2010 NLL Division Finals Preview

By Tom Hoffman

Down to the final four, Saturday night will determine who will play for the National Lacrosse League's Champions Cup in 2010. Both games can be seen live on the NLL Network.

Eastern Division Final

Toronto Rock (10-7) at Orlando Titans (12-5), 7:30 PM at Amway Arena

Regular Season: Orlando won the season series 2-0.

Playoff History: This will be their first meeting.

How they got here: Toronto came back from a 6-0 deficit to defeat the Buffalo Bandits 13-11 at Air Canada Centre. The Rock overcame a six goal night from the Bandits Mike Accursi behind a five goal performance from Stephan Leblanc and four from Colin Doyle for Toronto's first postseason win since taking the 2005 title game against the Arizona Sting. Orlando also came from behind to defeat the Boston Blazers 12-11 at Amway Arena. The Titans trailed 7-4 at halftime and 9-8 after three quarters before Jordan Hall scored the game winner with 4:02 left in regulation. Casey Powell led the Titans with five goals.

X-factors: For the second straight game, Orlando's Matt Vinc will oppose a goaltender who finished the season ahead of him, Toronto's Bob Watson led the NLL with a 9.31 GAA. Orlando (9.63) and Toronto (9.75) were the NLL's top two defensive teams. Will the Titans defense be able to contain Toronto rookie snipers (Leblanc and Garrett Billings) as they did during the regular season?

Western Division Final

Edmonton Rush (11-6) at Washington Stealth (12-5), 10:30 PM at Key Arena

Regular Season: Edmonton won the season series 2-1.

Playoff History: This will be their first meeting.

How they got here: Washington never trailed as they defeated the Minnesota Swarm 14-10 at Comcast Arena. Rhys Duch led the Stealth with six goals while Jeff Zywicki added five tallies. Tyler Richards made 49 saves for Washington. Edmonton's first ever postseaon game was a success behind the effort of goalie Matt Disher. Disher made 60 saves as the Rush defeated the defending champion Calgary Roughnecks 11-7 at Pengrowth Saddledome. Ryan Ward dished eight assists for the Rush including helpers on all three goals by Dean Hill and two goals each from Gavin Prout and Andy Secore.

X-factors: Edmonton was the only team to defeat the Stealth twice this season. Will Washington's league leading offense dominate over Edmonton's tied for last defense? The Stealth will be playing this game at Seattle's Key Arena due to their current home (Comcast Arena) being unavailable.