Central Division Championship Game: Indy at Minnesota (-3.5)
There’s no game this weekend where the weather conditions are as important as Saturday’s Central showdown in St. Paul. It’s usually windy at Sea Foam Stadium, and Minnesota is way more comfortable if the elements are involved. Yes, Indianapolis has proven it can win outdoors, but the Cats typically have wanted to be super cautious on offense and complete a ton of easy passes, a task that can be complicated by a volatile gusty atmosphere.
So if it’s breezy, the Wind Chill’s defensive weapons can aggressively go hunting. It’s easy to fathom Dylan DeClerck finishing with four goals and three blocks, with Sam Berglund and Bret Bergmeier each tossing three assists for the Wind Chill D-line.
But the AlleyCats also understand that they need to become a bit more unpredictable, particularly in the wake of their poor performance at Minnesota bake in Week 11.
“Minnesota demonstrated they can thwart our usual game plan,” said Indy Head Coach Drew Shepherd. “We can’t bury our heads in the sand with an identical approach; instead, we’re selective about elements we maintain, tweak, or overhaul.”
The AlleyCats, mostly by choice, ranked 21st in the league in completed hucks per game this season, averaging 5.5. This was despite Indy’s league-leading huck completion percentage, just above the Hustle and Shred at 70.3 percent. Might the ‘Cats unleash many more deep shots this Saturday?
“Should the wind remain disruptive, we will match Minnesota’s willingness to shoot,” said Shepherd. “We’re capable. God knows the players want to. So we’re dedicating time to feeling out our individual limits, testing those boundaries, so we’re informed and can discern well in game.”
The Wind Chill have been a bit sloppy with the disc in the second half of their season. Over their past five games, they have averaged 23.8 turnovers per contest, a rate that would be bottom five in the league extrapolated for the full year. But Minnesota’s ability to get the break-train rolling has often dug the team out of deficits. Twice this season, the Wind Chill have trailed 4-0 against teams that made the playoffs and proceeded to win by multiple goals. Minnesota also erased a five-goal deficit at Breese Stevens Field, rampaging on a 10-2 run to completely buzzsaw the Radicals. The Wind Chill’s O-line is clearly inconsistent, but Minnesota has gone 10-2 despite their offense, showcasing a defensive enthusiasm that’s contagious. Aside from New York, no team in the league can quickly transform a 2-0 run into a 4-0 run like the Wind Chill.
The Pick: 19-15 Minnesota (Minnesota covers)
Originally posted on theaudl.com