Looking for MLD Power Rankings? Not this time!
It's Roster Deadline Day; less than one quarter of MLD Season Nine remains... time to take stock of what's going on around the league. And with not a single team out of playoff contention yet, you've got it... the standings change daily! Every single division race is too close to call, so let's not call 'em. Instead, let's take a look at who's on top, who's still workin' it out, and who's looking forward to the draft.
The Elite Eight:
Yorkton Millers
First MLD team to 40 wins, the Millers have been the class of the league all season long, featuring the leading goalscorer (Berner); leading MVP candidate (Rogan); leading Vezina candidate (Petajamaki); and top-three +/- players in the league.
Brewster Bears
One small step behind the Millers all season long, the Bears have been the most active team prior to the trade deadline, tweaking the lineup while maintaining their roster core.
Yorba Linda Yowlers
Top defensive team in the league, boasting an amazing 21 shutouts to this point.
Helsinki Lions
An outstanding team in all areas of the game, despite a recent .500 phase, led by MVP candidate Ossi Ventoniemi.
NY Pussycats
Guess which MLD team has the third-fewest losses?
Wyandotte Hurons
Hottest team in the MLD right now has surged into the top echelon... best offense in the POW Conference.
Chilliwack Bruins
Maybe the "hidden" team in the Campbell Conference, the Bruins are hoping to peak at the right time.
Valhalla Vikings
The hot-and-cold Vikings can score with any other team, but can they step up defensively at crunch time?
The Pretenders (beware! The past three cup winners have been 7 and 8 seeds!)
Kingston Crooks
The MLD's most entertaining team should easily clear the thousand-PIM mark this season. Will the deadline acquisition of Jiri Sundstrom solidify their defense enough to tip the scales?
Pontiac Firebirds
Hanging onto the lead in the MLD's weakest division by a thread, the Firebirds hope their controversial deadline trade with Gotham City will add stability to their lineup.
Combermere Cay
The Cay have been hot lately and can score in bunches... and the Norris Division is still an exciting three-way. And who doesn't like that?
Winnipeg Jets
With the best defensive team in the CCC, the Jets are always tough to play against.
Encinitas Blades
The Bavis Division has been crazy lately, and the Blades have been hot, overcoming their mediocre start to the season...
Okanagan Ogopogoes
... But the Ogopogoes, once for dead, have been absolutely scorching since the All-Star Break.
Anoka Tornados
The third player in that Norris three-way, the Tornados have enough defense to end up on top come playoff time.
Beaverdale Bangers
Yep, the Bangers have 30 wins and sit in the current eighth CCC seed. Anything can happen.
Stepping up or Sitting Back?
Maricopa Wildcats
Patrick Division leaders for much of the season, the Wildcats have crashed lately after an impressive start, but a quick turnaround could yet win the division.
Indianapolis Racers
A very good team in a brutal division, the Racers have been the hard luck team of the season.
Halifax Mooseheads
The Mooseheads have shown stern resolve in battling for the CCC playoffs after a rough first half.
Hernando Hit Men
They're down, they're up... and they could still win the Patrick Division, you know.
Roswell Aliens
Recent cold streak has the Aliens knocking on the door of the Smythe Division basement...
Henderson Hornets
... where the Hornets may be trying to get out, bouncing back after a horrible winless streak just after the All-Star Break.
Gotham City Knights
A lost season for the Knights, who have already begun their rebuilding process.
Intercourse Dutchmen
The Dutchmen lead the league in ties, but are last in wins. It will appear to add up to another top-six draft pick.
The Big Story
The trades have been made, the veterans are being called up... one hot streak now can make or break your MLD team in its run to the playoffs. Next time we report, we'll know who's who... so Keep It Unreal!