How are Division 2 lacrosse teams ranked. What factors influence NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Regional Rankings. Which teams are top contenders in Division 2 lacrosse. How does the ranking system impact playoff prospects.
Understanding Division 2 Lacrosse Rankings
Division 2 lacrosse rankings play a crucial role in determining team standings and playoff prospects. The United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) oversees these rankings, providing an official assessment of team performance throughout the season. These rankings not only reflect current team strength but also influence seeding in postseason tournaments.
Rankings are typically released on a weekly basis during the regular season, allowing teams to track their progress and adjust strategies accordingly. The methodology behind these rankings considers various factors, including win-loss records, strength of schedule, and head-to-head competition.
Key Factors Influencing Rankings
- Win-loss record
- Strength of schedule
- Quality wins
- Margin of victory
- Head-to-head results
- Performance against common opponents
Do rankings remain static throughout the season? No, rankings are dynamic and can change significantly from week to week based on team performances and unexpected outcomes. This volatility keeps the competition exciting and encourages teams to maintain consistent performance throughout the season.
NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Regional Rankings: A Closer Look
The NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Regional Rankings offer a more granular view of team performance within specific geographic regions. These rankings are particularly important for determining playoff berths and seeding in the NCAA Division 2 Women’s Lacrosse Championship.
Regional rankings take into account similar factors as the national rankings but with a focus on regional competition. This approach ensures that teams from different parts of the country have fair representation in the postseason tournaments.
Impact of Regional Rankings on Playoff Prospects
- Determine at-large bids for the NCAA tournament
- Influence seeding within regional brackets
- Provide a benchmark for teams to assess their standing within their region
- Help in scheduling strategic non-conference games
Is appearing in the initial NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Regional Rankings a guarantee of playoff participation? While it’s a positive indicator, teams must maintain or improve their performance to secure a spot in the postseason tournament. The initial rankings serve as a starting point, with subsequent rankings reflecting ongoing team performance.
Top Contenders in Division 2 Lacrosse
Division 2 lacrosse features a competitive landscape with several powerhouse programs consistently vying for top rankings. While rankings can fluctuate, certain teams have established themselves as perennial contenders through consistent performance and strong recruiting efforts.
Notable teams that frequently appear in the top rankings include:
- Adelphi University
- Le Moyne College
- Lindenwood University
- Florida Southern College
- Rollins College
These teams often set the benchmark for Division 2 lacrosse, showcasing high-level play and contributing to the overall growth of the sport at this level.
Emerging Programs to Watch
While established programs dominate the top rankings, several emerging teams have been making waves in recent seasons. These up-and-coming programs demonstrate the increasing depth and competitiveness of Division 2 lacrosse:
- University of Indianapolis
- Queens University of Charlotte
- Regis University
- Wingate University
Can emerging programs challenge the established powerhouses? Absolutely. The dynamic nature of college sports allows for rapid program development, especially with effective coaching and recruitment strategies. As these programs continue to improve, they contribute to the overall competitiveness of Division 2 lacrosse.
The Golden Bears: A Rising Force in NCAA Women’s Lacrosse
The Golden Bears have made a significant impact by appearing in the initial NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Regional Rankings. This achievement marks a milestone for the program and signals their potential as a competitive force in Division 2 lacrosse.
Several factors have contributed to the Golden Bears’ rise in the rankings:
- Consistent improvement in win-loss record
- Strategic scheduling of challenging opponents
- Development of key players
- Effective coaching strategies
The team’s appearance in the regional rankings not only boosts their playoff prospects but also enhances their recruiting potential, potentially attracting top talent for future seasons.
Implications for the Golden Bears’ Season
How does this ranking affect the Golden Bears’ approach to the remainder of the season? The initial ranking provides valuable motivation and validation for the team’s efforts. However, it also places additional pressure to maintain or improve their standing. The coaching staff will likely focus on:
- Maintaining team momentum
- Fine-tuning strategies against key opponents
- Managing player workload to prevent burnout
- Preparing for potential postseason scenarios
As the season progresses, the Golden Bears’ performance against other ranked teams will be crucial in solidifying their position and potentially improving their ranking.
