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jason97 · 08-18-2024, 02:15 PM

My first deep dive will be a closer look at the Colorado Raptors. After being swept in the first round of the SMJHL playoffs last year by the Ottawa Highlanders, the Raptors are looking to get back on the right track and get back to their cup-winning days as they did three seasons ago.

Current Applied TPE Forward Lines:

Nathangus McExplosion (425 TPE) - Baron Samedi (350 TPE) - Raw Cheese McPickle (417 TPE)
Campbell Fischermann (350 TPE) - Zeus Storm (350 TPE) - Kral King (350 TPE)
Hvaik (312 TPE) - Normand Marineau (240 TPE) - Clark Kent (215 TPE)

The forward core for the Raptors is the clear reason they have a chance to surprise many teams this year. Even with the big losses of Andrade La Sombra and Pinli Switchbang, who combined for 155 points last season, the Raptors are still firing on all cylinders on offense as they currently stand in 6th place in the league for goals. They have a fantastic mix of elite veterans, break-out sophomores, and high-upside rookies.

The first line has played a big part in the Raptors' success really in the season, combining for a total of 65 points in 16 games and being amongst the top point-getters among all players in the league. Baron Samedi has especially stepped up in his third season with the team with 27 points, in a tie with Cristoforo Roccamontepiano of the Citadelles for the league lead in points. He is providing much-needed support for 4th-year veteran Nathangus McExplosion, who is currently 4th in the league in points with 23.

The second line is all second-year players and they have all played exceptionally well. They've combined for 37 points and have provided the veteran players with some much-needed relief. The combination of Fischermann, Storm, and King will be the key to how far the Raptors will go this season. Their continuous improvement on and off the ice is an encouraging sign for the core and will be massive contributors for seasons to come.

The final trio, showcasing sophomore Hvaik and rookie sensations, Normand Marineau and Clark Kent, are also providing an offensive output that was quite unexpected for the rookies. The bottom line has combined for 40 points, with Marineau and Kent both in the top 10 of rookie scoring. Hvaik has been an incredible presence for the two young men with his leadership on the ice.

Current Applied TPE Defense Lines:

Lamelo Ball (189 TPE) - Cadmael Ixazaluoh (425 TPE)
Arseniy Vitaliy (192 TPE) - Bojan Miovski (425 TPE)
Oswine Spudster (180 TPE) - Jas Chaperizov (182 TPE)

The defensive core is where we start seeing the weakness of this team. The Raptors saw their entire top four defensemen leave for the SHL. Cadmeal Ixazaluoh has stepped up into the number one defenseman role. With the addition of Bojan Miovski, the Raptors have two elite defensemen on their roster. They are the core pieces on the back end for Colorado. But they are severely hampered by the lack of depth behind them. The third defenseman on the roster, Arseniy Vitaliy, only has 192 applied TPE, and it shows. The Raptors are towards the bottom of the league when it comes to goals against, which is not ideal for a team that is trying to complete in a tight Southern Conference. I would not be surprised to see management try and make a move for not only one, but possibly two or three defensemen to help both Ixazaluoh and Miovski.

Current Applied TPE Goalies:

Tomas Suchanek (287 TPE)
Timo Leppanen (280 TPE)

When it comes to goaltending, the tandem of Suchanek and Leppanen are getting the job done. They are both veteran SMJHL goalies but are not amongst the best in the league. Suchanek sports a career 3.27 GAA and Leppanen has a 3.35 goals-against average. They both have a career save percentage under .900% as well. Compared to some of the elite SMJHL teams, the Raptors are lacking in this position, and with goaltending being so important in the playoffs, it remains to be seen if Colorado can make a push without acquiring a better goaltender.

Overall Outlook:

To conclude this deep dive, I think it's safe to say the Colorado Raptors have some very obvious strengths and some glaring weaknesses, which usually don't always equal success. Their offensive core is amongst the best in the league and they are showing it so far, 16 games into the season. But how far can their two elite defensemen take them? Without much depth behind them or between the pipes, I can see their early season successes quickly turn around without additional help. As other teams around them see their young players improve on a week-to-week basis, the lack of activity and progression on the back end will likely see the gap get smaller between the middling teams. I think the Raptors have the offensive power to compete with anyone and this will likely help them climb the standings in the regular season. But when coming up against a better overall team in the playoffs, they will find it very hard to control games and I think, ultimately bow out in their quest for glory.

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chetib · 09-07-2024, 01:49 AM

Approved @jason97 @CptSquall

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