By Tom Hoffman
Last year it was Geoff Snider. Before that it was Sean Greenhalgh, Sean Thomson, Rob Van Beek, Ryan Ward, Luke Wiles and Chad Thompson. Now you can add Athan Iannucci to the list of former first round draft picks of the Philadelphia Wings to be sent packing in recent seasons following today's deal with the Edmonton Rush that saw Iannucci, Alex Turner and Brodie MacDonald sent West in exchange for 2011 2nd team All-Pro Brodie Merrill, Mike McLellan and Dean Hill. The Wings also picked up Edmonton's fifth round pick (#41) in this year's entry draft and the Rush's fourth rounder in 2013 while Edmonton gets the Wings #1 picks in 2012, 2013 and 2014. All of this on the heels of John Tucker resigning his spot as head coach and Tom Slate leaving his defensive coaching position with General Manager Johnny Mouradian adding the head coaching job to his resume, last season's offensive coordinator Blane Harrison moving to the defensive side (where he coached with NY/Orlando) and adding Jim Milligan of the Peterborough Lakers to run the offense.
Already this deal has sparked fan reaction, most of that towards the negative. If twitter response can be considered, some Wings players (Brandon Miller and Paul Dawson) seem to like the moves made. While Iannucci was a fan favorite and the team's top offensive player the Wings still managed to set a franchise low in 2011 averaging only 8.94 goals per game though to be fair he was still geting his legs back after missing part of the 2009 and all of 2010 recovering from knee surgery. Turner had a decent season but did not score a goal in the team's final five games while MacDonald was just one of several goalkeepers the Wings had in the mix. In Merrill, the Wings add one of the National Lacrosse League's best at getting to loose balls as well as one of the league's best transition players. Some have already hinted at the possibility of a transition with Merrill and Max Seibald. McLellan struggled in 2011 between Colorado and Edmonton but put up solid numbers in four season with the Titans. Hill could be looked to contribute to this squad much the same way Jason Crosbie and Jamie Rooney did with the 2008 Wings, a team that had very few problems on offense.
In one sense it is discouraging to see the team deal off players who have not only been fan favorites but also faces that even non-Wings fans might recognize. But when you miss the postseason in eight of ten seasons since winning their last NLL title in 2001 it's not like management is blowing up one of the best teams in sports history. The lack of winning is just one of a number of reasons Wings attendance has been on a downward spiral throughout the last decade, the last seven seasons being the seven worst attendance averages in Wings history. How this will all look on and off the field won't be known until the season gets underway in January. Will the players be right and this is the deal to start the Wings back on the road to respectability or do the fans have this one pegged as the beginning of the end for a once proud franchise? This question could be answered as early as the upcoming entry draft, one in which the Wings hold the top pick. The clock is ticking.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
Twenty Five Year Tradition in the Lacrosse World Part 2
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
Today we look at the long list of names that have participated in the League. We’ll let Frank Menschner do the honors.
Tom Slate, J.R. Castle, Paul French (Wings), Scott Joyner, Bill Curtis (USA 2003 1 Bronze medal each), Brad Kotz (Wings & Thunder), Mark Hoffman, Donny West (Wave), Kevin Forester (Wave & Thunder, now an NLL official) PBLA refs Joe Fratoni and Joe Fee both refereed in the NLL. and now Mickey Hover and Bob Snider, George Castle (Wings), Frank Menschner (USA 1980 (20yrs old) & 2007(47yrs old) 2 Bronze medals), Ginny Capichionni (Storm & USA 2011, 1 Bronze medal ), Pat Crosby (Slovakia 2011), Tim O'Connor, Joe Caufield, Mike Ryan (Ireland 2011) Graham D'Alvia (USA GM 2007 & 2011, 2 Bronze medals), Jacques Bagley (USA asst.GM 2007 & 2011, 2 Bronze medals) JUST TO NAME A FEW!
The PBLA even has an international connection, Many Iroquois Nation members have participated. The list includes, Tracy Shenandoah (coach 2011 silver medal), Sonny Shenandoah, Ray Lyons and the Cook brothers, who lived and worked in Philly on the high rise buildings (Liberty One to be exact) during the week and then back to the reservation at Onondaga (Syracuse) for the weekends. They were part of the first Reaper Championship Team in 1988.
