After missing the first seven games of the 2014 NLL season, Colorado Mammoth forward Casey Powell will make his season-debut against the Minnesota Swarm at PepsiCenter on Saturday at 9 p.m. ET. Powell who was the 2010 NLL MVP registered 9 goals and 23 assists in just six games for the Mammoth last season. In December, Powell stated that personal reasons would keep him from playing. Now he’s returning and ready to help the Mammoth. Forward Drew Westervelt returns to the active roster as well after missing this past weekend’s game due to obligations with the U.S. Men’s National Team in Florida. But is it too late? Currently the Mammoth are 2-5 and sit in last place in the west, one game from a playoff spot. But they have played two more games then the Stealth (2-3) and the Roughnecks (2-3) and three more then the Rush (4-0).
|
Team |
W |
L |
GB |
WPCT |
GF |
GA |
Div |
| Edmonton Rush | 4 | 0 | 0.0 | 1.000 | 54 | 32 | 4-0 |
| Calgary Roughnecks | 2 | 3 | 2.5 | 0.400 | 60 | 68 | 2-2 |
| Vancouver Stealth | 2 | 3 | 2.5 | 0.400 | 54 | 55 | 1-3 |
| Colorado Mammoth | 2 | 5 | 3.5 | 0.286 | 76 | 98 | 2-4 |
As of now here is how the Mammoth stand against their division opponents:
Calgary: 1-1 1 game left, March 8 at home
Vancouver: 1-1 2 games left, Feb 8 at Van, Feb 14 at home
Edmonton: 0-2 2 games left, April 5 at Edm, Apr 11 at home
The Mammoth offense is in the middle of all the teams scoring just under 11 goals a game, but it’s their defense that’s the problem allowing an average of 14 goals per game. Although the fans will be happy to see Powell back on the floor at the PepsiCenter, it’s the defense they hope will get a lift from his return. Goaltending has been a big question. Tye Belanger (0-2, 16.99 GAA, 64.4 save percentage) has started five games and has been pulled in every one. Rookie Dillon Ward (2-3, 12.05 GAA 76.1 save percentage) has seen action in every game including last weekend when he picked up an overtime win. Will the return of Powell help? Sure it will, especially with Adam Jones, John Grant Jr., and Drew Westervelt out there on the offense. It’s the defense that needs the lift. Is it too late? Next few weeks will tell the story.
