8 worthy teams will compete for "Lord Shufflepuck Cup," the stirling, towering cup trophy that haunts the halls of The Ale House Tavern on Willow Ave.

So, with just 1 week left in the regular season, who's in the hunt for a chance to hoist Lord Shufflepuck Cup, and dance with eternal glory?

Just last week it was proven that anything can happen in the Playoffs, as we celebrated the upset victory by 'Everyday We're Shufflin', the new champions of our fledgling New York City division, hosted at Slate at West 21st Street. They entered the tournament as a long shot, a team with a losing record, but closed the night out as Champions. Stay tuned to the ABL website for a recap of that wild night of shufflepuck magic.

But what about the premier Hoboken Division? Who has the fortitude to stay calm and cool in the eye of the playoff storm? A few teams are playing for their lives in the coming days. Some will falter, others will fail. Who shall prevail?

Here's a look at the current standings in the Hoboken League:

Which team shall emerge as Champions of Hoboken? 

1st Place Zero Pucks Given are the defending champions, and haven't skipped a beat. They closed out their season with a 16-2 record, winning 10 in a row. Clearly, they have the momentum, and the experience. But # 2 ranked Shuffle Butter (15-3) gave them a run for their money during the regular season, splitting the series, so they can't be overlooked.

Old dynasties The Mighty Pucks (10-4) and Puck Dynasty (12-6) have both returned to shooting form, holding the 3rd and 4th position in the playoff race. They pose a clear and present danger to anyone in their way. If the Puck Fits (10-6) are in control of their destiny, eyeing a # 4 or # 5 seed, unless their opponent Fist is a Verb (4-8) can play spoiler. 

The final few playoff seeds are still up for grabs. Puck Heads (9-5) and Teamo Supremo (8-6), seem to be frontrunners, but don't count out the aging, wily veterans Cool Hand Luke (4-6), who have back to back quads in the next week. And Ben's Divorce Lawyers (9-9) could easily sneak in as an 8-seed if those teams fail to capitalize on the opportunity at-hand. 

Will the Shuffle Gods be kind? Can these noble shufflers hold their nerve, look fear in the eyes, and keep a steady hand when it counts most? 

Nerves of steel are what you need to advance in the playoffs, and get your name on that Lord Shuffle Cup. Nerves of steel, a few lucky bounces, a consistent shot, and a few cold beverages are all you need to lay claim to what is yours, and drink victory from the Cup.

And if you fail in your quest...what then? 

Fear not shuffler - you'll lay down to bleed awhile, but you shall rise again.

The 2017 Winter Season is not far away, and you can start anew, a rebirth like the phoenix! 

GOOD LUCK. 

*If anyone would like to reserve a shuffleboard team spot in the 2017 Winter League (Hoboken, NYC, Jersey Shore) - please register below. Cheers.