With the NLL kicking off its pre season with three games tomorrow night, we want to bring you five things to watch for as you enjoy these games. Toronto and Edmonton can be seen on Rogers Cable in Ontario while Rochester vs Minnesota is on The Lacrosse Network and Calgary vs Colorado will be on the Langley Events Centre website.
With all these games being accessible here are five storylines to watch in the National Lacrosse League pre season games.
5. Goaltenders in Colorado
The Mammoth are without their backup Tye Belanger, so this gives Matt Roik and Dan Lewis plenty of reps along with starter Chris Levis against Calgary. All three of them will be in action so watch to see who plays in what situations, and who performs the best. Even if Belanger comes back, one of these guys could make the club.
4. First Action for Matisz
Kiel Matisz did not play in the scrimmage against Colorado last weekend so this pre season tilt against Rochester will be the first NLL action he sees. Watch to see what units he is put on and who he matches up with on the Rochester defense. How much does the defense key on him? What type of immediate impact can he make on the Swarm in 2013?
3. Casey Powell and the Knighthawks
Powell was at every Knighthawks training camp session and now the loyal fans of Rochester will get a chance to see him in action for the first time since 1999 with the Hawks. Powell did not play any boxla in 2012, so it will be interesting to see how he shakes off the rest and helps the young players in his offensive unit. Will his outside shot help create space over the middle for the Rochester offense?
2. How Does Toth Fit in Calgary Offense?
Toth has been a big name with Roughnecks for a long time, but injuries and age have him at the bottom of the offensive depth chart. While these games are big for the rookies, Toth will be looking to leap frog names like Jackson Decker and Matthew Dinsdale in the offensive unit for a chance to play with Calgary again.
1. Scott Evans vs Edmonton
Evans struggled mightily with the Rush in the playoffs last season and was released this pre season. Now he is back with Toronto trying to make their roster and he faces his old team trying to prove them wrong. This game for him is more trying to prove Toronto right, but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind scoring a few goals against the Rush.
