Predictions for the 2021 PLL Playoffs
The 2021 Premier Lacrosse League Playoffs begin later today. This will be the third year that the PLL crowns a champion, with the Whipsnakes entering as two-time defending title holders. Here are my picks for who will advance through the single-elimination playoffs and claim the championship.
Quarterfinals
Quarterfinal Game 1: No. 3 Archers over No. 6 Chaos
Blaze Riorden in goal is definitely a big plus, but Josh Byrne is the only Chaos player who is top 25 in the PLL for points. The Archers have a dangerous attack led by Grant Ament, Tom Schreiber, and Will Manny. These two teams split the season series, but I like the Archers to ride their talented roster to a victory. The Chaos made a run to the title game last year, but I have them exiting in the first round in 2021.
Quarterfinal Game 2: No. 7 Cannons over No. 2 Atlas
Big upset here. The Cannons snuck into the 2021 PLL Playoffs at the last second, but I like them to pull out a first-round win. The Cannons played the Atlas extremely close in their two meetings this year, falling by one in each game. Jeff Teat has had a huge year for the Atlas, and he could go off in this game and ruin my entire prediction. Lyle Thompson and Paul Rabil will need to show up, and this game will likely come down to how much the Cannons can limit Trevor Baptiste from winning faceoffs. After the Chaos made their run last year, I’m picking another big upset in 2021.
Quarterfinal Game 3: No. 5 Whipsnakes over No. 4 Redwoods
I was going back and forth on this game, but then news came out yesterday that made my mind up for me. Sergio Perkovic, PLL leader in two-point goals and midfield anchor for the Redwoods, will be out of the Quarterfinals for medical reasons. That’s a significant blow for the Redwoods considering the offensive production Perkovic provided this season. With the Whipsnakes’ Matt Rambo hitting his stride, I think the two-time defending champs take this one.
Semifinals
Semifinal Game 1: No. 3 Archers over No. 7 Cannons
It was a one-point game when these two teams met in the regular season, with the Cannons coming out on top. I think the Archers are a bit more well-equipped to make things happen on the defensive end, which is why I think they win this one. It will definitely be a shootout with a ton of goals, but the Archers have two capable options at goalie with Adam Ghitelman and Drew Adams to stifle some of the Cannons’ firepower.
Semifinal Game 2: No. 5 Whipsnakes over No. 1 Waterdogs (bye)
This is such a homer pick, but I trust the Whipsnakes more than the Waterdogs right now. I’m not sure how much playoff experience matters in the PLL, but I do know the Whips have the two best players in this game in Matt Rambo and Zed Williams. They know how to make it happen in must-win games. The Joe Nardella-Jake Withers faceoff matchup could make the difference here.
Premier Lacrosse League Championship
PLL Championship: No. 3 Archers over No. 5 Whipsnakes
At the end of the day, I think the Archers are the best-equipped to win the 2021 PLL Championship. Grant Ament is playing at an MVP level. Adam Ghitelman is leading the league in save percentage. Graeme Hossack makes things happen on the defensive end. As much as I love the Whips’ attack, I don’t know if they have been consistent enough for me to pick them to go all the way. The run for the Whipsnakes stops here, and the PLL crowns a new champion in the Archers.
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