The FALL 2002 playoffs are eagerly anticipated and promise to be as hotly contested as the regular season. Below we provide a preview for the over30 League. This preview is only intended for discussion fodder and entertainment value. Good luck to all in their ‘Run to the Long Island Cup’.

This playoff race is a veritable toss-up. Each of the top three teams took turns sitting in first during the regular season. The BUCS survived the furious jockeying the last three weeks to earn the first place bye. Bucs hockey is basic and straightforward. Perhaps no HLI team executes within the roles and abilities as well as the Bucs. Their disciplined, patient game approach usually trumps faster and more offensively explosive opponents. Securing the second bye was the RANGERS. The Rangers raced out of the chute and looked primed to go wire-to-wire. A rash of injuries, however, stunted their initial momentum and it appeared the Rangers would fall to the wildcard. They closed strong and seemed to be the hottest team heading into the postseason. The BULLDOGS seemingly had the division locked up with consistent play throughout the season. They are a resilient squad and the team most equipped to handle the playoff pressure cooker. They have the longest championship lineage but must first survive the wildcard landmine. Sitting and waiting for the'Dogs are the RED WINGS. The Wings endured a rocky regular season in which they had difficulty finding a rhythm. The 'Wings won only one divisional game albeit against the Bulldogs. They are a dangerous playoff team, however, fully capable of making a familar run out of the wildcard spot.