Another exciting week of lacrosse action. Buffalo splits with Toronto and almost steals a sweep, Swarm lose both and fall further in the east, while Calgary gets loss number 8 and playoff hopes start to dwindle. Two big division games this weekend, a game with division leaders and a game that can put teams back into the playoff race.
NLL Power Rankings Week 11
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(1)….1—Toronto Rock (10-2) Just when you thought the Rock couldn’t be stopped, they were. Friday night Toronto was outscored 7-1 in the final quarter and fell 15-12. But this was a weekend of home-home. Toronto rebounded Saturday night, but barely. The Rock won in overtime 12-11 to earn a split, and show why they are the best in the league. The Rock host Edmonton Saturday 7:30pm.
(2)….2—Rochester Knighthawks (7-3) Without watching the game, if you were to hear Cody Jamieson and Dan Dawson recorded 2 assists each, you would think the Knighthawks lost. That wasn’t the case Saturday as the Knighthawks defeated Calgary 13-7, powered by an 8-1 run. That’s 5 in a row. Joe Walters led the way with 2 goals and 5 assists, and Aaron Wilson back in the lineup registered 2 goals and 3 assists. Rochester will have this week off and face the Rush on March 28th.
(3)….3—Edmonton Rush (5-4) Losing streak over. Edmonton Rush decimated the Stealth 19-7. Setting a team record in goals, Also out shooting the Stealth 65-36. Robert Church (3G/3A), Melnyk (4G/1A), Mark Matthews (4G/5A). The win gives Edmonton sole possession of first. Edmonton travels to Toronto for a game Saturday 7:30pm.
(4)….4—Buffalo Bandits (6-6) Coming into this weekend, Buffalo at the very least needed a split. A big victory Friday night 15-12 fueled by a 7-1 fourth quarter. On Saturday they almost had the sweep, but fell in overtime 12-11. If anything they restored a lot of confidence. This weekend split could be the push Buffalo needs with six games to go. Buffalo hosts Minnesota on Saturday 7:30pm.
(6)….5—Colorado Mammoth (5-5) A busy week for the Mammoth. They acquire Jeremy Noble from Rochester and in his first game registers (2G/5A) to help Colorado to a 12-8 win. John Grant Jr., (2G/5A), Drew Westervelt (2G/4A) and Adam Jones (4G/1A) powered the offense. Colorado now faces Vancouver the next two weekends. This week they travel to Vancouver for a Saturday game 10pm.
(5)….6—Vancouver Stealth (4-5) Vancouver was bombed by the Rush 19-7. Completely outplayed on both sides of the ball. Outshot 65-36, loose balls 65-52. They hold a slim 2 game lead for the final spot in the west. Vancouver plays Colorado the next two weekends. This Saturday at home 10pm.
(9)….7—New England Black Wolves (3-5) After not playing the last 19 days, the Black Wolves returned and fought their way to a 10-9 win over the Swarm. Joel White, Mark Cockerton and Jamie Lincoln each scored twice, while Kevin Crowley was held scoreless until 1:09 left as he fired in the game winner. New England is 1 game out of the final playoff spot behind Buffalo, and have 4 games in hand. Black Wolves travel to Calgary Friday night 9pm.
(8)….8—Calgary Roughnecks (2-8) After winning 2 of last 3 things started to look up, but this week Rochester cam to town and handed Calgary a 13-7 defeat. The Rochester defense shut down Dickson, Shattler and Dobbie to zero goals and 4 assists. Mike Poulin struggled again stopping 20/30 shots in 46 minutes. Calgary is 2.5 games behind Vancouver for the final playoff spot with 8 to go. Wins are a must. Calgary hosts New England, Friday 9pm.
(7)….9—Minnesota Swarm (3-7) Swarm needed to get a split this weekend but didn’t get it and fell further away from the playoff race. Saturday night a 10-9 loss to New England, and a 12-8 defeat to Colorado putting their losing streak to 5. Road doesn’t get easier as the Swarm will buzz into Buffalo Saturday 7:30pm.
