Photo Credit: Di Miller
The 2014 undefeated Denver Outlaws (3-0) will host the Rochester Rattlers (2-1) at Sports Authority Field at Mile-High in downtown Denver on Saturday May 17. This is Denver’s second home-game of the season. They are looking to keep their consecutive regular-season winning streak going, and Rochester wants to be the first MLL team to break that 23-game streak. So the question is, “Can the Rattlers beat the Outlaws?”
The Outlaws are playing very well this season. Although they seem to have had some hiccups scoring in the third quarter, they somehow find a way to come out strong in the fourth, and continue to win games.
Jesse Schwartzman as always, has been amazing in goal. He just seems to have the knack to see the ball, and make spectacular saves. His aggressive style and intensity in every game is one of the reasons he was named the 2013 Warrior Goalie of the Year. With the Outlaws win against the Boston Cannons on May 10, Jesse has now broken the record for the most wins, and is now the All-Time winningest goalie in MLL history. He has 61 wins as an MLL goalie, and was named the Warrior Defensive Player of the Week after the win in Boston.
As always, Denver Outlaws GM Tony Seaman was happy to give me some time answering questions about the team.
I asked Tony to give In Lacrosse We Trust his opinion on why he thinks the Outlaws have been coming out slow in the third quarter, and what they need to do to fix it. He said:
“There are always “runs” in a lacrosse game, and this is especially true in the MLL where there are great players on every team. Why we come out slow third quarter? I don’t know but it’s something we talk about, and have to find a way not to.”
So, with three games having been played and the Outlaws still undefeated, what do you think is the reason the team is playing so strong? Tony commented:
“We have a very good group of players who all buy into the team element, sharing the ball, and great team-work. Our defense is playing as well as a defense can play and starts many of our transitional offensive plays. We need to shoot better and be more successful at the offensive end.”
Eric Law and Chris Bocklet were amazing yet again. What do you think makes them such strong players at attack, and what do you see as their best attributes? Tony said:
“Both Law and Bocklet are great finishers. Given opportunities they can both score the ball. The rest of our offensive players get the ball to them and create excellent scoring opportunities for them and they make the most of those chances.”
The Outlaws have an extremely strong young attack line. What do you think makes these young players so successful? Tony’s thoughts on the matter were:
“Youth is a wonderful thing. We have a collection of players on the offensive end who bring different skills to our offense, and that enables us to be varied in our philosophy on offense.”
How is it to have John Grant Jr. in the line-up for the Outlaws? Tony had this to say:
“John Grant Jr. brings great skill, knowledge, experience, and leadership to our team. He is quickly becoming a very important part of our offensive success.”
Which Rattlers offensive players do the Outlaws need to defend most to keep them from scoring? Tony commented:
“The Rattlers have a very impressive line-up at the offensive end of the field. They are playing better than any team in the MLL right now. It’s hard to pick out one or two players, we have to worry about and address all of them.”
So who does he see as the strongest defensive player on the Rattlers?
“Their goalie John Galloway is terrific and playing at the top of his game so far this season which makes their defensive play that much better.”
How does Seaman think Anthony Kelly will match up against the Rattlers in face-offs? Tony’s final comment was:
“You never know how Face-off guys match up until they actually get out on the field. I believe Kelly is the face-off percentage leader right now and is doing a great job for us every game.”
So let’s review the stats after Week Three:
The Denver Outlaws strongest offensive players are: Eric Law #15 Attack—Tied for second in the MLL: 10 G, 3 A, 2 GB, 18 SOG, .500 SPCT; Chris Bocklet #10 Attack—Tied for third in the MLL: 7 G, 5 A, 3 GB, 1 GWG, 13 SOG, .368 SPCT; Jeremy Sieverts #20 Midfield—Tied for ninth in the MLL: 6 G (two 2 pt goals), 1 A, 4 GB, 13 SOG, .261 SPCT, also leads the MLL in 2-point goals.
The strongest players on offense for the Rochester Rattlers are: Justin Turri #12 Midfield—Tied for seventh in the MLL: 5 G (one 2 pt goal), 4 A, 1 GB, 10 SOG, .333 SPCT; Daniel Hardy #22 Midfield—Tied for twelfth in the MLL: 6G, 2 A, 3 GB, 7 SOG, .333 SPCT; Boyle Steven #10 Attack—5 G, 2 A, 6 GB, 1 GWG, 13 SOG, .227 SPCT.
Special Teams:
Denver Outlaws—Currently second in the league with 4 PPGF, 8 PP advantages, 3 PPGA, 50% on power-plays, 72.73 on penalty-kill percentage
Rochester Rattlers—Sitting in eighth place in the league with 1 PPGF, 8 PP advantages, 2 PPGA, 12.5% on power-plays, 83.33 on penalty-kill percentage
Goalie Match-up:
Denver Outlaws Jesse Schwartzman, #19: 3-0, 29 GA, 33 saves, 9.64 GAA, .550 save percentage
Rochester Rattlers John Galloway, #15: 2-1, 34 GA, 40 saves, 11.33 GAA, .541 save percentage
Face-Off:
Denver Outlaws Anthony Kelly, #47: 15 GB, 42-72 FOW
Rochester Rattlers John Ortolani, #30: 11 GB, 33-82 FOW
Team Stats:
Denver Outlaws: 3-0, 36 GF, (two 2 pt goals), 30 GA, 91 GB, 133 shots, .271 SPCT, 80 SOG, .602 SOGPCT,
45-78 FOW, .577 FOPCT
Rochester Rattlers: 2-1, 35 GF (one 2 pt goal), 34 GA, 84 GB, 126 shots, .278 SPCT, 74 SOG, .587 SOGPCT,
33-82 FOW, .402 FOPCT
When you review the stats, the teams are pretty evenly matched. However, Denver has the advantage on power-play goals; face-off wins; and a slight advantage on save percentage. But the Outlaws are showing they can do what it takes to win. Being back at home is a great advantage for the Outlaws. They love playing in front of their fans, and the home-town crowd is booming with excitement to see Denver get their 24th consecutive regular-season win.
