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*Drokeep* · 06-28-2021, 04:56 PM

The Colorado Raptors are a new team and they are willing to prove it this year. With a solid new rookie class and a solid veteran core, they are poised to make a run for the Four Star Cup. If the first couple of games are an indicator of this team future, expect to see them at the top for the next couple years. So what exactly is clicking for this team? With a simple analysis of their first matches, it is easy to decipher their key to success.

Starting on the offense, which has started the season on fire. The Raptors have scored 3 or more goals in all but 1 game this season. They are averaging 3.7 goals per game, with 41 goals in 11 games. This effort is led by RW KEKW Kekkonen, how is currently tied for 1st in goals scored with 8. If a puck gets delivered to him, we will either put it in the net or at least generate a high danger rebound so that another teammate can capitalize. This goal scoring level is not achieved only by having sniper-like skills, but you also need wing mates that are natural playmakers. This role was been filled by C Noel Blanchett and LW Gonzo Gobbledygook, who are both leading the team and the league in assists. Blanchett has 12 apples while Gobbledygook has 11. With such a deadly playmaking pair, the Raptors only need to have players ready to score in order to capitalize. But not only is the scoring good in this team, but the fore check has clicked in all ways. This has been made easier by the impact of rookie RW Donald Trump Jr., who is leading the team with 25 hits. While his offensive production has not been as great as the vets, the physicality he brings to the game is almost unparalleled in this team. Once he gets more training with the team and can score some goals, he will be a scary player.

Next up we have the defense, which despite some bad games, has remained strong most of the time. This unit is led by the new Captain RD Angus McFife XVIII and LD Basil Sivart. What this pairing possesses that many others don’t, is a beautiful balance between offense and defense. McFife and Sivart bring the heat offensively with 8 points each (T-1st amongst Team defensemen), including 3 Goals from Sivart. But also they have managed to keep a shutdown defense, with Sivart being in the top 10 in the league in shots blocked. The dark horse performer on the defense has been RW Erick Tokke, who is second on the team with 22 shots blocked. If players from different units can perform in other fields, they can propel a team to championships.

Lastly we have the goaltending, led by Senji Seteki, who despite having a rough 7 goal against game (partly due to the defensive showing), has shown he is up to the task to lead this team to a cup victory. The most important stat, is that on 10 starts, he has won 7 games, which ties him for 2nd most in the league. He also has posted 1 shutout, which has been only done by 7 goalies so far this season. If he can keep a hot hand and shake off rough games, we will see more clean sheets as the season progresses.

This team has all the right keys to win now; it is a matter of executing the game plan to perfection. If the rookies can step up this season, while the veterans keep up the hot streak, there is nothing stopping Colorado from raising that cup and erasing last year’s bitter defeat.

Raptors