If you thought the 30th season of the NLL has been exciting so far, you haven’t seen nothing yet.
Seven huge games this weekend, with Rochester vs New England, along with Toronto vs Saskatchewan facing off in a home and home series that can strengthen playoff hopes or spell the end to a season.
Buffalo will face the struggling Stealth, Calgary is on the road for two games (Georgia/Colorado) to put a tighter grip on the final spot in the west. While Georgia looks to start winning again, and Colorado looks to move closer to clinching a playoff berth.
With the trading deadline just days away, these games should be exciting.
1—(1) Colorado Mammoth (8-3) For the first thirty minutes, the Mammoth stayed with the Roughnecks. But a five goal run that went from the third into the fourth quarter was the demise as the Mammoth fell 13-9. Callum Crawford led the team with (3G/3A), while Adam Jones was held pointless for the first time in over 50+ games. Next Game: vs Calgary Saturday 9pm.
2—(2) Buffalo Bandits (7-4) Coming off the bye week, the Bandits return to action to try and hold onto their lead in the east. Dhane Smith will look to strengthen his hold on the MVP race. Next Game: vs Vancouver Friday 7:30 p.m.
3—(3) Saskatchewan Rush (7-3) A lacrosse game turned into a football game as the Rush defeated Vancouver 24-16. Rush held a 14-10 halftime lead and a 16-15 lead after the third, but a seven goal run to start the fourth put the game away. Zack Greer (5G/6A), Crurtis Knight (5G/2A), Mark Matthews (2G/8A), Ben McIntosh (4G/2A), and Robert Church (3G/3A) led the offensive attack. Big two game weekend with a home and home matchup with the Rock. Friday @ Toronto 7pm, Saturday vs Toronto 9:30pm.
4—(5) Rochester Knighthawks (6-5) The true Rochester Knighthawks showed up. A clinic in the lacrosse game as the Knighthawks buzzed the Swarm 11-4. Rochester fired in six goals while holding the Swarm scoreless for 32:13. A pair of wins could vault the Hawks into first, while a pair of losses could seriously damage any shot for first place and also put a dent in the run for second. Matt Vinc stopped 53-57 shots faced. Joe Walters (3G/3A) led the offense. Huge home and home this weekend. Next Game: @ New England Friday 7pm, then vs New England Saturday 7:30pm.
5—(4) New England BlackWolves (5-4) After falling to the Knighthawks 17-13, the Blackwolves had a bye last week to regroup. They now will face the Knighthawks in a vital home and home matchup. A pair of wins could vault the Wolves into first, while a pair of losses could seriously damage any shot for first place and also put a dent in the run for second. Next Game’s : vs Rochester Friday 7pm, then @ Rochester Saturday 7:30pm.
6—(7) Calgary Roughnecks (5-7) A much needed win by the Roughnecks 13-9 over the Mammoth strengthens Calgary’s hold on the third and final playoff spot in the west. Curtis Dickson (3G/5A) and Dane Dobbie (3G/2A) led the Riggers attack. Huge weekend for Calgary. Next Game: @ Georgia Friday 7:35pm, and Saturday @ Colorado 9pm.
7—(6) Georgia Swarm (4-7) Looked terrible as they were held to a season low 4 goals in a 11-4 defeat to Rochester. Once again the Thompson’s were invisible as they combined for one goal and one assist. Swarm look to get back on track this weekend. Next Game: vs Calgary Friday 7:35 p.m.
8—(8) Toronto Rock (3-7) After splitting their games prior to last weeks bye, the Rock return to action in what could be a do or die to the 2016 season. A pair of wins can vault them into playoff contention, and a pair of losses can almost crush any hope for the Rock. Next Game: Friday vs Rush 7pm, Saturday @ Rush 9pm.
9—(9) Vancouver Stealth (3-8) Losing streak now at four after a 24-16 defeat to the Rush. The Stealth kept it close until the Rush opened up a seven goal run to start the fourth quarter. Rhys Duch (6G/5A), Corey Small (2G/6A), Joel McCready (5G/3A) led the offense. Vancouver looks for a big road win to keep them in the playoff hunt. Next Game: @ Buffalo Friday 7:30pm.
