Well fans, we have come to the final week of the 2013 NLL Season. Throughout the regular season and the three weeks of playoffs I have had the privilege of doing a weekly article called “NLL PLAYERS TO WATCH” It has been a thrilling season. From the comeback of the Colorado Mammouth,, the adversity of the Minnesota Swarm without Andrew Suitor, and the four rookies playing like veterans.
The American experiment in Philadelphia and the Bandits tumble to the bottom of the East. We had the Rush making a statement this season on the road and just falling short in the playoffs. We had Calgary and Toronto that were the favorites to make it to the Champions Cup, both losing at home. That brings us to the final two teams, and they will meet Saturday Night on CBS NETWORK 7pm Eastern. And they are…….
Rochester Knighthawks vs Washington Stealth.. a few fun facts before I look at the players to watch.
From 2009-Present: Either Matt Vinc or Tyler Richards have been one of the goaltenders in the Champions Cup Final. Both have a 1-1 record, and this year they go against each other.
Since 2007 the home team has won the Champions Cup. You will hear them say 2008, but in 2007 Rochester was to be the home team but could not use there arena because of a circus, Game was played in Arizona but the Knighthawks were still designated as the home team.
Last 3 times the Stealth made the playoffs, they made the final. 2010-Champions, 2011-Runner-up, 2013–???
Should Rochester win, they will be the first team to win back-to-back since the Toronto Rockdid it in 2002-2003.
Then the next question is….Can they be the first to three-peat the Champions Cup?
Teams that have won the MILL/NLL Title 2 years in a row and years
Philadelphia Wings..………1989-1990, 1994-1995
Buffalo Bandits…………..1992-1993
Toronto Rock…………….1999-2000, 2002-2003
Rochester Knighthawks….2012-????
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN CHAMPIONS CUP 2013
Goaltenders: Two of the best in the league. Tyler Richards (T-Rich) has been playing like he did in 2010. He isn’t allowing second and third chances.
Matt Vinc.. (Vino) 2013 Goaltender of the year, 10.14 GAA regular season and a 9.00 in 2 playoff games. Both of these guys will without a doubt put on a show.
Offense..
For Washington you have Rhys Duch, Athan Iannucci, and Lewis Ratcliff. All 3 must be on the top of their game if they want to hoist the cup. If any of the three go cold it could spell trouble.
For Rochester…Cody Jamieson played at about 80% last week and still registered 1 goal 4 assists. The closer to 100% the more Dangerous he is, then you have The Dangerous one., Dan Dawson he will quarterback the offense. The we have the kid..Johnny Powless, had to step up last week and did. When you go a little deeper you have Keogh, Accursi, These guys get on a roll it makes for a long night.
Face-offs…Look for Bobby Snider to control the face-offs. We need to see how many goals they are able to get after each face-off win, or at least good scoring chances
Summary… This game will come down to goaltending as goals will be at a minimum. Your goal scorers will get there goals, but the men between the pipes will decide this.
My Pick: Rochester 13………….Washington 11 (13th goal will be an empty net)
This is sure to be a game to remember…When its over, will we be saying…
Can the Hawks be the first team to three-peat? Could they have a making of a Dynasty Team?
Washington Stealth..3 of last 4 years in title game won 2 of 3…From the bottom of the heap to the top of the mountain, without a first round pick.
The Langley Event Center had about 400 tickets remaining as of Wednesday afternoon.
Langley Event Center is the home of the 2 Time WLA Champion Langley Thunder.
Thank You everyone for a FANTASTIC 2013 NLL SEASON! Just think…18 games next year!
