Ok, so someone mentioned missing it, I don't think I've personally ever did them before, but here goes nothing.  I've got some time so get ready.  Its the return of.......

The MLD Power Rankings

(as of Oct 10/2012 - 46 game mark of season #33)
(The opinions expressed here are to be used solely for entertainment purposes only and are not meant to discredit anyone, they're just for fun)

1 (-) Henderson Hornets (37-3-6-0) - Tied for the league lead in points.  Solid play, tough division, this Hornets team looks unstoppable.  3 regulation losses and no OTL in 46 games!  Norberg is leading the league in scoring and putting up some insane numbers.  Its been awhile since the Hornets have sat atop and finished as rulers of the tough Smythe Divison.  Will they be able to hold off the always hungry Dogs team?

2 (-) Pontiac Firebirds (33-7-3-3) - The reigning MLD Champs are hanging tough and leading a tough crop POW teams.  Defensive juggernaut.  Goaltending from Dubie Brothers has been key.  With no single standout on the offensive side of things, they've been relying on a strong team wide group effort and its working wonders.  They are hunting down their 2nd consecutive MLD Cup.  Only 2 teams have ever won the Cup 2 or more times in a row, The Dogs(4x) and the Wildcats(2x).

3 (-) Kigoma Hippos (39-5-1-1) - Tied for league lead in points and leads the way with 39 wins!  The only reason this team slipped to 3rd in the power rankings was due to the lesser opponents within their division.  This explosive offensive unit has fire power all over the place and could very well end up with 12-14 players who score 20 or more goals this season.  To score that much, you need to shoot the puck and the Hippos definitely do that, leading all teams with 1241 shots thus far!

4) (-) NY JunkYard Dogs (35-5-4-2) - If ties were allowed in the power rankings, they'd probably be tied for the spot above with the Hippos.  The trigger happy Dogs are having another doozy of a season.  In the offense heavy CCC, NY has only let in 78 goals, which leads the conference by a long shot.  Hank Khokhlov has been working his butt off, 34 wins in a league leading 43 game appearances.  Currently in the midst of a 11 game unbeaten streak!

5) (-) Yorba Linda Yowlers (31-10-5-0) - The MLD's current GAA leader. 72 goals allowed in 46 games is good for an 1.57 GAA.  Opponents are brought back to the "Dead Puck Era" when facing the Yowlers.  Saku Tenkula is tops in GAA and SV% amongst active #1 goalies.  Sprinkled with faceoff specialists, 3 of the MLD's current top 4 puck dropping experts call Yorba Linda home.

6) (-) Wyandotte Hurons (31-10-4-1) - Kai Tuomala is quietly having a career year, sitting second overall in points.  The Hurons got off to a hot start this season but have cooled down lately, losing a few key games against fellow POW opponents.  They've been a streaky bunch but have a solid top line that could carry this team onto big things down the road.

7) (-) Indianapolis Racers (28-13-3-2) - The MLD's hottest team in the last 10 games.  A perfect 10-0-0!  The top teams in the POW definitely see this blazing hot team getting closer in their rear view mirrors.  Backup goalie Petri Talander is making a strong case to take over the #1 goalie job.  Despite the recent success, the Racers opted to make a 2 man trade with the Dogs, which was completed and made official earlier today.  Did they mess with success or did they bring the next key parts to help them leap frog the rest of the POW teams?

8) (-) Portland Pond Pucks (28-13-5-0) - The results of the Pond Pucks recent rebuild via new management are starting to take shape and Portland fans are excited.  Rookie Rufus Callahan is leading the way amongst MLD rookies for the Calder Trophy.  Young Goalie Micki Heilala has stood on his head all season long and has earned the #1 spot from the coach, ahead of 3 more experienced keepers.

9) (-) Lyle Lotharios (26-13-4-3) - The Lotharios are another quiet team who are flying under the radar.  Although their efforts have somewhat been overshadowed by the success of a bunch of other MLD teams, Lyle still keeps winning.  They don't have the best defensive numbers but their decision to go with a tandem goalie situation is getting the job done.  They lead their division and haven't won a division championship in Yr25!  (Longest drought amongst current division leaders.

10) (-) Maricopa Wildcats (24-9-9-4) - The Wildcats should easily return to the playoffs this season.  After having missed 3 years in a row, they are finally showing signs of life.  They've been taking care of business and working overtime, literally.  They lead the league with 9 ties.  There are 6 MLD teams who don't have 9 wins yet, let alone ties.  Rookie goalie and 1st MLD Goalie SC bonus recipient Greg Metsikko has been good but has been getting a run for his money by the wiley veteren Douglas Melin, who leads the team in GAA and SV%.


Thats all folks.  Only gonna do top 10 to keep it somewhat simple.  Hope you've enjoyed these MLD Power Rankings!  I'll try to keep them going on a somewhat regular basis.  If anyone else feels to jump in a do one in a week or so, by all means, go for it.  Lets have some fun with this!