Adders can also be effectively locked out of participation, too. If Flames approach that top-left node (where the triangles are on the map) from the right at the same time Maelstrom approaches it from the left, Adders are literally incapable of safely approaching that node... or even really having much chance of escaping their base. They would also be incapable of contesting that node even though it's one of "their" nodes because trying to do so guarantees they get pinched by Flames.

The overall map design of Seal Rock isn't terrible, aside from the cave team (Mael here) being dramatically favored due to their nodes being very hard to contest. But the placement of nodes needs some reconsideration. Or they need to design the map so that more nodes are active at any given time, reducing the tendency for all 72 players to be clogged together in one small location.