Trade Deadline at 3pm Today!!
With the start of this past weekend, a number of teams played twice. Some of these matchups were of major importance .
The Toronto Rock came in at 3-7 and needed at the very least a split, instead they lost both games to the Rush and now have a record of 3-9. With six games remaining they are three games out of a playoff spot. Look for the Rock to sell. Rush are tied for first in west at 9-3.
New England and Rochester also played a home & home series. Blackwolves won handily at home , then had a battle the following night. With both wins, New England has won 2 of 3 games vs Rochester this year. They face each other once more in New England on the final weekend of regular season. New England has a two game lead on Rochester for second (also 2 games in hand) and trail Buffalo by half a game for first. Rochester could use some defensive help, and both teams could go for a sniper at the trade deadline.
Bandits win their matchup, hold onto first, they may look for some defense at the deadline. Vancouver who lost to Buffalo is all but out of playoff contention, don’t see any movement from them unless they deal a veteran for some draft pick for rebuilding. With the Roughnecks split this weekend, and a spot no higher then third in the west, they may stand firm on any trades. Georgia lost their game, sit two game from a playoff berth, and with a young team they shouldn’t trade anyone. Let them grow together. But this is the Swarm, and whether in Minnesota or Georgia, still same owners, so anything can happen here.
1—(1) Colorado Mammoth (9-3) Overtime game winner versus Calgary (13-12) by who else, John Grant Jr., keeps the Mammoth tied for first in the west. But it was goaltender Alex Buque’s hit that has the league talking. Huge game this weekend, last time these teams met, Mammoth won by a goal. Next Game: @ New England Saturday 7pm.
2—(2) Buffalo Bandits (8-4) Defeated Vancouver 17-10 easily to hold onto first in the eastern division. This weekend they shuffle down south. Season series is tied 1-1. This is the last regular season matchup between the teams. Next Game: @ Georgia Saturday 7:05 p.m.
3—(3) Saskatchewan Rush (9-3) Rush did exactly what a stronger team should do when playing a struggling team. Win both games 11-9 & 13-8 over Toronto. This week they play a see-saw team, but still a tough game. Next Game: vs Calgary Saturday 9:30p.m.
4—(4) New England BlackWolves (7-4) Two big wins for this Blackwolves team. 16-13 and 10-8 over Rochester. Now gives them a two game lead over the Hawks for second and trail Buffalo by a half game. This team seems to be finding their stride, and with seven games left the sky is the limit. If they can clinch a playoff berth soon, they can prep themselves for the Champion Cup run instead of scratching and clawing the entire season. Rematch this weekend with a western division rival. Next Game’s : vs Colorado Saturday 7pm.
5—(7) Calgary Roughnecks (6-8) A sweep would have been so sweet for Calgary, but a split just as good. 16-12 over Swarm, then a tough OT loss to Colorado 13-12. Hands will be full this weekend as they will be on the road. Wins are vital as this is game 15 of 18 for Calgary. Next Game: @ Saskatchewan Saturday 9:30pm.
6—(5) Rochester Knighthawks (6-7) After a 16-13 loss to the Blackwolves Friday night, the Hawks hoped for a split, but fell short 10-8. Rochester now sits two games out of second and holds a slim 1.5 game lead on the final playoff spot in the east. Hawks will lick their wounds this week with a bye, but face a tough rival about 70 miles west on I-90. Next Game: @ Buffalo April 9th Saturday 7:30pm
7—(6) Georgia Swarm (4-8) Another loss for the Swarm, and another game without Miles Thompson as they fall 16-12. Swarm are still in playoff contention. Question is will this team still be together after the trade deadline. Next Game: vs Buffalo Saturday 7:05 p.m.
8—(8) Toronto Rock (3-9) If there was any hope for Toronto, it went up in smoke as they lost both contests to the Rush 11-9 & 13-8. A split was needed at the very least, but a losing sweep has almost sealed the fate. They sit three games out of a playoff spot, but only six games remain. Question is, Who will still be here after the trade deadline? Next Game: @ Vancouver Saturday 10pm.
9—(9) Vancouver Stealth (3-9) Slowly fading into the sunset, Vancouver fell 17-10 after playing close for the first three quarters. Another game without Garrett Billings and Logan Schuss is hurting them more and more. Next Game: vs Toronto Saturday 10pm.