I was told by the people that run the MABLL (D.C.) and BILL (Balt.) that we paved the way for their leagues. I took over for Bill Malizia in1987 with Doreen Menschner as Treasurer and scorekeeper. Doreen died of a brain aneurism in 1993. Each season, the league Champions are awarded a trophy that is known as the Doreen Menschner trophy.
Steve Innamarato took over as treasurer in 1992 and has been a huge part of our success and the glue that holds us together. In 1988 we started taking travel teams (PBLA All stars) around North America, playing in Baltimore, Washington D.C., Virginia, New Jersey., New York, and Delaware. From 1987 to 1994 we took teams to Canada. Peterborough, Whitby and Oshawa and also the Iroquois Reservation in Onondaga & Oneida N.Y.
Playing against the likes of Rex Lyons, Scott Burnam, the Shenandoah's, Paul and Gary Gait, Joe Hiltz, Terry Preston, Jim Wasson, John Grant, who in 1991 asked if his 14 year old son John Jr. could play with us. We let him and he turned out to be pretty good!
And all these towns would bring teams to play at Rizzo too. In 2000 we started sending teams’ abroad (USA PHILADELPHIA) and for 8 years competed in the Ales Hresbesky Memorial in Radotin Prague, Czech Republic. The biggest box lacrosse tournament in all of Europe 16 teams from 9 different countries! I have recently (April) played in my 11th consecutive Ales Hresbesky Tournament, which makes me the only American to do so.
My personal career started by playing BOX lacrosse in 1977 in the old PMLL (Phila. Men’s Lacrosse League) which ran from 1975-1982. Started playing in the PBLA in 1986 and have been going strong for 25 years, I played every game in goal for the Reapers in that time except two in 1994 on what would have been my 7th wedding anniversary June 20th. My wife passed in September of 1993.
The PBLA is celebrating their 25th Anniversary on Saturday, July 16 at Rizzo Rink. Many of the alumni are expected to attend and even play a bit of Lacrosse. The event is open to the public, so if you want to experience the gala, shoot down to Rizzo Rink and watch how the game should be played.
I want to thank Frank Menschner and the entire PBLA organization for their cooperation in this article.
Update
For those of you that may be wondering. (I know its been awhile), here is how the 25th Season of the PBLA played out. The Outlaws defeated the BeerWolves to win the title. The Beer Wolves were defending Champions.
As far as the players profiled, Frank Menschner's team, the Grim Reapers, as well as Steve Innamarato's squad, The Edge, both lost in the semi-finals.
Brendan Gilligan, the youngster we profiled in Part one was a member of the Championship squad. Congrats to all and looking forward to Season 26!!!
Today we look at the long list of names that have participated in the League. We’ll let Frank Menschner do the honors.
Tom Slate, J.R. Castle, Paul French (Wings), Scott Joyner, Bill Curtis (USA 2003 1 Bronze medal each), Brad Kotz (Wings & Thunder), Mark Hoffman, Donny West (Wave), Kevin Forester (Wave & Thunder, now an NLL official) PBLA refs Joe Fratoni and Joe Fee both refereed in the NLL. and now Mickey Hover and Bob Snider, George Castle (Wings), Frank Menschner (USA 1980 (20yrs old) & 2007(47yrs old) 2 Bronze medals), Ginny Capichionni (Storm & USA 2011, 1 Bronze medal ), Pat Crosby (Slovakia 2011), Tim O'Connor, Joe Caufield, Mike Ryan (Ireland 2011) Graham D'Alvia (USA GM 2007 & 2011, 2 Bronze medals), Jacques Bagley (USA asst.GM 2007 & 2011, 2 Bronze medals) JUST TO NAME A FEW!
The PBLA even has an international connection, Many Iroquois Nation members have participated. The list includes, Tracy Shenandoah (coach 2011 silver medal), Sonny Shenandoah, Ray Lyons and the Cook brothers, who lived and worked in Philly on the high rise buildings (Liberty One to be exact) during the week and then back to the reservation at Onondaga (Syracuse) for the weekends. They were part of the first Reaper Championship Team in 1988.
