In was an exciting Week 3 in the National Lacrosse League, featuring six games spread over three days with each team in action and the Colorado Mammoth, Philadelphia Wings and Buffalo Bandits all playing twice.
It was a goaltender’s weekend and this week’s Three Stars could have easily been all netminders. Aaron Bold was outstanding in the Edmonton Rush’s 17-6 pounding Saturday night over the Colorado Mammoth and Tyler Richards was a beast in the Vancouver Stealth’s 8-5 home opening win against the Minnesota Swarm.
Bold and Richards came close but just missed out but a nose; here are the NLL Three Stars for Week Three.
Third Star: John Tavares of the Buffalo Bandits
Tavares played a solid game on Friday with a goal and two assists in a 12-10 comeback win against the Toronto Rock but he followed it up with a better game in a 12-11 overtime win versus the Philadelphia Wings. He scored the overtime goal on an outside bullet snipe for the win and his fifth goal to go along with two helpers.
Second Star: Mark Matthews of the Edmonton Rush
George St. Pierre took in Edmonton’s home opener and in fitting fashion the Rush pounded the Colorado Mammoth 17-6. Matthews had five goals and five assists with his last two goals just 1:26 apart which gave the Rush a monster 13-3 lead late in the third quarter. The sophomore continues to impress but played one of the best games of his short career on Saturday.
First Star: Anthony Cosmo of the Buffalo Bandits
The Bandits had two huge wins this weekend and several players stepped up to help in both games but Anthony Cosmo stole the show in both wins. On Friday he stood on his head in a come-from-behind win against the Rock, shutting them down in the third quarter while making 52 saves on the night. Then on Sunday he was just as spectacular in a big overtime win against the Wings in Philly. If Cosmo can continue his stellar play all season the Bandits will be serious contenders for the Champion’s Cup.
Scott Arnold is Lead Writer for In Lacrosse We Trust and the Director of Broadcasting for the Lacrosse Radio Network. He is also the play by play voice for the Canadian Lacrosse League (CLax), Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) and the Peterborough Jr. ‘A’ Lakers. You can follow him on Twitter @ScottArnold12.