The Role of Social Media in Division 2 Lacrosse
Social media platforms play an increasingly important role in promoting Division 2 lacrosse programs and engaging with fans. Many teams maintain active presences on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share updates, highlight player achievements, and build community support.
Key benefits of social media for Division 2 lacrosse programs include:
- Increased visibility for the program
- Real-time updates on games and team news
- Enhanced fan engagement and interaction
- Recruiting tool for prospective student-athletes
- Platform for showcasing team culture and values
How do social media metrics correlate with team rankings? While not a direct factor in official rankings, a strong social media presence can indicate program popularity and fan engagement. This visibility can indirectly benefit programs by attracting attention from recruits and potentially influencing subjective aspects of ranking decisions.
Best Practices for Lacrosse Programs on Social Media
- Consistent posting schedule
- Diverse content mix (game highlights, player profiles, behind-the-scenes footage)
- Interactive elements (polls, Q&A sessions)
- Cross-promotion with other university sports programs
- Adherence to NCAA guidelines on social media use
By leveraging social media effectively, Division 2 lacrosse programs can enhance their public profile and support their competitive goals.
The Impact of Rankings on Recruitment and Program Development
Division 2 lacrosse rankings have a significant influence on recruitment efforts and overall program development. A higher ranking can elevate a program’s profile, making it more attractive to prospective student-athletes and potentially leading to improved recruiting classes.
Key ways rankings impact recruitment and program development:
- Increased visibility to high school prospects
- Enhanced credibility in the recruiting process
- Potential for more media coverage and exposure
- Motivation for current players to maintain high performance
- Justification for increased resource allocation from the university
Do rankings guarantee recruitment success? While rankings certainly help, successful recruitment also depends on factors such as coaching reputation, academic offerings, facilities, and the overall student experience. Programs must leverage their rankings as part of a comprehensive recruitment strategy.
Long-term Benefits of Consistent High Rankings
Programs that maintain high rankings over multiple seasons often experience compounding benefits:
- Establishment of a winning culture
- Development of strong alumni networks
- Increased donor support and fundraising potential
- Improved facilities and resources
- Enhanced reputation within the lacrosse community
These factors create a positive feedback loop, where success breeds further success, solidifying a program’s position as a top contender in Division 2 lacrosse.
Preparing for the Future: Emerging Trends in Division 2 Lacrosse
As Division 2 lacrosse continues to evolve, several emerging trends are shaping the future of the sport at this level. Understanding and adapting to these trends can help programs maintain or improve their rankings in the coming years.
Key Trends to Watch
- Increased use of data analytics in game strategy and player development
- Growing emphasis on multi-sport athletes in recruitment
- Expansion of lacrosse programs to new geographic regions
- Integration of mental health and wellness programs for student-athletes
- Adoption of advanced training technologies and methodologies
How will these trends impact the competitive landscape of Division 2 lacrosse? Programs that successfully incorporate these trends may gain a competitive edge, potentially improving their rankings and overall success. However, the core principles of strong coaching, player development, and team chemistry will remain crucial factors in determining rankings and on-field success.
Preparing for Future Challenges
To stay competitive and maintain strong rankings, Division 2 lacrosse programs should consider:
- Investing in data analysis tools and personnel
- Developing partnerships with other sports programs for cross-training opportunities
- Expanding recruitment efforts to untapped regions
- Implementing comprehensive wellness programs for student-athletes
- Staying informed about emerging technologies and training methods
By proactively addressing these areas, programs can position themselves for sustained success and improved rankings in the dynamic world of Division 2 lacrosse.
