Cannons and Machine Need Wins in Playoff Hunt

Tonight the Boston Cannons at 3-4 will have a chance to tie for third place with the Florida Launch and one of the New York Lizards or Charlotte Hounds. A loss will put them at 3-5 and tied for the sixth spot and out of the playoffs. Ohio is in the same position.

Last week the Cannons fell to the Chesapeake Bayhawks. Boston was in a tight contest with Chesapeake and appeared to tie the game when a diving goal from Stephen Berger was called back for being in the crease. These two teams faced off two weeks ago with Boston winning 17-16 in one of the top games of the season.

Ohio took their game against Rochester last week 18-13 and set their record for goals in a game with their 18, so they have been proven that they are able to score. Meanwhile, Boston has been giving up goals so this could be a very high scoring affair.

Peter Baum and Marcus Holman each had five goals last week in their victory and the strong attack unit that Ohio presents will be tough to stop for the Cannons. Stephen Berger put up four goals in the loss and has become an offensive leader for Boston throughout the season. Rob Emery scored two goals last week in his first Major League Lacrosse game so his development will also be something to watch.

Ohio’s production has been top notch with a .615 shooting percentage, good for second in the league. The Cannons defense, which was much improved at the start of the season, needs to keep Ohio’s offense in check and rely on Jordan Burke, who is having an all star season.

Gametime is at 8pm in Boston and it is the last game for both teams before the all star break, which also takes place in Boston on Thursday.