Week 7 Power Rankings

A good mid-season slow up in the action was extremely needed after the past couple of weeks we have had in the MLU; props to the schedule makers on fore-seeing it! On the other hand my fantasy league is taking a hit with four teams being off! By hitting the middle of the action I released my Mid-Season Awards on Friday based on what has happened so far including Best Game, Most Outstanding Performance, MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Playoff picks for the both the Eastern and Western Conference.  Nevertheless this week did not disappoint as Boston manhandled New York and Portland won a thriller over the Nighthawks in Vancouver.

1. DC Current: 5-1

Last Week: 1  Change: +0

Bye

Back to back blowout wins for DC over New York was followed by a bye this past week, and some might say it was ill timed considering the roll the Current have been on.  I'm on the other side, a week off is perfect for DC; it gives the coaching staff time to talk down the players and get some cockiness out of their head in order to prepare for the Spinners. Also if DC wins this weekend they will be the first team to clinch a spot in the playoffs.



2. Seattle Rainmakers: 4-2

Last Week: 1 Change: +0


Bye

Coming off an important win over the Portland Stags two weeks ago, Seattle had a bye this past week. The win has the Rainmakers percentage points behind the Stags since they won this week. However Seattle is the only team in the West that has beaten every other team in the conference.


3. Portland Stags: 4-1

Last Week: 3  Change: +0


Defeated Vancouver Nighthawks 19-16

Despite a bus breaking down and having only 15 minutes to dress and warm-up the Portland Stags were able to pull out a win in Canada. There is a lot to talk about in this victory, that was one of the better matchups of the season, but more impressive to me was the discipline of the Stags.  Being able to deal with the breakdown and limited time to get ready for the game showed to me the control that the coaches and captains have on the team. Because of this I'm really looking forward to see Portland go the rest of the way.



4. Boston Whitecaps: 4-3

Last Week: 4  Change: +0


Defeated New York Rumble 23-6

Its hard to imagine that Boston lost to New York at some point this season, but that is not what the Whitecaps were worried about Saturday night.  The Boston Whitecaps were able to hold the Rumble to the lowest point total in league history as well as having the largest point differential.  The team accounted for a total of 15 blocks and prevented the Rumble from scoring a single point in the final quarter of play.




5. Philadelphia Spinners: 2-4

Last Week: 6  Change: +1


Bye

The Philadelphia Spinners, coming off their best win in MLU history, was one of the four teams on a bye this past weekend.  Even with their four loses Philadelphia is still in contention for a playoff spot but in order to actually have a shot they must defeat the Current this weekend.  Not that far fetched of an idea considered they are only -5 points in two games against DC this year. A loss would all but eliminate the Spinners from the playoffs for the second straight year, but with a lot of college players now coming back from nationals, it will be a very interesting to the end of the season.


6. Vancouver Nighthawks: 2-4

Last Week: 5  Change: -1


Lost to Portland Stags 16-19

Another game that Vancouver could have easily won but once again we are here looking at a loss for the Nighthawks.  The opening points looked promising for the Nighthawks after starting with a 3-1 lead. Portland then when on an 8-2 run that gave them a 9-5 lead at half. Vancouver eventually would tie the game at 15 but had trouble to score on the final points. Brendan Wong continues to lead the league in points by adding 6 goals and 2 assists (8 points).



7. San Francisco Dogfish: 2-5

Last Week: 7  Change: +0


Bye

Portland defeating Vancouver really hurts San Francisco's playoff chances with only three games left for the Dogfish. They still must win out and then hope for some other games to fall their way.  Playing Portland two straight weeks is both a good and a bad thing for San Fran. Win both and you are back in the hunt but if you lose one you are most likely done.



8. New York Rumble: 2-5

Last Week: 8  Change: +0


Lost to Boston Whitecaps 6-23

Just think, three weeks ago New York had just defeated Boston and was on track to battle for first place in the conference with the DC Current.  My how things have changed, New York has currently lost three games in a row by a combined score of 78-39. Honestly its tough to watch at some points, because the team (which actually has a ton of star power) cannot put it together.  Maybe if I start comparing them to the Dallas Cowboys they will start playing better?



Things start heading back to normal now that most teams have completed their byes for the regular season. Only Boston and New York (who really needed this bye week) are off this week as they prepare for the end of the season.  This week will feature three games with the lone game in the East being between the Philadelphia Spinners and the DC Current.  Like stated before, if DC were to win this game they would clinch a spot in the postseason.  In the Western Conference the Dogfish will take on the Stags as they try and make the improbable comeback, and the Rainmakers will host the Nighthawks. Every game becomes more important now, so expect the intensity to rise as well.

Don't agree? Tell me what I missed in the comments section and who you think 

should be at the top.