Golden Bears appear in initial NCAA Women’s Lacrosse Regional Rankings
Acrobatics & Tumbling
Acrobatics & Tumbling: Facebook
Acrobatics & Tumbling: Twitter
Acrobatics & Tumbling: Instagram
Acrobatics & Tumbling: Schedule
Acrobatics & Tumbling: Roster
Acrobatics & Tumbling: News
Basketball
Basketball: Facebook
Basketball: Twitter
Basketball: Instagram
Basketball: Schedule
Basketball: Roster
Basketball: News
Bowling
Bowling: Facebook
Bowling: Twitter
Bowling: Schedule
Bowling: Roster
Bowling: News
Cross Country
Cross Country: Facebook
Cross Country: Twitter
Cross Country: Instagram
Cross Country: Schedule
Cross Country: Roster
Cross Country: News
Field Hockey
Field Hockey: Facebook
Field Hockey: Twitter
Field Hockey: Instagram
Field Hockey: Schedule
Field Hockey: Roster
Field Hockey: News
Golf
Golf: Facebook
Golf: Twitter
Golf: Instagram
Golf: Schedule
Golf: Roster
Golf: News
Lacrosse
Lacrosse: Facebook
Lacrosse: Twitter
Lacrosse: Instagram
Lacrosse: Schedule
Lacrosse: Roster
Lacrosse: News
Soccer
Soccer: Facebook
Soccer: Twitter
Soccer: Instagram
Soccer: Schedule
Soccer: Roster
Soccer: News
Softball
Softball: Facebook
Softball: Twitter
Softball: Instagram
Softball: Schedule
Softball: Roster
Softball: News
Swimming
Swimming: Facebook
Swimming: Twitter
Swimming: Instagram
Swimming: Schedule
Swimming: Roster
Swimming: News
Tennis
Tennis: Facebook
Tennis: Schedule
Tennis: Roster
Tennis: News
Track & Field
Track & Field: Facebook
Track & Field: Twitter
Track & Field: Instagram
Track & Field: Schedule
Track & Field: Roster
Track & Field: News
Volleyball
Volleyball: Facebook
Volleyball: Twitter
Volleyball: Instagram
Volleyball: Schedule
Volleyball: Roster
Volleyball: News
Baseball
Baseball: Twitter
Baseball: Instagram
Baseball: Schedule
Baseball: Roster
Baseball: News
Basketball
Basketball: Facebook
Basketball: Twitter
Basketball: Schedule
Basketball: Roster
Basketball: News
Cross Country
Cross Country: Facebook
Cross Country: Twitter
Cross Country: Instagram
Cross Country: Schedule
Cross Country: Roster
Cross Country: News
Football
Football: Facebook
Football: Twitter
Football: Instagram
Football: Schedule
Football: Roster
Football: News
Swimming (2024-25)
Swimming (2024-25): Facebook
Swimming (2024-25): Twitter
Swimming (2024-25): Instagram
Swimming (2024-25): Schedule
Swimming (2024-25): Roster
Swimming (2024-25): News
Tennis
Tennis: Facebook
Tennis: Schedule
Tennis: Roster
Tennis: News
Track & Field
Track & Field: Facebook
Track & Field: Twitter
Track & Field: Instagram
Track & Field: Schedule
Track & Field: Roster
Track & Field: News
Wrestling
Wrestling: Facebook
Wrestling: Twitter
Wrestling: Instagram
Wrestling: Schedule
Wrestling: Roster
Wrestling: News
Academics & Athletics
Cheerleading
Directions
EADA Report
Facilities
Mission Statement
Legacy Sports
Quick Facts
Staff Directory
Title IX
Equipment Services
Sports Medicine
Strength & Conditioning
Sports Information
Athletics Logos
Athletics Style Guide
Academic All-Americans
All-Americans
All-Sports Banquet
Annual Awards & Honors
Chambliss Awards
Championship History
KU Athletics Legacy Award
PSAC Top 10 Awards
KU Athletics Hall of Fame
Nominate
Student-Athlete Resources
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity in Athletics (IDEA)
SAAC
Women’s Rugby
