On Saturday, he did all he could to keep the Atlas in it with 14 saves on good looks from Boston.
He’s one of the best goalies in the league.
Biggest question: Can the Atlas unlock Xander Dickson?
Dickson was one of the leading goal-scorers in 2024, averaging 2.4 per game.
Opposing defenses have taken notice. The Chaos and Cannons played exceptional interior defense on Dickson last weekend and were even slow to slide to matchups to not let Dickson roam free on the inside.
So while Dickson will surely get his opportunities moving off-ball, it’s also equally as important that the Atlas midfielders, in particular, draw slides to get the defense moving to allow Dickson to find space.
One key stat: 10%
The shooting percentage of midfielder Jake Stevens.
Stevens is as important to this squad as any player on the Atlas. He’s so valuable at generating offense off the wing, which New York lacked in its first two games, and the team needs him to increase his production.
He’s getting good looks – but he needs to bury them.
Next game: Bye week
4. Maryland Whipsnakes (0-1)
Why they’re here
The Whipsnakes failed to avenge their 2024 Cash App Championship in a season-opening loss to the Archers. It was a sloppy game in the pouring rain, but the Whipsnakes had some really good looks saved by Dobson and had every opportunity to pull out the win.
They’ll look to bounce back this weekend against the Waterdogs.
What’s working
The Whipsnakes defense is shaping up to be one of the best in the league again.
Ajax Zappitello will only continue to improve in his sophomore season under the leadership of Matt Dunn and Tim Muller and is very much in contention for Defensive Player of the Year.
Rookie SSDM Christian Mazur looked the part athletically, and long-stick midfielder Colin Squires is coming off an excellent 2024 season.
Biggest question: Who are the go-to offensive options outside of TJ Malone?
Malone was a bright spot for the offense on Saturday with a hat trick, picking up where he left off in 2024.
But who will take some of the playmaking ability off his shoulders?
Rob Pannell and Rambo were the other two starters on attack with Malone, but they were largely ineffective as dodgers, not to mention that they are both getting up there in age.
For the Whipsnakes to be effective offensively, guys like Matt Brandau and Aidan Carroll need to continue producing goals from the midfield, and we need to see more from Brad Smith and Levi Anderson, as well.
One key stat: zero
The number of goals the Whipsnakes scored off faceoff wins on Saturday.
Joe Nardella had a dominant outing, going 13-for-17 (76%) against Mike Sisselberger, yet the Whipsnakes failed to capitalize on any of those faceoff wins.
Last season, the Whipsnakes were one of the league’s best at generating offense off the faceoff win. If they want to make another run at the title, that needs to be a strength of theirs again in 2025.
Next game: Friday, June 6 vs. Philadelphia Waterdogs (8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
5. California Redwoods (1-0)
Why they’re here
The Redwoods had the performance of the weekend in a 15-12 win over the Outlaws.
While I thought California’s offense would be drastically improved from 2024, the 15-goal outburst was still a surprise in the opening game.
The Woods had eight different goal-scorers, including five who weren’t on the roster last season.
What’s working
General manager Joe Spallina and head coach Anthony Kelly!
It might be a little too early to crown them, but the consensus was that the Redwoods had one of the best, if not the best, drafts by picking up Andrew McAdorey, Sam English and Chris Kavanagh with their first three picks.
McAdorey and Kavanagh proved they can be All-Stars in this league last Friday while SSDM Carter Rice played significant minutes, as well.
And just wait until English hits the field. His athleticism and ability to make plays on both ends of the field will make this team so much more dynamic.
Biggest question: Can they repeat this performance?
Is this offense for real? Or was it just a flash in the pan?
They get a chance to answer this question in a big way Saturday against Carolina’s elite defense and goalie.
One key stat: 12
The number of points scored by the Redwoods’ rookies.
It was a breakout performance, especially from Kavanagh (4G, 1A) and McAdorey (2G, 2A).
