In the second weekend of National League Lacrosse action, the New England Black Wolves stunned the lacrosse world by moving to 2-0 in regular season play by knocking off the perennial powerhouse Rochester Knighthawks 17-7 on January 10 as well as arresting the progress of the Buffalo Bandits in the season opener 12-8, a result from January 1. Meaning the Blackwolves start a season without a loss for the first time since the 2013 NLL season, when they were based in Philadelphia as the Wings.
Through the first two games, Forwards Kevin Crowley, Kyle Buchanan, and Patrick Saunders paced the scoring attack of the Blackwolves with 16, 14, and 10 points scored respectively this season. The attack of the Blackwolves is relentless as they swarm and fight for control of play showing that their offense is a key facet of their style of play.
Goalie has been another strong position for the Blackwolves through the first two games of the season. Evan Kirk, through 120 minutes of play has allowed 15 goals (7.50 goals against average) while saving 84 shots leading to a save percentage of .848, both of these statistics are league leading through the first two weeks. Kirk has also assisted twice on scoring plays for the offense.
On special teams, through both games of the season, New England has scored eight power play goals, again leading the league with their powerful offensive skill. Their penalty kill is also a strong factor in the game with the team tied for third in the league killing 55.5 percent of all penalties against them.
The season is still young, but the Blackwolves have a strong, experienced attack, defense and good goalkeeping. If they continue their streak of hot play then only the sky is the limit as it regards games yet to come and the number of wins.
The New England Black Wolves are off during NLL Week 3, giving the team a chance to rest and enjoy their impressive start to the season while also keeping focus on the end goal, which is to win. The Black Wolves return to action on January 24 at Mohegan Sun Arena against Minnesota, who are 1-1 so far this season and sitting a game back in the standings behind the Blackwolves and The Rock of Toronto. Game-time is 7:30 pm.
