The Maryland Whipsnakes are the hottest team in the PLL right now. They won their last four games of the regular season, averaging 15.5 goals during that span.

They’ve nailed down a gameday roster that allows them to be very effective in the middle of the field. Their 32-second shot clock offensive efficiency nearly doubled in the last four games of the regular season (27.4%) compared to the first six games (14.3%). Adjustments like adding offensive firepower to the wings in the form of Ryan Conrad, Colin Heacock, Adam Poitras and Jack Koras, along with a red-hot Joe Nardella, have led to the newfound success in the back half of the season.

Why the Whipsnakes can win the Cash App Championship

Complete team efforts. The Whipsnakes don’t have a glaring weakness anywhere on the roster (perhaps short-stick defensive midfielder), and their well-rounded group has allowed them to win games in multiple ways. Brendan Krebs has taken control of the goalie position with double-digit saves in eight of 10 games this season. Defensively, rookie Ajax Zappitello broke the Whipsnakes’ single-season caused turnover record (13 CTs) while Matt Dunn and Tim Muller are playing some of their best lacrosse right now.

Offensively, Zed Williams and TJ Malone are two of the hotter attackers in the PLL right now, and the Whipsnakes continue to get meaningful contributions from their midfield.

Perhaps the most important element for this team is at the faceoff stripe. Nardella has four goals in his last four games and leads the league at faceoff percentage at 67.5%. He’s an absolute game-changer.

Why the Whipsnakes could lose in the Cash App Playoffs

PLL parity. Every team in the Cash App Playoffs is capable of winning the championship. If you don’t bring your “A” game to the playoffs, you will lose.  

Additionally, the Whipsnakes haven’t played since August 9 after having a bye week to end the regular season. Could the Whipsnakes be sluggish after not playing in almost a month? It’s possible.

X-factor: Ryan Conrad

In my opinion, Conrad needs to have an impact in every playoff game for Maryland to win the championship. The Whipsnakes acquired Conrad near the trade deadline after a season-ending injury to Tucker Dordevic. What did he do in his first game as a Whipsnake? Register four points (3G, 1A) while taking numerous wings on faceoffs. His offensive ability and middle-of-the-field ability will be crucial for the Whipsnakes in this postseason.

Key stat: 4 points

Malone has four points in each of his last four games. The offense runs through him, and if the probable Rookie of the Year is racking up at least four points in postseason games, chances are the offense is humming around him.