The SPRING 2003 playoffs will culminate the most competitive regular season in Hockey Long Island history. All divisions saw hotly contested races for playoff seeds and spots right down to the final weekend of the season. Such close races bode for a compelling postseason. Below we provide a preview for the C 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 bracket, while featuring two squads that separated at the top during the regular season, should see close games and has a good possibility for an unexpected playoff run. Every team has a realistic chance to stake their claim on the Cup. The favorite going into the postseason is the upstart STORM. The Storm dominated portions of their regular season employing a relentless speed attack backboned by a stingy defense - they allowed only 23 goals during the season while scoring 66. They seemingly don't have a weakness but will having played few close games factor in? One of the two teams to defeat the Storm are the retooled KLASH. The Klash continued their roster makeover adding much needed youth and speed. When in sync their offensive attack can be ruthless. They are, however, susceptible to lapses where teams can capitalize. The division's enigma is the third place CEMENT. Cement has the offensive weapons to slug it out with the top two. They can force the action and employ scoring threats across mutiple lines. What's puzzling is their inconsistency which exposes them to giving up goals in bunches. Battling the ghosts of playoffs past are the CAPITALS. The Capitals have yet to hit stride this season but they possess the most important playoff ingredient - goaltending. If the Capitals can advance look out; they're comfortable playing close games. Coming on strong after a sputtering start are the COURT OFFICERS. Undefeated in their last four, the Officers' chances lie in the execution of their game plan. When each player fulfills his role, and they play together the Court Officers are a hard, tough out. Rounding out the draw is a dangerous BEAVERS squad. The Beavers have all the elements to make a serious run but must combat their unexplained track record of squandering third period leads.