I’m beating a dead horse, but this Redwoods offense could be so exciting this season with all the new faces.
Next game: Saturday, June 7 vs. Carolina Chaos (7 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
6. Denver Outlaws (0-1)
Why they’re here
After falling to the Redwoods, the Outlaws will look to earn their first win of 2025 against hometown Chaos. And they’ll have a new weapon to help them do that.
New signing Bernhardt not only is a matchup nightmare with his speed and athleticism, but the 2021 Tewaaraton Award winner also has a deep arsenal of offensive moves. He’ll be successful whether he plays attack or midfield.
What’s working
The attack unit. This line combined for 10 points against California and looks to be one of the most dangerous in the league.
Brennan O’Neill (2G, 2A) scored another highlight-reel goal while Logan Wisnauskas (3G, 1A) looked great in his return to PLL action after missing all but one game in 2024.
Offseason acquisition Pat Kavanagh (2G) looked like he could create his shot whenever he wanted. He was such an important pickup as a righty to balance the lefty O’Neill and Wisnauskas.
Biggest question: When will Jared Bernhardt and Logan McNaney play?
Bernhardt could insert into this attack unit, but I think he will start immediately at the midfield position to boost a struggling group.
He has a dynamic first step and will likely draw slides with ease, helping everyone around him. If he’s ready to go this weekend, expect him to make an instant impact.
As for the goaltender position, Owen McElroy didn’t play poorly against California, but second-round draft pick McNaney has a chance to be a game-changer in net.
There’s a real possibility we see the former Maryland standout inserted as the starter this weekend.
One key stat: one
The number of goals scored by the Outlaws’ offensive midfield group.
Dalton Young scored the first goal against the Redwoods, but it was radio silent after that. Graham Bundy Jr., Sam Handley, Jack VanOverbeke and Justin Anderson shot a combined 0-for-13 in this contest.
Handley, in particular, needs to start producing; he’s been underwhelming in the PLL since being drafted No. 4 overall in 2022.
This area is one of the biggest reasons why I love the Bernhardt signing for Denver.
Next game: Friday, June 6 vs. Carolina Chaos (6 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
7. Philadelphia Waterdogs (0-0)
Why they’re here
The Waterdogs have a chance to move up these rankings when they open up their 2025 campaign against the Whipsnakes.
Next game: Friday, June 6 vs. Maryland Whipsnakes (8:30 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
8. Carolina Chaos (0-1)
Why they’re here
The Chaos remain last in the power rankings due to their offense. Jackson Eicher looks the part as a potential Rookie of the Year candidate, but will his team have enough offensive firepower to beat top PLL teams?
What’s working
The defense.
The strength of this team is the defense, and they showed that last Friday. Jack Rowlett held Jeff Teat to one goal, and it was an off-ball goal at that. Troy Reh was tasked with covering Dickson on the inside and held him scoreless.
Though they’re last in the power rankings, this Chaos team will always be difficult to beat because of their defense.
They like to own their matchups and rarely slide, letting Blaze Riorden eat up shots off the dodge, which are easier to see than shots off ball movement.
Biggest question: When will they get Owen Hiltz?
Carolina’s first-round draft pick is dealing with visa issues, as all Canadian rookies do, but when he slots into the lineup, I’m excited to see what this offense looks like.
Hiltz is an undersized lefty, but he can absolutely ping corners on step-downs and can dodge when needed.
Perhaps his best attribute is his ability to scan the field and get the ball out of his stick in the blink of an eye to an open teammate, which should elevate everyone around him by getting the offense moving at a turbo speed.
Hiltz and Eicher should make for an awesome duo.
One key stat: five
The number of points Eicher had in his first professional game.
The undrafted Army graduate possesses a hammer of an outside shot and an underrated skillset off-ball.
He might not be the dominant dodger he was in college, but Eicher is absolutely a piece the Chaos can build around as the season progresses.
Next game: Friday, June 6 vs. Denver Outlaws (6 p.m. ET; ESPN+)
