Three keys for Atlas to win 2026 Championship Series

The Atlas have an opportunity to make history. New York captured the PLL Championship in September and now has its eyes on the first-ever double.

After losing in the semifinals of the Lexus Championship Series last year, here are three keys for New York to come out on top in the 2026 tournament, which faces off Friday night with a U.S. Bank Championship rematch against the Denver Outlaws:

The goalie room

It’s no secret goaltending plays a huge part in success, and it’s an exciting look for the Atlas. Will Mark is expected to be the primary goalie, and veteran Brian Phipps will serve as the backup.

Last year, Mark played in two games for the Atlas during this event. Now, he is expected to be “the guy” in cage for New York.

“Even last year, he probably had an opportunity to be on another roster, but I think he just loves this team,” acting head coach Joe Cinosky said of Mark, who backed up first-team All-Pro Liam Entenmann during the regular season. “This is a great opportunity for him to showcase his abilities. I think he is going to have a great series.”

In the Atlas’ heartbreaking semifinal loss to the Cannons last February, two-point goals helped give Boston the edge. The Atlas allowed four two-pointers in the overtime defeat. Mark’s ability to save shots from range will be a key component.

Mark won’t be alone on this journey over the next two weeks. Phipps came out of retirement to serve as a veteran mentor and be another set of eyes from the sideline. He played in the 2023 Championship Series for the Whipsnakes and has seen it all at 38 years old.

“You bring in Philip Rivers, our backup goalie Brian Phipps,” Cinosky said. “He’s done it at a high level his entire life, and the reality of it is that he’s a great coach. He’s coached a long time. His mentorship of Will this weekend is going to really help his development, and I think Will is going to have a breakout performance.”

Limit turnovers and capitalize

The Atlas lost three games in last year’s tournament, and they all had a common denominator: New York lost the turnover battle in each game.

The Atlas had 58 turnovers in the Championship Series, the most of any team. Taking care of the ball will be pivotal in their bid for a double.

“If you look at the stats and the numbers across the board, it’s one of the most critical statistics you can have in terms of your percentage to win the game,” Cinosky said. “With how fast this is, you have to always take care of the ball.”

Cinosky also mentioned shooting percentage. Taking high-quality shots and capitalizing on opponents’ mistakes are as important as ever in this format. The Atlas return Bryan Costabile, who led the team with 25 points in last year’s Championship Series, including four two-pointers. He’s joined by veteran Myles Jones, who collected 13 goals and six assists. Third in scoring was Xander Dickson, who’ll bring value to the offense as an assistant coach while he recovers from leg surgery.

Those are players who know how to capitalize, and now they’ll be joined by Matt Traynor, who’s coming off an impressive rookie season for New York.

Traynor and Jones being difference-makers

Traynor’s Sixes debut is exciting. He can create from anywhere on the field and has shown his ability to dodge as both a scorer and a feeder.

After his dominant career at Penn State, Traynor had the opportunity to go against short sticks in the PLL and made defenses pay for it, scoring 20 points and earning an All-Star nod. His footwork and ability to get into defenders allow him to get topside consistently. He could quickly become an engine for this offense in these high-scoring affairs.

Last year, Jones was a bright spot for the Atlas. In this Sixes environment, his size proved to be a difficult matchup. He can run through doubles and finish through contact. If defenses are hesitant to go, Jones can get leverage and have his hands free for finishes.

When he has a favorable matchup, it becomes difficult to slow him down without letting other playmakers feast off the attention he draws.