Kuopio Steelers, Seinäjoki Crocodiles battle for Maple League lead

The Kuopio Steelers (5-2) host the Seinäjoki Crocodiles (5-1) Saturday in a Finnish Maple League showdown at Väinölänniemi with first place on the line and the first of two straight meetings between the championship contenders.

The Steelers have put together another strong season despite losses to the East City Giants and Porvoon Butchers, while the Crocodiles arrive in Kuopio sitting atop the standings after last week’s 31-9 victory over the Wasa Royals.

Steelers get a key weapon back

The biggest news for Kuopio is the return of Daniel Rubinstein, who has been sidelined since early in the season. His return gives quarterback Slade Jarman another downfield option at an important juncture in the schedule.

Jarman enters the weekend as the Maple League’s leading passer with 1,600 yards, and Rubinstein should add another dimension to an offense that also features power running back Joshua Macke.

The Steelers have also added six players from the Oulu Northern Lights following the completion of their Division I season, giving Kuopio additional depth for the stretch run.

Crocodiles may have to lean on Fowler

The Crocodiles could again be without their top running back, with Arttu Blomqvist listed as uncertain, while Julius Tuominiemi is out. Kristian Reinikka is expected to carry more of the rushing load, but Seinäjoki will also be missing Miguel Mäkinen and Isak Berg along the offensive line.

That could put even more responsibility on quarterback CJ Fowler. He threw for 366 yards and four touchdowns against the Royals last week, but the Steelers present a different challenge with Lars Steffen and Iiro Pekkarinen in the secondary.

If Kuopio can limit the running game and force Fowler to carry the offense through the air, the matchup could play directly into the hands of the Steelers defense.

Back-to-back games could shape playoff picture

There is also some recent history between these teams. Seinäjoki eliminated Kuopio in dramatic fashion in last season’s semifinal, winning in the closing seconds.

Now the Steelers get another shot at the Crocodiles, and this time they will not have to wait long for a rematch. The teams meet again next weekend in Seinäjoki.

With the top of the Maple League still tightly packed, these two games could go a long way toward determining who earns home-field advantage when the playoffs arrive.