The Philadelphia Waterdogs had been sitting in the loss column for several consecutive weeks coming down the stretch of the 2025 PLL regular season and (barely) into the playoffs. Philly would often find themselves either playing from behind on the scoreboard, or not being able to close out winnable games. However, the bye week heading into their first-round playoff matchup with the Maryland Whipsnakes was just what this team needed. Their three attackmen set a PLL record, each recording at least four goals in a 14-12 win that advances Philly to the Eastern Conference final against the top-seeded New York Atlas on Labor Day. Prior to this game, no team had ever had three players record four or more goals in the same game in the playoffs.
The three-headed attack monster
All of Philadelphia’s offense came from their three attackmen. Rookie and #1 overall pick CJ Kirst had five points (4 goals, 1 assist), and may have made the play of the night. With former PLL Defensive Player of the Year Matt Dunn draped over him as he drove to the net, Kirst made a behind-the-back shot that got past both Dunn and Whipsnakes goaltender Emmet Carroll for a goal. Michael Sowers bolstered his MVP candidacy further with an eight-point night (4 goals, 4 assists). Last but not least, the X-factor was Kieran McArdle, creating separation on his way to a sock trick (6 goals). Credit also must be given to the Waterdogs’ defense for keeping TJ Malone from doing sufficient damage on the score sheet (1 goal, 1 assist).
Whipsnakes have bright future despite elimination from playoffs
Maryland gave Philly all they could handle, even without TJ Malone adding pain to the score sheet. Aidan Carroll had 4 goals and 1 assist. Rob Pannell with 2 goals and 2 assists. Brad Smith firing the only 2-point goal of the game halfway through the fourth quarter to tie the game at 12-12. Every time that Philly would go on a run, the Whipsnakes were right there with them – until the last five minutes of the game. Emmet Carroll made 13 saves in net for Maryland in the loss. The reality is that the Whipsnakes could have won this game, had the defense been a little tighter, the offense been a little more in sync, and the goaltender making a few more timely saves. If Maryland can make even marginal improvements in all of those phases of the game, they will be a force to be reckoned with in 2026.
