Spring Previews - Week Nine - April 22nd

Haya vs Shukr

Haya's hit some rocky patches lately and was muted by a 3-0 score, this time from the hands of Ihsan. Losers of three consecutive, the blue shirts will direct their attention to the drawing board and work on getting back on the win column. Last week the team performance versus Ihsan was bleak, the effort level was nonexistent and it appeared that the white flag was raised by the end of the first period. Shukr is next on Haya's agenda and you can bet this squad will be out for vengeance. Last time the two confronted it was Haya reeling out on the winning end. Will GM Zuhair Fancy's team repel Shukr?

One of the league's hottest team just got a bucket of water poured over them. Shukr went stride for stride with Emaan but couldn't crank out a win against the league leaders. GM Kashif Taqiuddin's team still remains on the higher end of the spectrum and has the experience on limiting the opposition. Luqman Arshad and Sadat Malik have been the pivotal players on the blue line while Saleem Malik leads the offensive cohort. This team might be an old bunch of dinosaurs, but like I said before, they still have the bite. Can Haya sweep the season series versus Shukr?

Burning Questions?

Will Haya's offence wake up this week? 

Who's Hot?

GM Kashif Taqiuddin has got 6 points in his last 4 games. 

Player To Watch:

Known for patented snapshot, Azhar Kalair shoulders oodles of much needed wisdom to his team. Let's see if he can jolt up the troops and squeeze out their "A" game.

Emaan vs Ihsan

Another day at the office, another win. What else is new for Emaan? GM Ibrahim Hindy and company stay perched atop the standings and are riding on a three game win streak. Emaan matched well with Shukr last week as both teams alternated chances, however; it was Emaan accumulating the two points in a 3-1 win. Emaan's been through this drill before with Ihsan. As a matter of fact, a previous 6-2 beat-down should be an indication of what could be on team red's weather forecast. Emaan continues to suffocate the opposition in their own zone while their first line chips away at scoring opportunities. Will Emaan treat this game as a walk in the park?

After failing to seal the deal for six games, you'll be elated to know that Ihsan finally got their first win. The victory couldn't have been more appropriate as Ihsan clawed back into playoff contention with a 3-0 drubbing of Haya. Goaltender Zaid Majoo "officially" made his debut for Ihsan and must echo that feat henceforward, especially with Emaan being their next match-up. The red shirts haven't forgotten the reality check Emaan administered last time, it was brutally embarassing. However, with Ahmad Hathout rekindling his scoring prowess and Salman Khalid playing top notch blue line minutes it could be a different fate. Can Ihsan stretch their win streak to two?

Burning Questions?

Can Ihsan put a freeze on Emaan's winning streak?

Who's Hot?

As declared in his player of the game interview, Zaid Majoo doesn't seemed concerned about the remnants of the league. Majoo's three shutouts this season has reinforced his statements; but is he the real deal? When asked about Emaan, Majoo replied, "Don't worry about it?"

Player To Watch:

Yusuf Sowdagar continues to cause havoc and has totalled 23 points in 7 games.

Ikhlas vs Sabr

Ikhlas planted a pylon on Sabr's playoff hopes by defeating the teele shirts with a convincing 3-1 win. The win inches the squad up the standings and marks the team's first "real" win, as opposed to the open net win they achieved earlier this season. Ikhlas pounced on Sabr's diminutive roster and had Humza Chaudhry and Arsalan Mian crank out crucial goals that ultimately landed Sabr in the deep end of the standings. If Ikhlas can maintain that same level of jump than eradicating Sabr will be easier than stealing candy from a baby. Can Yusuf Kapoor steal another game for his clan?

Sabr's loss to Ikhlas has got them against the wall, and they have no one to blame but themselves. GM Salman Alvi's group couldn't weather the Ikhlas tides and succumbed to a nasty 3-1 loss. Luckily for how the schedule is planned out, fate has permitted them a chance to redeem themselves this week and snatch forth place. Sabr has only one victory to show for this season and has struggled with manning a full squad each week. If the teele shirts are serious about getting to the promise land than a serious performance is required this week. Will Sabr be able to match the legs of Ikhlas?  

Burning Questions?

Can Sabr overthrow Ikhlas?

Who's Hot?

Humza Chaudhry had two goals to place his team back into playoff contention. 

Player To Watch:

Sajid Khan has been a force in the backend, his tenacity will be essential this week.