What it takes to win: Essex 73’s

 

Defensive coverage

The 73’s allowed the fewest goals against in the regular season and throughout the playoffs. In order to keep their season going they need to limit the number of shots goalie Trevor Wheaton faces. Throughout the two games of the league finals, the 73’s have been outshot in each contest. Their top defensive pair Matthew Rosati and Anthony Cristofaro, need to be better. Cristoforo’s turnover and own goal nearly cost his team the first game of the series. Their second line pair of former Admiral Cody Leeming and Adam Gaiarin need to tighten up defensively. Wheaton cannot bail out his team every game. The 73’s have the offense to move on and the goaltending, their defense is the only question mark.

 

Depth

With Essex losing their regular season scoring leader Michael Vieira for the season and former LaSalle Viper Dalton Langlois. Langlois was his team’s leading playoff score at the time of his injury, there will be offensive voids to be filled. Essex has and uses four lines. In last year’s Schmalz Cup line, the line of Tyler Scott, Matthew Hebert and Tyler Turner stepped up and was Essex’s shutdown line along with their leading scoring line. For Essex to repeat as league champs and Schmalz Cup champions, they need people to step up and extend their roles. The line of Max Viselli, Tyler Boughner and Phil Janikowski, referred to as Essex’s third line looks to be a difference-maker. Being used as a shutdown line, they have come to success and been rewarded for it on the scoresheet, combining for 35 points in 29 games.

 

Physicality

For the 73’s to advance to their fifth straight Schmalz Cup, the team needs to continue to up their style of play and aggression. The 73’s are a team that plays a full 60 minutes and are physical. They are not afraid to throw the body. They shut down their opponents and they try to get opponents to match them and get penalties. For the Admirals, a undisciplined team, if they continue this style of play  it will pay dividends. They need to wear down the Admirals with their consistent hits and pressure in order to capitalize and build a managable lead that will put the game out of reach.