Men’s Rugby
Homepage
Directions
Facilities
Tailgate Policy
Tickets
TicketSmarter – Official Resale Ticket Marketplace
Visitors Guide
Athletics Social Directory
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
Live Coverage Schedule
Live Video
Live Stats
Live Audio (KUR)
Alma Mater
Avalanche (KU Mascot)
Athletics Logos
School Colors
NCAA Division II Tool kit
Guide for the College Bound Student-Athlete
Initial Eligibility Pamphlet
2-Year Transfer Guide
4-Year Transfer Guide
Acrobatics & Tumbling
Baseball
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Women’s Bowling
Cross Country/Track & Field
Field Hockey
Football
Women’s Golf
Women’s Lacrosse
Women’s Soccer
Softball
Men’s Swimming
Women’s Swimming
Men’s Tennis
Women’s Tennis
Women’s Volleyball
Wrestling
Camps and Clinics
Golden Bear Athletic Club
Update Your Information
Upcoming Events
Corporate Partnerships
Limestone Lacrosse Ranked in Top-10 of USILA Division II Preseason Rankings
Baseball
Baseball: Facebook
Baseball: Twitter
Baseball: Instagram
Baseball: Schedule
Baseball: Roster
Baseball: News
Basketball
Basketball: Facebook
Basketball: Twitter
Basketball: Instagram
Basketball: Tickets
Basketball: Schedule
Basketball: Roster
Basketball: News
Cross Country
Cross Country: Facebook
Cross Country: Twitter
Cross Country: Instagram
Cross Country: Schedule
Cross Country: Roster
Cross Country: News
Football
Football: Facebook
Football: Twitter
Football: Instagram
Football: Tickets
Football: Schedule
Football: Roster
Football: News
Golf
Golf: Facebook
Golf: Twitter
Golf: Instagram
Golf: Schedule
Golf: Roster
Golf: News
Lacrosse
Lacrosse: Facebook
Lacrosse: Twitter
Lacrosse: Instagram
Lacrosse: Schedule
Lacrosse: Roster
Lacrosse: News
Soccer
Soccer: Facebook
Soccer: Twitter
Soccer: Instagram
Soccer: Tickets
Soccer: Schedule
Soccer: Roster
Soccer: News
Tennis
Tennis: Facebook
Tennis: Twitter
Tennis: Instagram
Tennis: Schedule
Tennis: Roster
Tennis: News
Track & Field
Track & Field: Facebook
Track & Field: Twitter
Track & Field: Instagram
Track & Field: Schedule
Track & Field: Roster
Track & Field: News
Volleyball
Volleyball: Facebook
Volleyball: Twitter
Volleyball: Instagram
Volleyball: Schedule
Volleyball: Roster
Volleyball: News
Wrestling
Wrestling: Facebook
Wrestling: Twitter
Wrestling: Instagram
Wrestling: Tickets
Wrestling: Schedule
Wrestling: Roster
Wrestling: News
Acrobatics & Tumbling
Acrobatics & Tumbling: Facebook
Acrobatics & Tumbling: Twitter
Acrobatics & Tumbling: Instagram
Acrobatics & Tumbling: Schedule
Acrobatics & Tumbling: Roster
Acrobatics & Tumbling: News
Basketball
Basketball: Facebook
Basketball: Twitter
Basketball: Instagram
Basketball: Tickets
Basketball: Schedule
Basketball: Roster
Basketball: News
Cross Country
Cross Country: Facebook
Cross Country: Twitter
Cross Country: Instagram
Cross Country: Schedule
Cross Country: Roster
Cross Country: News
Field Hockey
Field Hockey: Facebook
Field Hockey: Twitter
Field Hockey: Instagram
Field Hockey: Tickets
Field Hockey: Schedule
Field Hockey: Roster
Field Hockey: News
Golf
Golf: Facebook
Golf: Twitter
Golf: Instagram
Golf: Schedule
Golf: Roster
Golf: News
Lacrosse
Lacrosse: Facebook
Lacrosse: Twitter
Lacrosse: Instagram
Lacrosse: Schedule
Lacrosse: Roster
Lacrosse: News
Soccer
Soccer: Facebook
