Mammoth Fail to Clinch With Loss to Swarm

Last night the Colorado Mammoth lost to the Minnesota Swarm 17-12. The Mammoth record is now 6-9, tied for worst in the league with the Buffalo Bandits in the East division. However, the Mammoth could still make the playoffs if they win next weekend in Minnesota and if Buffalo loses.

The Mammoth got off to a very slow start, trailing 1-5 after the first quarter, and 2-9 at halftime. The Mammoth continued to struggle in the third quarter, which finished with a score of 6-14 in favor of the Swarm.

Colorado tried to make a comeback in the fourth quarter pulling to within 4 at one point, thanks to three goals by Casey Powell, two from Adam Jones, and one from Jordan McBride.

Things got a little heated in this game, the Mammoth players were getting visibly upset with some no-calls, which lead to Gavin Prout serving 2 minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct. Minnesota’s Nik Bilic was assessed a 5 minute major for roughing, and a 10 minute game misconduct resulting in his ejection for colliding with Mammoth goaltender Dan Lewis.

The Mammoth struggled between the pipes all night, Tye Belanger got off to a horrible start, letting in four of the first five shots on goal. Dan Lewis was subbed into the game in the first quarter, and then he was pulled out again, only to be put in again in the second quarter.

Minnesota dominated the vital loose ball battle, picking up 82 to the Mammoth’s 53. They also controlled the faceoff’s winning 23 of 32. Jordan MacIntosh had the best offensive performance for the Swarm putting up 5 goals, 1 assist and 12 loose balls. Tyler Carlson had a good night in goal for the Swarm, making 37 saves.

The Mammoth just couldn’t get into a groove at all this game. John Grant Jr. had an unusually unproductive night, scoring only 2 goals and 5 assists on 10 shots. Casey Powell had the best night for Colorado, putting up 4 goals and 4 assists on 8 shots, but his fourth quarter hat-trick was too little too late to bring the Mammoth back.

Maybe the Mammoth will have their collective heads more in the game next weekend in Minnesota, but it will be tough for them to pull out a win in the last game of the season, in front of an away crowd.

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