The franchise with the best record in the 2015 NLL is about to enter the home of Colorado. Toronto is leading the league with and 8-1 record compared with Colorado’s 4-4. The Mammoth started out on a roll then hit a wall knocking them all over. To have a redemption win over the best NLL team would truly turn their season around.
TORONTO
To claim them as ‘heating up’ or ‘on fire’ are both understatements. All the wins are compliments of Josh Sanderson (62 points), Rob Hellyer (60 points), Stephan Leblanc (48 points), Brett Hickey (33 points), Kevin Ross (33 points), Kasey Beirnes (32 points) and Brodie Merrill (15 points).
Ten others on the Rock roster have found net also. Scoring isn’t all. Toronto is winning loads of loose balls over their opponents. Every coach teaches from the youngest of ages that ground balls win games.
Both goaltenders are ‘rocks’ for the team, as well. Nick Rose has played less but still has a save percentage of .798. Brandon Miller has truly taken the helms and has a .784 save percentage following 250 saves.
A weak spot for Toronto if we’re to be picky are the draws. Despite all the areas of strengths for the team, it seems Patrick Merrill and Scott Johnston (who is now out for the season) take the most draws for the Rock with 140 and 72 respectively. Yet, each of them is performing below a rate of .251.
COLORADO
For a team that started out the season on a thundering roll and who can really spread the ball around on offense, the Mammoth have struggled in unpredictable games. For this reason, they lack game depth. When it comes down to the fourth quarter’s final minutes and the Mammoth need to hold the momentum, or yet regain it, they pitter out of steam and out of tricks.
They need to pace themselves better. They’re from higher altitude so lung capacity should not be an issue.
Adam Jones and John Grant Jr. lead the team with 47 points each. Both have assisted more than shot. For the other three leaders, the same holds true. drew Westervelt has 38 points and eight more feeds than goals. Sean Pollock has 25 points with more than twice the amount of shots as feeds. Same for Eli McLaughlin.
This squad can spread the ball around, but can they get the ball to key players in moments of need? Is this a team direction/theme, or an opponent exploiting weakness by cutting off the strong players?
The Mammoth do seem to be better in the one area that matters: face offs. They have a draw percentage of .286. Bob Snider will need to have his game on point in Friday night’s match up.
Dillon Ward is playing consistently in goal statistically. Rumors are circulating around the team with Garrett Billings and Jeremy Noble, so that will be something to keep in mind as you watch how the offense clicks.
GAME TIME
This game can go either way. The Mammoth can have a huge upset as this would be the game for it to happen, or Toronto can continue on their season streak.