Soccer: Twitter
Soccer: Instagram
Soccer: Tickets
Soccer: Schedule
Soccer: Roster
Soccer: News
Softball
Softball: Facebook
Softball: Twitter
Softball: Instagram
Softball: Schedule
Softball: Roster
Softball: News
Tennis
Tennis: Facebook
Tennis: Twitter
Tennis: Instagram
Tennis: Schedule
Tennis: Roster
Tennis: News
Track & Field
Track & Field: Facebook
Track & Field: Twitter
Track & Field: Instagram
Track & Field: Schedule
Track & Field: Roster
Track & Field: News
Volleyball
Volleyball: Facebook
Volleyball: Twitter
Volleyball: Instagram
Volleyball: Schedule
Volleyball: Roster
Volleyball: News
Wrestling
Wrestling: Facebook
Wrestling: Twitter
Wrestling: Instagram
Wrestling: Tickets
Wrestling: Schedule
Wrestling: Roster
Wrestling: News
Cheerleading
Cheerleading: Facebook
Cheerleading: Twitter
Cheerleading: Instagram
Cheerleading: Schedule
Cheerleading: Roster
Cheerleading: News
Dance
Dance: Facebook
Dance: Twitter
Dance: Instagram
Dance: Schedule
Dance: Roster
Dance: News
Athletic Hours of Operation
Athletic Training
Barbell Club
Compliance
Conference Carolinas Archives
Core Values
Directions
Gaffney Visitor Guide
Hall of Fame
History of Limestone Athletics
In the News
Limestone University Logos
Media Relations
President’s Cup
SAAC
Sportsmanship Statement
Staff Directory
Strength & Conditioning
Use of Facilities
E-Updates
RSS Feed
Social Media Central
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Live Stats
FloSports
Photo Galleries
Campus Bookstore
Purchase Tickets
Fan Information
Want to Be Bernie?
Mascot Request
Mission Statement
About Your Gift
Membership Levels and Benefits
Online Donation Site
Limestone Compliance/Eligibility
Admissions
Net Price Calculator
Sports Information Questionnaire
Athletic Training Medical Packet
GameChanger
NCAA Eligibility Center
NCAA Division II Website
Alumni Questionnaire
Appointment Scheduler
Athletic Facilities
Bob Campbell Field House
Bob Prevatte Athletic Complex
The Reservation
Emmie Evans Rector Tennis Center
Founders FCU Stadium
Jerry Richardson Field
Milan Gettys Golf House
Babe Ruth Field (Softball)
Saints Field
Shannon Hamrick Park
Timken Aquatic Center
Timken Center
Timken East
Walt Griffin PE Center
Limestone University Home Page
About the University
Campus Map
Faculty/Staff Directory
About Gaffney, S. C.
tips on strategy and system – how to win more often
Not only in the post-Soviet space, but throughout Europe and Asia, you can hardly find many experts in such a peculiar sport as lacrosse. Lacrosse is more popular in the US and Canada, and it is also played by Australians. But not to say that in these countries the attitude to discipline is very serious: even the American Major Lacrosse League (MLL), where the best masters perform, is considered a semi-professional competition. Nevertheless, some Kazakh bookmakers also offer bets on lacrosse. We talk about the main thing you need to know if you want to bet on this sport.
Lacrosse – Indian fun with Olympic prospects
Lacrosse – an invention of the indigenous people of America, the historical heritage of the tribes. The active promotion of lacrosse in the United States, including among students, began in the middle of the 19th century. This is the only sport where the Iroquois team is represented separately from the USA.
