however, after competing for the scoring title last year Erich has barely registered a pulse this season.  So, hitting him with a defibrillator wouldn’t hurt.

Sky Fighters

Where are they?  Right where they want to be sitting at fifth in their division and eighteenth overall in the league with a workable goal differential of -9 goals.

What do they need?  Time and patience.  This team nearly handed LBS, Inc. a loss earlier this season and we’ve witnessed flashes of scary good form from them this season.  Stay tuned.

Prediction:  The Sky Fighters match up well against the Gremlins and with the game tied late in the second half Walker scores an own goal while failing to defend a Caroline shot, 4-3 Sky Fighters.

What The Puck at Denim Demons

Pucks

Where are they?  Currently sitting at fourth in their division and fifteenth overall in the league with an unkind goal differential of 0.

What do they need?  How about the hockey gods to stop dumping on them.  Orange Crush has lost more close games this season than any other team and can’t seem to buy an ounce of luck.  

Demons

Where are they?  Currently sitting at first in their division and sixth overall in the league with an eye popping goal differential of +10 goals.  

What do they need?  Neil back in action and to channel some of that early season success.  After starting the season 3-0-0 they have since gone 0-1-3. 

Prediction: Eric and the Pucks sweat out juice as they hand the Demons another OTL, 5-4.

Rehabs at Filthier

Rehabs

Where are they?  Currently sitting at second in their division and fourth overall in the league with an impressive goal differential of a +14 goals.

What do they need?  Ramirez back in the lineup on a more regular basis.  So much of the Habs power is derived from his energy in net.

Filthier

Where are they?  Currently sitting at third in their division and fifth overall in the league with a goal differential of a meager +9 goals. 

What do they need? For starters, how about a soul.  These emotionless bastards are ruthless and relentless in their pursuit of goals and causing goalie injuries.

Prediction: Filthier has been on a tear lately and really feeling themselves, however, they do struggle against defensive minded opponents and will fall in this one 3-1.

Poutine Machine at Instant Karma

Pous

Where are they?  Last seen entertaining the neighbors in Atlantic City with hockey ball passing drills at midnight.  In the league?  Currently sitting at second in their division and twelfth overall in the league with a side-eye goal differential of 0. 

What do they need?  Defensively sound, check.  Strong goalie play, check.  Tight fore-checking, check.  Speed and tenacity, check.  Sportsmanship, Bueller? 

Karma

Where are they?  Currently sitting at first in their division and eighth overall in the league with a nothing-to-see-here goal differential of 0. 

What do they need?  Consistent play from the blueline and someone other than Derek’s biceps to put biscuits in the basket. 

Prediction: A rematch of last year’s playoff game (that resulted in a ref hanging up his whistle) which ends in the same result with Jerome doing fancy footwork in the shootout, 2-1.