PLL 2025 Finals Contenders: Stats, Form, and X-Factors
The Premier Lacrosse League’s 2025 season has delivered surprises, star turns, and a playoff bracket full of intrigue. With the field now set, here’s how the contenders stack up, the stats that matter, and the matchups that could shape the championship chase.
2025 Playoff Field
| Conference | 1st Seed | 2nd Seed | 3rd Seed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern | New York Atlas (7–3) | Maryland Whipsnakes (4–6) | Philadelphia Waterdogs (4–6) |
| Western | Denver Outlaws (7–3) | California Redwoods (5–5) | Carolina Chaos (5–5) |
Byes: Atlas and Outlaws advance directly to the semifinals. Quarterfinals feature Whipsnakes vs Waterdogs and Redwoods vs Chaos.
Contenders Snapshot
- New York Atlas: The league’s most potent attack, led by MVP candidate Connor Shellenberger. Winners of their last three, but must prove they can turn regular season dominance into playoff success.
- Denver Outlaws: Consistent all year, anchored by Brennan O’Neill, Pat Kavanagh, and Jared Bernhardt. Boast the league’s top defense and clutch goalkeeping from Logan McNaney.
- Maryland Whipsnakes: Former champions with veteran savvy, but injuries to Matt Rambo and TJ Malone leave questions about scoring punch.
- Philadelphia Waterdogs: Led by Michael Sowers and breakout rookie CJ Kirst. Have already beaten Maryland twice this year but carry key absences in Zed Williams and Liam Byrnes.
- California Redwoods: Rebounded from 2024 disappointment with a three-game winning streak. Pat and Chris Kavanagh drive their late-season surge.
- Carolina Chaos: Known for gritty playoff upsets, built around goalie Blaze Riorden. Young attackers add pace and unpredictability.
Quarterfinal Storylines
- Whipsnakes vs Waterdogs: Injuries on both sides could tilt this evenly matched clash. Rookie CJ Kirst may hold the key for Philadelphia.
- Redwoods vs Chaos: Redwoods’ resurgent attack vs Chaos’ trademark grit. The Riorden–Kavanagh duel looms large.
Outlook: With a compressed season and no clear runaway favorite, the PLL playoffs feel wide open. Atlas and Outlaws are the statistical leaders, but injuries, hot rookies, and playoff pedigree could decide who lifts the trophy on September 14 in Harrison, NJ.