For example, in 2018, the founders of lacrosse won bronze at the World Championships.
As for the world championships in lacrosse, the first was held at 1967, and since 1986 the national teams have played the tournament every four years.
The expansion of the World Championship to 46 teams in 2018 is one of the trump cards of the world federation seeking to return lacrosse to the Olympic program.
Yes, indeed, lacrosse was already an Olympic sport back in 1904, but already in 1908 the Olympic history of lacrosse was interrupted – due to the fact that there were not enough participants even to fill the podium: only Americans and Canadians arrived. Lacrosse matches have also been played at the Games since 1928 to 1948, but only in demo mode. In 1948, the United States and Britain played the only match at Wembley that ended in a 5-5 draw.
A little about the rules
Lacrosse is a team sport where two teams of ten players each compete. For example, in terms of dynamics, it is much closer to a Kazakhstani fan, since in lacrosse the ball is in play for the overwhelming amount of time, like football or hockey, and unlike such Western sports as American football or baseball.
The size of the field is slightly smaller than a football field – 100 by 55 meters. There are also positions of the goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and attackers, however, they handle a small rubber ball not with their feet or hands, but with special net clubs with a net at the end.
Most of the match the teams spend in turn in positional attack, trying to overcome the massive defense with the help of passes, as well as individual actions, and score the ball into the goal. It is a contact sport and the maneuvers of strong attacking players are similar to those of rugby or hockey, while power holds are allowed for the defense. Therefore, lacrosse players take to the field in helmets and body protection.
In addition to the aforementioned Major Lacrosse League (MLL) and the World Championship, the annual college competition in the USA is a significant event. Many large colleges have their own lacrosse programs, and winning a national championship in the top division of the NCAA is very prestigious.
Types of lacrosse bets
Basic outcomes . In any team sport, bookmakers give a line on the outcome, and lacrosse is no exception. Usually these are double-way bets, taking into account overtime, on the victory of the first or second team, since the regulations, as a rule, do not provide for a draw in official matches. True, in some cases, for especially high-profile events, bookmakers can offer, as an addition, a line for regular time, with three-way quotes (odds for the victory of the first team, a draw and the victory of the second team).
Handicap . It is not uncommon to see handicap offers for big competitions. Especially if the difference in the level of teams is large enough and the main outcomes are given in a truncated version. In close matches, it is possible to insure a handicap of 1-2 goals.
Period outcomes . Like hockey, a lacrosse match lasts 60 minutes, but there are four periods (each 15 minutes long).
You can bet on the outcome of each of them separately, with the possibility of a draw.
Totals . At the highest level, 20-30 goals are scored in lacrosse matches. In the Major Lacrosse League in 2018, the totals were in the amount of 25-27 goals, in the student championship – closer to 20. At the world championships, due to the low level of most teams, the spread can be greater – some hardly score 7-8 goals, while others can score and fifteen. As in the case of outcomes, you can bet on totals within separate periods.
Long-term rates . Some offices may give quotes for the outcomes of tournaments in general. True, at the same World Cup, the choice is small. In 2018, the US team won 11 times in 13 world championships and Canadians won twice. A higher level of intrigue can be seen in the semi-professional MLL and collegiate NCAA Division I.
How to bet on lacrosse: uneven lineups and weather are important factors
Lacrosse is a team sport where teamwork and interactions are an integral part of a winning strategy.
That is why a player who wants to make money on bets on this sport needs to carefully monitor not only the form of the teams and past performances, but also the injuries of important players and rebuilding in the lineups.
The depth of a club or national team is very important. In lacrosse, nine substitutions can be made during a match, allowing deep teams to apply more intense pressure on the opponent’s defense throughout the match.
