The Boston Cannons are on the outside of the playoff picture and look to rebound after last week’s loss to the Charlotte Hounds in New York this weekend. The defending champion Lizards are looking to stay atop the league standings, with only one loss this season.
Statistically, neither team has a decided advantage over the other. Currently the Lizards have a plus 4 scoring differential. The Cannons are -4 in the same category. The difference though is that the Cannons have played two more games. Both have registered 108 goals on the season, including two-point markers.
Boston has split their games on the season evenly at home and away. They are 2-2 in both. The Lizards have their only losses coming while on the road, which means that they are 3-0 protecting their home so far this season.
Rob Pannell leads the way for the Lizards in the scoring column, pacing the team with 21 goals and 12 assists for 33 points. A fellow attackman leads the Cannons as well in Will Manny. Manny has 19 goals, 13 assists, and 2 two-point goals for 34 points. Both are initiating players for their offenses and demand attention when they have possession of the ball. Paul Rabil, 23 points, and Davey Emala, 20 points, are second for their respective teams.
New York has a slight advantage in the faceoff circle, posting a league best winning percentage in the league (.584), due to the efforts of MVP Greg Gurenlian. Boston is third best in the league, posting a .562 winning percentage with Joe Nardella as their specialist.
In order for New York to win, they need to…
Play 6-on-6 for as much as possible. The scoring from the champs is balanced, so much more than the Cannons. New York has Rabil and Pannell to spread the defense out. Thrown in the emergence of David Lawson to the scoring column and there are a multitude of options for the Lizards. Tommy Palasek is versatile for them as well.
Boston was vulnerable on settled play, scoring most of the game in transition. This included three goals directly from faceoff wins. Efficiency on the offensive end for New York and not giving up transition with turnovers are key initiatives to come away with the win on the island.
In order for Boston to win, they need to…
Press out and cause transition. This is risky because the Lizards can make you pay and can also play make-it, take-it all day with their faceoff prowess. Josh Hawkins, Brodie Merrill, and Joe Nardella were able to keep the game last weekend much closer than it truly was with easy transition opportunities. They need that streak to get continue and for New York to be a little careless in their offensive sets to take advantage of any opportunity that comes their way.
Tyler Fiorito in goal looked tired compared to early in the season. In the opening weeks against Atlanta, he was unwavering in net. Everything looked easy and he started offense with each save. Last weekend, he looked as though he was not able to pick up the ball well and a little rundown. A bounce back performance is in order for one of the better goalies in the league.
Prediction
The battle in the net during the contest will be one of the best matchups this season potentially. Fiorito versus Drew Adams is a contest worth the price of admission if they are playing at their potential. They both make tough saves look easy and can thrill a crowd. Same with the faceoff circle in Nardella versus Gurenlian.
Boston will keep it close, but they will wear down in the second half. Bad turnovers plagued them last week in their loss to the Charlotte Hounds, as well as ill-timed penalties. If New York thinks this will be easy though, it could swing in the Cannons favor.
Pannell and Lawson are hitting their stride and New York takes it 15-11 at home.
