After winning the MLL Championship in 2011, 2012 was not a piece of cake for the Boston Cannons.
Boston got off to a red hot start before falling later on in the season. Eventually, they would make the playoffs as a three seed after clinching against Ohio.
The Cannons had an interesting path to the playoffs, how did they get here? Let’s take a look.
How They Got Here
It took wins against Rochester, Charlotte (2), Hamilton (2), Ohio (2), Denver and Chesapeake. They suffered losses to Rochester, Long Island (2), Denver and Chesapeake. They were swept by the Lizards, the fourth seed in the playoffs. They beat Denver early in the season but fell to them later on after a long road trip. They lost to Rochester in overtime.
Playoff Record
Against the Lizards they are 0-2, Outlaws they are 1-1 and Bayhawks 1-1, so they are 2-4 overall against playoff teams.
How They Match Up
The Cannons probably matchup best with the Bayhawks, who they are playing in round one. The Lizards have proven to be a problem, while Denver continues to get bigger, faster and stronger.
StrengthÂ
The Cannons strength is their offense, which scored the second most in the league, just behind Denver. Led by Paul Rabil, the Cannons will score their goals this weekend.
Weakness
Second halves. The Cannons have struggled out of the gate in the second half all season, though in their last game of the year against Ohio, they showed they can power through. Is this issue now gone for the Cannons?
Player to Watch
Paul Rabil. How can it not be? He scored more points than anyone ever this season. How do the Bayhawks try to contain him? How many points will he score?
Who Needs to Step Up?
Jordan Burke. Burke struggled the past two weeks and they need him to turn things around in they want to beat a good goaltending team like the Bayhawks.
Prediction
Cannons beat Bayhawks, 11-9 and move onto Championship, but fall to Denver.
