2025 MLW Slate Five Series Two

S. Samek

Time for the second matchup of slate five with the Midwest Mallards facing off against the Metro Magic. With playoff implications on the line this series let’s preview the action.

The Midwest Mallards enter play at 7-5 despite losing their slate four series to the Wildcats 2-1. Though the series loss wasn’t enough to cause them to drop in the MLW managers poll, where they retain the top spot.

The Mallards are in good shape for a playoff spot. If they sweep the Magic, they will clinch the number one seed and a bye. If they win two out of three, they could still get the second seed and bye but would lose the top seed tiebreaker of strength of schedule to the 9-6 Great Lakes Gators. A single win would still get them to 8-7, which is good enough for a playoff spot. If they are swept it wouldn’t be the end of the season yet, but it could be depending on the results of the last two series.

The Magic are in the 6-6 block of tied teams. They are currently in fifth place and hold a 3-3 record against the teams they are tied with.

If they sweep the Mallards, they get in without a doubt at 9-6 and could have a shot at a bye. Two wins puts them at 8-7, which should be plenty to reach the playoffs. A single win would have them need some help to reach the playoffs. Getting swept really hurts the Magic’s playoff chances.

My prediction for this series is Mallards 2-1. Be sure to catch the video this week to see who wins and how the playoff race continues to shape up.