The newcomers to the playoffs, the Spinners, have had a complete opposite path to battle for the trophy. Up until the final three weeks of the season, Philadelphia had only lost to the reigning champs in the DC Current. The squad was primed to run away with the conference. Then came the final weeks, and the rest of the teams improved their play while Philadelphia remained the same, going 1-3 in the final weeks. I would not call it complacency, just a different attitude towards the game. It was simple, the team was not as clean and did not use their slow methodical offense that had been so successful earlier in the year. With that all being said the Spinners were fantastic this season and have a chance to win a championship in their own backyard.
All Time Records:
Boston: 24- 9 Philadelphia: 13-17
The Whitecaps started their season in a rough hole; 0-2 after only one week of play with the combined goal differential being only three goals. But since that opening weekend Boston has gone an incredible 7-1 to finish the season, second best to only the Stags over that span. However if you go back and look at that weekend, it is easy to tell why they lost. They were missing Rookie of the Year candidate, Tyler Chan (19 G, 22 A), the team's leader in assists, Josh Markette (7 G, 24 A), the defender second on the team in blocks, Jack Hatchett (13 B), and numerous other marque starters. Since then only a double overtime loss to the Spinners has been the only bump in the road. Interesting note: Boston is the only team not competing with a cross town AUDL franchise in the East (i.e. Portland Stags).
Offensive Edge:
Spl it
Defensive Edge: Boston
'Special Teams' Edge: Boston
Why Boston Will Win?
Why Boston Will Lose?
Why Philadelphia Will Win?
Why Philadelphia Will Lose?
And the Winner is??
Both teams have extremely similar styles of play. Be efficient on offense, if no player is open get it to a handler. Do not put it downfield. Defensively the Whitecaps are aggressive, while the Spinners pick their battles. The difference in this championship game will be the matchups, the right player in the right position will win either team this game. I would not put it against any number of players on both rosters to make those plays. Graham is unstoppable, so is Markette and Chan on offense, but the Spinners can find that weak matchup in the O-line and exploit it. My gut says this game will be similar to the final game of the season when Boston controlled the entire 40 minutes.