New York Excelsior: Stage 2 Week 1 Preview

Stage 2 is here, and New York has to attack it with a vengeance if they want to redeem themselves after their disappointing loss in the Stage 1 playoffs. The Excelsior’s debut week will set the tone for the remainder of the stage, especially if they come back still looking as messy and uncoordinated as they did in their matchup against the Seoul Dynasty.

PREVIEW

Philadelphia Fusion (5-2)

Photo: Ben Pursell

The Fusion are also coming off of a disappointing defeat after having lost to the San Fransisco Shock last stage. Philadelphia’s inconsistency might be their folly, since the NYXL’s biggest strength is picking out their enemies’ weaknesses and exploiting them. The Excelsior’s first game back should have them looking refreshed and ready to fight. If all goes well, expect to see the NYXL coming out on top for their first game of the second stage.

Prediction: NYXL wins 3-2

Shanghai Dragons (3-4)

2018-04-20 / Photo: Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment

The Dragons second season debut lead to them gaining the first few wins of their OWL career. However, their victories in Stage 1 probably will not lead them to victory against the NYXL. Despite their growth, the NYXL’s clean, precise playstyle is more than enough to hold off the Dragons. The Excelsior are too good at exploiting weaknesses and mistakes for Shanghai to come out on top.

Prediction: NYXL wins 3-1

NYXL DPS: Yeon-kwan “Nenne” Jeong

Player to Watch

With the arrival of the new stage and potential META changes, it’ll be interesting to seehow Yeon-kwan “Nenne” Jeong’s role will adapt and change. Despite him having played Zarya for most of Stage 1, his Tracer and Widowmaker plays are more than notable. As the stage moves forward and teams (hopefully) move away from GOATS, his role in the NYXL will be interesting to watch.