Heading into All-Star Weekend, now is a good time to reflect on the 2015 MLL season so far. There is no argument that the New York Lizards have been the best team, leading the MLL standings with an impressive 8-0 record. Their record has come as a result of their offensive firepower and dominating goaltending
The Lizards were picked as the pre-season favorites to come home with the Steinfeld Cup, the trophy that has eluded their grasp since the 2003 season, and it’s easy to see why. Before the season even began, the Lizards were making headlines with their blockbuster trade that sent midfielder Max Seibald, defenseman Brian Karalunas, two first-round picks and a second-round pick to longtime rival Boston Cannons in exchange for Paul Rabil and Mike Stone. Rabil is regarded as the best lacrosse player in the MLL having been a seven-time all-star and holding the single season all-time points record and he certainly hasn’t missed a beat since coming to New York. Rabil is second in points for the Lizards with 36, 21 of which came off of goals and 15 off of assists, enough to give him his eighth all-star selection. Though not as explosive as Rabil, Stone has found ways to contribute to the Lizards’ offense with eight goals and three assists.
Also making a massive contribution to the Lizards’ offense has been Rob Pannell. Pannell was drafted first overall by the Lizards in 2012, and he has lived up to the expectations. Last season, Pannell was selected as the Cascade Rookie of the Year scoring 25 goals, fourth all-time in goals scored by rookies, and assisting on 17 goals, third all-time among rookies. This year, he continues to impact the offense, leading the Lizards in points with 42, in goals with 24, and in assists with 18. New York is excited for how Pannell can lead their team for the upcoming years.
Face-offs have been a key factor that the Lizards excel at, thanks to Greg Gurenlian. Gurenlian has been winning a majority of the face-offs in the games, most recently 27 of 31 this past Saturday against the Florida Launch. He has been named the FOAthlete of the week five times in 2015 and to the all-star team for the second time in his career. The reigning FOGO of the Year winner is making a strong case to defend his title.
Last, but certainly not least, the Lizards’ have benefitted from Drew Adams’ outstanding play in goal. Adams has only given up 79 goals, which is the lowest of any goalie who has played eight games in the MLL, and has the lowest goals-against average, with 10.27. He was honored as an all-star this season for the second time in his career.
While the Lizards have been playing great the first half of the season, they mustn’t get too confident. Every team will be targeting the Lizards, looking to be the team that stops the perfect season. The last team that went undefeated was the Denver Outlaws in 2013. The Outlaws lost in the semi-finals to the Charlotte Hounds that year. The Lizards still have to play the Outlaws twice this year, so the goal for the Lizards should be to remain focus and play hard so they can bring the Steinfeld Cup back to Long Island.
