Photo Credit: Di Miller
The Denver Outlaws (8-4) head to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD on July 31 to face the Chesapeake Bayhawks (4-8). The last time these two teams met on June 21, the Outlaws came out on top by the score of 9-6. Jesse Schwartzman #19, goalie for the Outlaws had a season-high 28 saves on 34 SOG for a .824 SV% against the Bayhawks. In order for the Outlaws to secure home-field advantage in the play-offs, they must defeat the Bayhawks and the New York Lizards (7-5) need a loss this Friday August 1 against the last place Charlotte Hounds (4-8). At this point in the season, Chesapeake has been officially eliminated from play-off contention, but they are ready to be the spoil sports and go out with a bang.
Last weekend, the Outlaws lost to the Ohio Machine in OT 23-22, and although they clinched a play-off spot, home-field advantage was still not locked in. Chesapeake recorded their greatest effort of the season against the third place Lizards defeating them on the road 12-11.
The Outlaws had a huge blow on July 29, when it was announced the Anthony Kelly #47, Face-off specialist who is sixth in the league in GB with 63, and fourth in FOPCT with .525 was out for the remainder of the season with a three-inch tear in his Achilles. Kelly was notably upset and was quoted as saying “I’m heart-broken to be sidelined at this point in the season”. This means rookie Brent Hiken #30, Midfielder should get the start and will be going up against Stephen Robarge #37, Midfielder (former Denver Outlaw) who at this point in the season is 78-172 FOW for a .549 FOPCT. When the Outlaws faced the Florida Launch for their last regular-season home game, Hiken scored his first ever goal in the MLL when he won the face-off against Chris Mattes. As of Week 12 Hiken is 11-20 FOW, .550 FOPCT, 6 GB, 1 shot, 1 G, and a 1.000 SPCT.
So how do the two teams match-up?
Denver Outlaws
Eric Law #15, Attack—Fifth in points in the league 44, T-2nd in goals 31, T-7th for SOG 52, Third in SPCT .508; he leads the Outlaws in points (31 G, 13 A, 44 pts, 1 PPG, 1 GWG, 8 GB, 59 shots, .525 SPCT, 52 SOG)
Jeremy Sieverts #20, Midfielder—First in the league in 2ptG 7, T-5th in PPG 3; he’s second in points for the Outlaws (22 G, seven 2ptG, 14 A, 3 PPG, 4 GWG, 7 GB, 74 shots, .297 SPCT, 45 SOG)
John Grant Jr., #24, Attack—Fourth in assists in the league 20; currently third in points for the Outlaws (22 G, 20 A, 5 GB, 63 shots, .349 SPCT, 41 SOG)
Drew Snider, #23, Midfielder—Fourth in points for the Outlaws (21 G, 4 A, 1 PPG, 14 GB, 68 shots, .309 SPCT, 37 SOG)
Chesapeake Bayhawks
Joe Walters #1, Midfielder—First in points Bayhawks 13 G, 19 A, 3 GB, 42 shots, .310 SPCT, 24 SOG
Matt Mackrides #29, Attack—Second in point Bayhawks 13 G, one 2ptG, 10 A, 12 GB, 66 shots, .197 SPCT, 49 SOG
Brendan Mundorf #2, Attack—Third in points Bayhawks 17 G, 6 A, 3 PPG, 1 GWG, 5 GB, 53 shots, .321 SPCT, 31 SOG
Drew Westervelt #14, Attack—Fourth in points Bayhawks 16 G, 7 A, 3 PPG, 1 GWG, 10 GB, 50 shots, .320 SPCT, 31 SOG
Goalie Match-up
Denver Outlaws—Jesse Schwartzman #19, 580.13 min, 7-3 (W-L), 115 GA, four 2ptGA, 11.99 GAA, 149 saves, .564 SV%
Chesapeake Bayhawks—Tyler Fiorito #7, 313.41 min, 2-4 (W-L), 61 GA, two 2ptGA, 11.67 GAA, 68 saves, .527 SV%
Fiorito took over midway through the season when Kip Turner #15 went out with a broken thumb sustained during a game. Last weekend, Fiorito stopped 15 shots to help the Bayhawks with a come from behind win against the Lizards and was named Warrior Defensive Player of the Week.
Special Teams Match-up
Denver Outlaws—Power Plays 9 PPGF, 27 PPAdv, 33.33 PPPCT, zero SHGA; Penalty Kills 12 PPGA, 32 TSH, 62.50 PKPCT, zero SHGF
Chesapeake Bayhawks—Power Plays 13 PPGF, 43 PPAdv, 30.23 PPPCT, 2 SHGA; Penalty Kills 22 PPGA, 49 TSH, 55.20 PKPCT, 1 SHFF
Overall Team Stats thru Week 12
Denver Outlaws—Record 8-4 (Home 6-1 Away 2-3), .667 WPCT, 159 GF, eight 2ptGF, 149 GA, three 2ptGA
Chesapeake Bayhawks—Record 4-8 (Home 2-3 Away 2-5), .333 WPCT, 126 GF, five 2ptGF, 143 GA, five 2ptGA
The Denver Outlaws is one of two teams who have scored 10+ goals in 11 or more games this season; and one of four teams with four different players who have 15+ points on the season (Law-44; Sieverts-43; Grant Jr.-43; Snider-25; Bocklet (C )-21; Dickson-16). They rank second in points scored 167; first for 2ptG 8; third in points allowed 154; T-fourth in 2ptGA 5; second in point differential +13; eighth in GB 313; seventh in shots 499; first in shooting percentage .319; fifth in SOG 314; third in FOPCT .514; third in PPPCT .333 (9-27); sixth in PKPCT .625 (20-32).
The Chesapeake Bayhawks have no players in the top-ten in league leading scorers, although Joe Walters is tied for 14th place with 13 G, 19 A, 3 GB, 42 shots, 24 SOG, .310 SPCT; and they are in three-way tie for first with seven players with 15+ points this season.
So who will come out with the win on Thursday night? Looking at the team stats, there are several categories where the teams match up fairly well. However, the Outlaws want to clinch home-field advantage for the play-offs and that being said, they have more on the line. Their offense is going to come out with the mind-set to score goals; and their defense is going to be tight, protecting the net and keeping the Bayhawks from scoring. The key is going to be in the face-off position and if Hiken can settle in, the Bayhawks will be 4-9 on the season after tomorrow night’s contest.
