Buzzer Beater: Playoffs? These Are the Playoffs? [UFA Divisional Playoffs, 2025]

The DC Breeze delivered a decisive 23-12 victory over the New York Empire in their playoff matchup, signaling a significant shift in the league's power dynamics. The Breeze outplayed the Empire from the start, securing blocks on three first-quarter defensive possessions and converting each into scores to build an early 6-3 lead. Their dominance continued throughout the game, amassing 11 blocks while committing only 7 turnovers, and extending their lead to 11-4 before the Empire could gain any real traction.

DC showcased one of their most balanced performances of the season. AJ Merriman (3 assists, 2 goals) led the defensive line, while Rowan McDonnell anchored the offense. Remarkably, 19 of 20 rostered players contributed with at least a goal, assist, or block. Players like Christian Boxley and Aidan Downey seamlessly split time between offensive and defensive roles. This win capped a strong second-half resurgence for the Breeze, who overcame early-season struggles to dismantle their long-time rival.

The loss underscored the New York Empire's steep decline since their back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. After four consecutive championship game appearances, they failed to reach the division championship for the second straight year. Despite efforts to rebuild after losing key players, new additions like Everest Shapiro and Jacob Cowan couldn't replicate past success. Star players Jack Williams and Max Sheppard had relatively quiet seasons, and a season-ending injury to standout Calvin Brown compounded their struggles.

While the Empire showed some bright spots—Matt LaBar's career-best production, Sam Jonas's defensive growth, and late-season addition Ben Dameron—their aura of dominance has vanished. The playoff blowout confirmed the Empire's fall from perennial contenders to "just another team on the schedule," ending an era of tri-state supremacy.