Power Rankings #4
With less than a month in the regular season, a couple teams have clinched spots in the playoffs, with some close races in the Central and East Divisions. The New Jersey Titans have already clinched the East Division, leading 2nd place Maryland by 15 points.
Read below for our top 5 teams entering April, as well as the top stat leaders entering the weekend.
Quick Hits
Minnesota Magicians sold, relocating to Eagle River, Wisconsin
East Division : 2 points separate 2nd-5th
Central Division : St Cloud clinches playoff birth, 4 points separate 2nd-4th
South Division : Lone Star, New Mexico clinch with Wichita, Shreveport and Odessa chasing.
Midwest Division : Springfield, Fairbanks tied for lead, Wilderness, Anchorage and Janesville in hunt for third.
Cy LeClerc is read hot : 9G 8A in last 7 games for Janesville
Titans’ Michael Young - 9G in last 5 games
Point Leaders
Alexander Malinowski (Fairbanks) - 32G 40A
Ryan O’Neil (St Cloud) - 29G 42A
Jake Black (Johnstown) - 39G 31A
Cade Neilson (Aberdeen) - 23G 47A
Cy LeClerc (Janesville) - 30G 38A
Top Scorers
Jake Black (Johnstown) - 39G
Talon Sigurdson (Anchorage) - 36G
Kristaps Skrastins (Amarillo) - 33G
Alexander Malinowski (Fairbanks) - 32G
Nicholas Niemo (Lone Star ) - 32G
Top Goaltenders
Arthur Smith (Lonestar)- 20-2-6 1.86GAA .910 Save %
Beni Halas (New Mexico) - 25-11-3 2.02 GAA .925 Save %
Andrew Takacs (New Jersey) - 28-5-2 2.38GAA .920 Save %
1 - New Jersey Titans
39-12-2 : Previous Rank - 2
The New Jersey Titans are the deepest team in the NAHL, their forward group has proven to be one of the most dynamic groups behind the trio of Antony Calafiore, Brendan Dumas and Tommy Bannister. Rookie forward Michael Young has started to find his groove and has started to score like he did in New England Prep School with 13 goals since Feb 4.
Since February the New Jersey Titans have gone 13-1 and have been playing extremely consistent. With Johnstown, Northeast and Maryland on tap in April they will be tested going into playoffs.
2 - Lone Star Brahmas
33-11-5-5 : Previous Rank - 10
Took a while for Lone Star to find their stride this season but they finally found it over the last six weeks. Forwards Nicholas Niemo and Artur Turansky both have over 55 points and should easily push into the 60's when all said and done.
Their defensive core is one of the best in the league led by Kyle Furey and veteran NAHL skater Tyler Nasca. Rookie goaltender Arthur Smith has been up to the task all year and has a real chance to boost his NHL draft stock during playoffs.
3 - New Mexico Ice Wolves
35-15-1-3 : Previous Rank - 4
The Ice Wolves have been up and down of late going 5-4-0-1 in their last 10. They are pretty secure in their second spot in the south division and currently chasing Lone Star that finally surpassed them.
New Mexico should spend April rounding out their game as they head into what should be an exciting first round playoff match up vs either Shreveport or Wichita Falls.
4 - Springfield Jr Blues
34-17-1-2 : Previous Rank - 3
The addition of Cole Dubicki, the hottest name at the trade deadline, has not paid off for Springfield yet, as they have been inconsistent. When this team is playing well, they are one of the best in the league. They need to find their groove in April before heading into playoffs.
5 - St. Cloud Norseman
34-17-1-2 : Previous Rank - NR
Climbing through the standings in the Central division have been the Norseman of St. Cloud. They have found ways to win different ways which is going to do well in the NAHL playoffs. ‘01 Forward St. Thomas commit Ryan O'Neil is chasing Alex Malinowski for the league lead in points, he currently trails Malinowski by 1 with 5 games in hand.
Outside Looking In
Fairbanks
Wichita
Maryland
Johnsotwn
Shreveport
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