At the time of this writing, the Newfoundland Berserkers are second place in the SMJHL with 29 wins, 10 losses, and 5 overtime losses through 44 games of the season, a far cry from the expectations of a middling season coming into this year. The real clincher though, that sets apart Newfoundland as an incredibly stronger contender is a staggering +89 goal differential, 44 above the next closest team. While they are 1 goal off the league lead with 178 (~3.87 goals for per game) they've given up a ridiculously low 89 goals! That is averaging out to an absurdly low 1.93 goals per game an absurd and likely historical level of defensive dominance being put on display by this team. The question is, why is this team overplaying it's off season projections so loftily? That is what we are going to take a deep dive into today!

The obvious targets:

So, like any self respecting piece of media, we'll start with the obvious contenders for this massive overperformance of titanic proportions.  It would be an incredible disservice to not lead off by saying Jonas Johansson is having an MVP level season. Through 34 games, we're looking at an absurd, 22 wins, 8 losses and 4 overtime loss record, 5 shutouts and a staggering .920% save percentage. While his back up Kevin Newman is putting up great numbers as well, to pretend this defensive effort is not backstopped by the tremendous efforts of Johansson would be dishonest at best. Following that, there are some amazing seasons from individual skaters on the Berserkers, namely Emeril Lagasse, Alexander McKenzie and Mikko Rashford.

Lagasse: 21 goals, 28 assists, 49 points, 13.6% shooting percentage with a 78 offensive grade rating, Lagasse has defined what it means to score goals and points this season. Emeril has also managed to score a shorthanded goal, proving to be a threat at all times during the game. An absolutely fantastic season by a huge contributor to the Berserkers success this season!

McKenzie: 18 goals, 26 assists for 44 points, Mackenzie brings a lot of chemistry and offensive talent to the Berserkers top line. Their undeniable chemistry has skyrocketed the Berserkers into contention talk.

Rashford: A defenseman with a 70 offensive grade and 71 defensive grade is nearly unheard of, but that's what second season defenseman Mikko Rashford is posting. 6 goals, 25 assists for 31 points, to say Rashford has been phenomenal is an understatement at best.

The actual reason for success:

Yes, you probably read those and thought, that would make sense why they're doing well. They have fantastic send downs performing at a high level with an MVP level goalie and fantastic coaching by Mr. Ham, the three time SMJHL GM of the Year winner himself. However, you would be gravely mistaken by not ignoring what truly caused all of these players to skyrocket into their talents. Was it training and learning systems? Of course not, it was rookie sensation, 5th overall pick and recent television star, Rand al'Thor himself. He's played on the powerplay with Rashford, highlighting his offensive game and helping him fill holes in his game. His missed shots have largely been set ups to distract the goalies so players like Lagasse and McKenzie can go pot the puck after the fruits of his hard labour. And you know al'Thor refuses to let people near his goalie and when goals are scored while he's on the ice, it's out of pity for the other team's mediocrity. Yes, the 23 points rookie sensation is on fire with his electric playing style as he seeks to get rookie of the year to help set up his stardom future.

Wow thanks for the shout. Hopefully with you in front slamming dudes and smashing pucks at the net, I can help bring us to another cup!

Wow thanks for the shout. Hopefully with you in front slamming dudes and smashing pucks at the net, I can help bring us to another cup!

It's easy to look good with the league MVP here.

Approved!

+5 TPE @HabsFanFromOntario