Also important are the statistics of removals and the implementation of numerical advantages by teams. In this regard, it is possible to draw analogies with hockey, however, in a large variety of lacrosse, the removal system is more complex. In any case, the match between two overly aggressive teams is more likely to end with a high total, and the better played team in the majority will gain an advantage in a tough game.
In the mini-variation of lacrosse, matches are played on classic “boxes”, the rules are somewhat similar to hockey, and there is no weather factor.
But in big lacrosse, matches are mostly held in open stadiums, and sometimes the elements can intervene in the confrontation. Therefore, before betting, especially in the case of a forecast for the total, it is advisable to look at the weather forecast. In the rain on a natural surface, the game becomes more viscous, it is more difficult for athletes to create in attack and maneuver, as a result of which fewer points are scored.
Which Kazakhstani bookmakers offer a lacrosse line?
Frankly speaking, lacrosse is far from being the most popular playing sport not only in Kazakhstan, but even in one’s own country. What can we say about the offices of the post-Soviet space, even if many Western giants of the gaming industry refuse to accept bets on lacrosse.
Sometimes Kazakhstani bookmakers, which have the most diverse lines, still accept bets on big events in the world of lacrosse. For example, one of the leaders of the Legalbet People’s Rating, the bookmaker “ 1xBet “, regularly accepts bets on the playoffs of the Major League Lacrosse (MLL).
The margin for these events is a significant 8 percent, that is, for equally probable events, the odds will be approximately 1.85.
You can sometimes see a line for world and student competitions in such popular offices as “ Fonbet ” and “ Olympus “.
Significant expansion of the geography of lacrosse over the past 10 years allows us to hope for the development of this sport, including inclusion in the Olympics program (at least as a test sport). Now it remains a semi-amateur sport, on which most bookmakers do not accept bets due to low demand.
If you want to understand this unusual discipline and test yourself, then lacrosse betting can be useful for you. There are no win-win strategies, and it is unlikely that you will be able to make good money due to high margins and a small number of offers, but with proper immersion, you will not remain indifferent to this dynamic contact sport. The main thing is to try to understand, follow the news and not hit blindly.
Material prepared:
Alexander Noskov
Legalbet Editor
Pacific Division Wins All-Star Game
The Pacific Division team won the 2020 Honda NHL All-Star Game held Saturday at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis. In a hard-fought and tense final, she defeated the Atlantic Division team 5:4 and shared the $1 million prize pool among 11 team players. +2) points.
“If the fans voted for this, I appreciate their love,” said Pastrnak, who was voted MVP by the fans via a Twitter vote. voted, I appreciate it and appreciate the love.”
For the Pacific Division team, this victory was the third in five All-Star Games since they began to be held in a three-on-three tournament format. She previously won in 2016 and 2018.
“From the start, we’re here to win,” Draisaitl said. “Yes, it’s all about having fun, and I’ve said it many times. Everyone’s here to have a good time and have fun, but at the end of the day we play this tournament to win.
And we are happy that we did it today.”
FINAL. Pacific – Atlantic (5:4)
The ending of the decisive match was more like overtime in the final game of the regular season, in which two teams fight for the last ticket to the playoffs. Players from both teams fought for the puck, and the Atlantic Division team also removed the goaltender to even the score.
Pettersson scored a double in the winners’ lineup, Tomas Hertle, Leon Draisaitl and Max Pacioretti also scored. The losers scored Pastrnak, Tyler Bertuzzi, Jonathan Huberdeau and Victor Hedman. Atlantic Division goalkeeper Andrey Vasilevsky played the second half of the game and saved seven of 11 shots. Toronto goaltender Frederik Andresen played in the first period and scored two very effective saves.
Vasilevsky also played seriously. The Russian saved the team several times and earned fair compliments from Hurtle after the game. And Pettersson’s first puck and Draisaitl’s shot belong to the category of non-takers, as the forwards decided not to invent anything and simply delivered strong wrist shots to the top nine.
