The biggest storyline is the playoff race in the great lakes division.

Every cup winner in the FHM era made it back to the finals the following season. Hamilton in seasons 53-54 and 56-57, New Orleans in seasons 54-55, and Buffalo in seasons 55-56. If the season ended today, the reigning champion Chicago Syndicate would not even be in the playoffs because they are last in the division right now. While the trend of making back to back finals appearances was unsustainable, I'm pretty sure it's very rare for a reigning champion to miss the playoffs.

Toronto only won 6 games 5 seasons ago, now they find themselves in a playoff spot in a division where making the playoffs is really, really difficult. I don't think their roster is quite on the level of Hamilton and Buffalo just yet, but they have a very good team no doubt. Before the season started I would've still bet against Toronto making the playoffs but they have gotten off to a really strong start, so now I'd be surprised if they don't make it.