I wrote a column earlier this year that the Denver Outlaws have become the model MLL franchise. I still very much believe this fact. Year in and year out, the Outlaws have enjoyed consistent success unlike any other franchise. However, there is one oddity that can’t be explained… playoff struggles.
Last weekend’s win over Ohio improved the Outlaws’ playoff record to 5-8, this for a team that has gone 83-31 in its regular season history. Denver has made the postseason every single year, but is chasing that elusive championship.
Fresh in everyone’s minds is last season’s semifinal loss to #4 seed Charlotte. Despite going undefeated during the regular season, the Hounds jumped out to an 11-3 second-quarter lead then held off a valiant Denver comeback attempt. The year before, Denver finished first in the MLL and edged the Lizards in the semifinals, but got blown out by Chesapeake in the finals (16-6).
It is hard to pinpoint why Denver has struggled. Over the years, the rosters have been significantly different. With different personnel, the result has been the same – success in the regular season, but struggles in the playoffs. Maybe it’s bad luck, or maybe it’s the rest of Major League Lacrosse catching up to them.
I compare Denver’s playoff struggles to baseball when starting pitchers struggle a second (and especially third) time through the order. The batters know what to expect and have a better game plan. That very well could be true for the Outlaws. I would be interested in seeing Denver’s record first time versus opponents (in a season) compared to the second time compared to a third (which would be in the playoffs). Winning percentage likely features a downward slope.
There are many other examples across sports of teams like Denver. Just look at the Buffalo Bills who made four straight Super Bowls in the early 90s, but lost them all. Look at the Atlanta Braves, who were arguably baseball’s best team in the 90s, but only won a single World Series (1995). For all these teams, they have nothing to hang their heads about. Instead, they keep working towards the next opportunity which for Denver, is Saturday night.
Maybe this is the year for the Outlaws. It is bound to happen someday and when it does, they will be bringing a championship home to (in my opinion) the best fans in the MLL. Saturday’s matchup against Rochester will be a challenge, but Denver has been here before and has played in big games. The Outlaws know what to expect.
The Denver players have undoubtedly heard about their playoff struggles, but only care about one thing. The next opportunity: Saturday night vs. the Rochester Rattlers with a championship on the line.