At the end of the meeting, Pettersson could have scored a hat-trick, but decided to take a chance. The forward fell out “one on one” with Vasilevsky and tried to perform a beautiful trick “lacrosse spinorama”, but the puck went off the hook.
One of the additional plots of the final was a new full-time confrontation between the Tkachuk brothers, from which the elder Matthew from Calgary emerged victorious. It was after he took the puck from Brady’s brother and made a forward pass that Pettersson scored his first goal of the game. In the course of the meeting, the elder Tkachuk also had time to comment on his actions and, in principle, became one of the brightest heroes of the “Star Game”.
“He shouldered me off the puck, which I didn’t expect, so I knew it was him immediately,” Brady Tkachuk said of his brother’s tackle. “It really took me by surprise.”
Video: ATL-TIH: Hurtle won the duel against Vasilevsky
SEMI-FINAL. Pacific – Central (10:5)
In their semi-finals, the Pacific Division team beat the Central Division team, which included four representatives of St.
Louis, 10:5 with a score of 10:5. Four goals from the winners scored striker “San Jose” Hurtle. Moreover, he scored three of his goals in a row with a score of 7:5. In addition, a hat-trick in the composition of the winners marked the striker, “Edmonton” Draisaitl, who added to this assist. Calgary Calgary forward Matthew Tkachuk (2+2) and Vancouver defender Quinn Hughes (1+3) also scored four points each. Team captain Connor McDavid and Los Angeles forward Anze Kopitar made three assists each.
Perhaps the most beautiful goal was marked by Hughes, who went one on one with Jordan Binnington and outplayed the goalkeeper, sending the puck into the goal, holding the stick with one hand.
As part of the formal hosts from the Central Division, Blackhawks leader Patrick Kane scored a double, who was booed by the Blues fans throughout the entire Star Weekend because of the fundamental sports rivalry between the two cities: St. Louis and Chicago. Winnipeg forward Mark Scheifli (1+1), Dallas forward Tyler Seguin (1+1) and Nashville defender Roman Yosi scored two more points each for the losers.
During the meeting, the Pacific Division moved the opponent 28-17.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Kane said. “To be honest, it’s not very nice to get booed, but Chicago versus St. Louis is a huge, long-term rivalry.”
Video: TICH-CEN: Kane scores against Markstrom
SEMI-FINAL. Stolichny – Atlantic (5:9)
In the first semi-final, the Atlantic Division team beat last year’s All-Star Game winners from the Capital Division with a score of 9:5, passing the opponent 22-16. As part of the winners of the hat-trick designed Pastrnak of “Boston” and striker “Ottawa” Anthony DuClair. They also provided one assist each. Detroit forward Bertuzzi (0 + 4) and Tampa guard Victor Hedman (1 + 3) scored four more points from the Atlantic Division.
It was the Swede who scored the winning goal immediately after a cool save by club partner Vasilevsky, who took part in the “Star Game” for the third time in a row. The Russian goalkeeper conceded only one goal in the semi-finals and saved six out of seven shots.
As part of the Capital Division 4 (1 + 3) points were scored by Columbus defender Seth Jones, and New Jersey forward Niko Hishir scored a double and made one assist.
Montreal defender Shea Weber showed perseverance and competitive moment of the NHL All-Star Game, who in one of the episodes did not hesitate to take the puck from Capital Division captain Chris Letang with the help of contact wrestling. As a result, the peculiar power hold of the owner of the most powerful shot in the NHL remained the only one in the course of all three mini-matches.
The meetings were already held in the traditional “three by three” format. The teams played two periods of 10 minutes of pure time. Note that during the entire “Star Weekend” during the broadcasts, the NHL used the latest technologies for tracking the puck and players. As league commissioner Gary Bettman said on Friday, they will also be applied to the Stanley Cup this season, and to all stadiums next season.
It is already known that the 2021 Honda NHL All-Star Game will be hosted by the Florida Panthers.
