WEEK 16 (thru Monday)

Artemi Panarin was in Superman-mode (again) on Monday evening, the late second round draft pick and his MVP numbers (45GP, 26G, 41A, 67P) collecting two goals, three assists and 13.0 points - his very appreciative Cherry Pickers team roaring into sixth place in the overall standings.

Cherry Pickers: 20.6
Polar Bears: 2.0­
For completely different reasons, both teams are highly motivated as they begin play in Week 16. The Cherry Pickers, 8-7, have their eye on the Probert division crown (and an automatic berth in the playoffs). Mathematically eliminated from the postseason, the Polar Bears have turned their attention to the Laughing Bag - the FHL booby prize for finishing dead last. “Laughing Bag recipient” is a distinction GM Elya does not want, his 12th place Bears currently trailing the 11th place Central Red Army by 49.5 points.
First Meeting: Cherry Pickers 43.8; Polar Bears 30.6

Badger Bob: 5.4
Misconducts: 4.0
For a Week 16 encounter, they don’t get much bigger or better than this - a battle of division leaders; both teams - the Domi-best Misconducts and the Grimson-best Bobs - sporting a record of 10-5; both teams gunning for the best overall H2H record and a first round playoff bye. A crucial match? Yes. A pivotal match? Yes. A sold-out match? Not yet as a few obstructed-view seats are still available.
First Meeting: Badger Bob 52.9; Misconducts 50.3

Rocky Rocks: 2.0
Central Red Army: 6.2
With Rocky Rocks, 4-11, having to win all seven of their remaining matches - to even be considered for the postseason - GM Rocky drew the long straw in Week 16, his must-win team paired with the Central Red Army, a 5-10 squad that has struggled mightily in recent weeks. While the Army have lost four consecutive matches, they remain hopeful - and motivated, the 2018 H2H champion in need of a win in order to fend-off postseason extinction.
First Meeting: Rocky Rocks 66.6; Central Red Army 63.0

Ice Hogs: 2.0
SC Cobras: 5.0­
The Ice Hogs, 11-4, have their destiny in their own hands - GM Henry currently holding the best H2H record in the league. If the Hogs win their remaining seven matches, they’ll be awarded a first round playoff bye and an automatic berth in the tournament semifinals. For the SC Cobras, if the season ended today, they would not qualify for the seven-team playoffs. As such, “Defeat the Ice Hogs” is at the very top of GM Murphy’s Week 16 “To-Do” list.
First Meeting: Ice Hogs 46.6; SC Cobras 30.0

Boulder Flyers: 0.0
Wild Ducks: 10.0­
The second pairing of FHL graybeards as the Wild Ducks travel to New Baltimore, Michigan to engage the Boulder Flyers. Still stinging from their Week 15 loss, the foul-mood Ducks, 9-6, still have an eye on the big H2H prize - the league’s best record and first round playoff bye. Housed in a division in which all four teams have a winning record, the Boulder Flyers really can’t afford to lose - though the Flyers are currently playoff-worthy with a record of 8-7.
First Meeting: Boulder Flyers 54.3; Wild Ducks: 51.2

Bluliners: 0.0
Vegas Vipers: 0.0­
The second installment of Family Feud should be a good one as the playoff-worthy Bluliners, 8-7, face the playoff not-worthy Vegas Vipers, 7-8. Considering the Bluliners grasp on the playoffs isn’t especially firm, the team really isn’t in a position to lose. If the Vegas Vipers win they’d once again be part of the playoff conversation. With only seven weeks remaining in the regular H2H season, a loss would do considerable, possibly irreparable damage to the Vipers and their postseason chances.
First Meeting: Vegas Vipers 67.0; Bluliners 30.7

LINK: Standings