The National Lacrosse League’s (NLL) newly adapted playoff format was on full display recently as both Division Finals stretched the mini-game to sudden death to decide the winner. With the Champion’s Cup on the horizon, a minimal amount of rookies remain in the NLL playoff picture. In the second game of the West Division Finals, Riley Loewen helped the Rush even the series with a three point effort (1g,…
The 2013 Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) season ended in bitter disappointment for the Peterborough Lakers, as the squad failed to make the league finals for the first time in over a decade. The Lakers will look to bring championship calibre lacrosse back to the Peterborough Memorial Centre in the upcoming summer campaign. Peterborough has made some notable changes in the aftermath of last year’s disappointing finish, including alterations behind the…
McIntosh stepping in for Snider, Church’s scoring touch, and Leung’s crucial comeback role highlight Week 2 of the NLL Playoff Rookie Report. In the West Divisions Finals, the Calgary Roughnecks captured a Game One victory with a 12-11 overtime win. Karsen Leung had one goal and one assist for Calgary, while also scooping up three loose balls. After falling behind early, the Roughnecks were able to battle back into the…
Several members of the 2014 NLL rookie class were recently given their first taste of professional playoff action, with some seeing their freshman campaign come to a close. Mitch Wilde stood out as the lone Buffalo Bandits rookie in their 15-13 defeat of eastern conference rival Toronto Rock in the division semi-final. The transitional threat contributed one assist to go along with three loose balls and one forced turnover. Wilde…
Two eastern division rivals will battle on the turf of the Air Canada Centre Saturday, May 3, when the Toronto Rock host the Buffalo Bandits in the division semi-final. Buffalo took the season series versus the Rock 2-1, capturing a pair of early wins during their 5-1 start. Despite dropping the season series against their division foes, Toronto was able to defeat the Bandits with a 13-9 Week 16 win…
When the dust had settled on a 17-9 April 5 victory over the Vancouver Stealth, the Toronto Rock were met the with the reality that with a 6-9 record and three games remaining, the season of leading scorer Garrett Billings had been ended by a torn ACL. Despite the absence of their offensive leader, the Rock were able to rally against adversity closing out the season on a four-game winning…
Ward backstops the Mammoth to a playoff position, Schuss’ scoring spree continues, and Matthews makes a late debut in Week 17 of the NLL rookie report. Dillon Ward made 51 saves on 63 shots while also picking up an assist as the young netminder led the Colorado Mammoth to an 18-12 defeat of the Minnesota Swarm. With the win, the Mammoth clinch the third and final playoff spot in the…
The Rochester Knighthawks (13-4) defeated New York state rival Buffalo Bandits (8-9) by a score of 8-4 on the turf of the Blue Cross Arena Saturday night. The defensive battle began with Joe Resetarits picking up the lone goal of the opening quarter, giving Buffalo a 1-0 lead on the powerplay. The Knighthawks would control play in the second quarter, outscoring the Bandits 4-0 in the frame thanks to single…
After a first place finish during their inaugural season in the Canadian Lacrosse League (CLax) resulted a disappointing semi-final loss for the Niagara Lock Monsters, the squad entered the 2014 season looking to cement a position as a CLax powerhouse. Niagara was able to accomplish this goal, capturing the 2014 Creator’s Cup with a thrilling 10-9 overtime defeat of the Oshweken Demons. Niagara finished second in the regular season standings…
Colorado’s Dillon Ward backstopped the Mammoth to a 10-8 victory over Edmonton, handing the Rush their first loss of the 2014 season. Ward turned aside 42 of 50 shots en route to earning the MVP nod in the victory, including a 15 save fourth quarter to preserve the win. Logan Schuss was named game MVP in Minnesota’s 10-9 defeat of the Buffalo Bandits after a six point performance (4 G,…