Week Ten is now completed in the MLL, and with only 4 games remaining the contenders and pretenders are becoming more visible.
Last seasons regular season winner, the Denver Outlaws are still atop the standings, but the have some company. The Rochester Rattlers have been striking opponents down en route to a 7-3 record which ties them for first place, and with standing a major collapse, the Rattlers and Outlaws will be in the 2014 MLL Playoffs.
Could this be the year that Rochester celebrates another title? Knighthawks three-peat, and now the Rattlers trying to continue the party. Will it happen???
The Lizards are definitely rebounding at 6-4 and only 1 game behind for first place, but only 2 games from falling out of the race, so things are still tight right now for the Lizards.
The same can be said for the Boston Cannons. The Cannons hold the final spot in the playoff race at 5-5, but are feeling heat. Last years runner-up Charlotte Hounds, Florida Launch, and the Ohio Machine are all 4-6 and only 1 game behind Boston, and 2 behind the Lizards. It seems the 3 & 4 seeds are going to come down to the wire.
Last seasons Champions, Chesepeake Bayhawks have yet to put anything together. Sitting at the bottom of the league at 3-7, they sit 2 games out of the final spot and need major help. Their next game is on July 17 against the Rochester Rattlers. Although their fate may already be sealed, a loss would just about put the final nail in their season.
As we approach the trade deadline, and the league on a shutdown until the 17th for the FIL World Lacrosse Championships, the question is, What team(s) will buy, and who will sell?
Florida, Charlotte, Ohio could be a buyer to strengthen the defense and even make the offense stronger. The Rattlers seem to be clicking on all cylinders along with the Outlaws, so I dont see them making any moves. But if something is put on the plate, you never know. For the Bayhawks, they may be looking at selling some parts and look at rebuilding for next season. Veterans like Drew Westervelt, Brendan Mundorf, and team leader in points Joe Walters could definetly help the three teams fighting to get into the race and even help the teams holding down the spots for now.
