Despite their past two losses, the NYXL are still going into the playoffs with hopes of making it through and earning a first place title. This is their last shot of the stage for redemption, and it’s looking like it could go either way. A battle against the Los Angeles Gladiators could prove to be New York’s ticket to redemption, but it could also be New York’s ticket to another loss, making it their fourth loss of the overall season.
REVIEW
ATLANTA REIGN (3-4)
In a heated five map rematch against the Atlanta Reign, the New York Excelsior set their sights on victory against the only team to beat them in the regular season. Unfortunately, things didn’t exactly pan out for the Excelsior. After tying up the series after a dominant performance on Junkertown, the boys in blue ended up losing 2-3 to the Reign. For a more detailed recap, click here!
PREVIEW
LOS ANGELES GLADIATORS (6-1)
Looking forward, the NYXL are set to go up against the Los Angeles Gladiators, who are currently seated fourth overall in the stage standings. With both teams having played seven matches, the only difference in their standings that places the Gladiators over the Excelsior is their win to loss ratio.
New York’s W-L ratio for the second stage is a solid 5-2, while the Gladiators’ is at a 6-1. However, the Excelsior’s map differential is at a +14, while their opponents only have +10. It’s a close call, but the match could definitely go either way, especially with the way that the Excelsior have been playing as of late. Their inconsistencies could be their downfall going into this matchup. However, having beaten the Los Angeles Gladiators twice already before in the inaugural season, it’s very possible that the Excelsior could keep this trend going as they move into the playoffs.
If the Excelsior can learn from their messy mistakes against the Reign and come back strong, fans can definitely expect to see their favorite team playing as they should be once again.
PLAYER TO WATCH
After a shaky few matches, Seonghyun “Jjonak” Bang left fans feeling confused. Where had the MVP that viewers came to know and love gone? Jjonak looked messy, and his ultimate usage was all over the place, which made way for the Atlanta Reign to capitalize like crazy on it, abusing his mistakes in the same way the NYXL have done to so many other teams. For the playoffs, Jjonak should be refreshed and fans should keep an eye out for his comeback.
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Featured photo from NYXL