The Maryland Whipsnakes are currently the best team in the PLL, winning their last four regular season games and averaging 15.5 goals.
They have constructed a game day roster that allows them to be very effective in the midfield. Their offensive efficiency at 32 seconds of shooting time has almost doubled in the last four games of the regular season (27.4%) compared to the first six games (14.3%). Adjustments such as adding offensive firepower to the wings in the form of Ryan Conrad, Colin Heacock, Adam Poitras And Jack Korastogether with a glowing Joe Nardellahave led to renewed success in the second half of the season.
Why the Whipsnakes can win the Cash App Championship
Complete team effort. The Whipsnakes don’t have a glaring weakness anywhere on the roster (perhaps a short-stick defensive midfielder) and their balanced group has allowed them to win games in a variety of ways. Brendan Krebs has taken control of the goalkeeping position and has made double-digit saves in eight of ten games this season. In defense, rookie Ajax Zappitello broke the Whisnakes record for most turnovers caused in a season (13 CTs) and Matt Dunn And Tim Muller are currently playing their best lacrosse.
Offensive, Zed Williams And TJ Malone are currently two of the strongest attackers in the PLL and the Whipsnakes continue to receive significant contribution from their midfield.
Perhaps the most important element for this team is the faceoff line. Nardella has scored four goals in his last four games and leads the league in faceoff percentage at 67.5%. He is an absolute game changer.
Why the Whipsnakes could lose in the Cash App Playoffs
PLL parity. Any team in the Cash App Playoffs can win the championship. If you don’t play your best game in the playoffs, you will lose.
Additionally, the Whipsnakes haven’t played since August 9th after having a week off at the end of the regular season. Could the Whipsnakes be sluggish after nearly a month off? It’s possible.
X-Factor: Ryan Conrad
In my opinion, Conrad needs to make an impact in every playoff game for Maryland to win the championship. The Whipsnakes signed Conrad just before the trade deadline after he suffered a season-ending injury. Tucker Dordevic. What did he do in his first game as a Whipsnake? He scored four points (3 goals, 1 assist) while using numerous wingers on faceoffs. His offensive prowess and midfield skills will be crucial for the Whipsnakes this postseason.
Most important statistic: 4 points
Malone has scored four points in each of his last four games. The offense runs through him, and if the likely Rookie of the Year scores at least four points in postseason games, there’s a good chance the offense will be humming around him.