I was told by the people that run the MABLL (D.C.) and BILL (Balt.) that we paved the way for their leagues. I took over for Bill Malizia in1987 with Doreen Menschner as Treasurer and scorekeeper. Doreen died of a brain aneurism in 1993. Each season, the league Champions are awarded a trophy that is known as the Doreen Menschner trophy.
Steve Innamarato took over as treasurer in 1992 and has been a huge part of our success and the glue that holds us together. In 1988 we started taking travel teams (PBLA All stars) around North America, playing in Baltimore, Washington D.C., Virginia, New Jersey., New York, and Delaware. From 1987 to 1994 we took teams to Canada. Peterborough, Whitby and Oshawa and also the Iroquois Reservation in Onondaga & Oneida N.Y.
Playing against the likes of Rex Lyons, Scott Burnam, the Shenandoah's, Paul and Gary Gait, Joe Hiltz, Terry Preston, Jim Wasson, John Grant, who in 1991 asked if his 14 year old son John Jr. could play with us. We let him and he turned out to be pretty good!
And all these towns would bring teams to play at Rizzo too. In 2000 we started sending teams’ abroad (USA PHILADELPHIA) and for 8 years competed in the Ales Hresbesky Memorial in Radotin Prague, Czech Republic. The biggest box lacrosse tournament in all of Europe 16 teams from 9 different countries! I have recently (April) played in my 11th consecutive Ales Hresbesky Tournament, which makes me the only American to do so.
My personal career started by playing BOX lacrosse in 1977 in the old PMLL (Phila. Men’s Lacrosse League) which ran from 1975-1982. Started playing in the PBLA in 1986 and have been going strong for 25 years, I played every game in goal for the Reapers in that time except two in 1994 on what would have been my 7th wedding anniversary June 20th. My wife passed in September of 1993.
The PBLA is celebrating their 25th Anniversary on Saturday, July 16 at Rizzo Rink. Many of the alumni are expected to attend and even play a bit of Lacrosse. The event is open to the public, so if you want to experience the gala, shoot down to Rizzo Rink and watch how the game should be played.
I want to thank Frank Menschner and the entire PBLA organization for their cooperation in this article.
Update
For those of you that may be wondering. (I know its been awhile), here is how the 25th Season of the PBLA played out. The Outlaws defeated the BeerWolves to win the title. The Beer Wolves were defending Champions.
As far as the players profiled, Frank Menschner's team, the Grim Reapers, as well as Steve Innamarato's squad, The Edge, both lost in the semi-finals.
Brendan Gilligan, the youngster we profiled in Part one was a member of the Championship squad. Congrats to all and looking forward to Season 26!!!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Twenty Five Year Tradition in the Lacrosse World
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
Part 1
There has been a lacrosse league in existence in Philadelphia for twenty five years. Started by Bill Malizia, the Philadelphia Box Lacrosse Association continues its storied tradition with two games every Monday and Wednesday night thru August.
Located at Rizzo Rink, the league features an eclectic mix of youth and experience. Frank Menschner, the Commissioner has missed a total of two games in that quarter century. Menschner is proud of his achievements. Not only in that league, but his experiences in the Lacrosse world. Having traveled to far away places such as Prague, Menschner plays for the love of the game.
All of the participants hold down full time jobs or attend school. Ages vary from 18 to a few guys in their 40's.
The league can boast that some of the biggest names in the Lacrosse World as alumni. Former Philadelphia Wings Bob Snider and Mickey Hover either have or are currently playing.(Part 2 will deal with some more history and a partial list of some of the greats who have found their way on the floor of Rizzo Rink)
Playing in a non-air conditioned facility under I-95 in South Philadelphia; the atmosphere is far from glamorous. Yet not a single player notices the sometimes steamy conditions and the tremendous aroma from a local Steak House.
The Lacrosse players are more of a fraternity or brotherhood. All of the participants know each other well, travel together and even throw a few back together. On the floor, they are bitter rivals. As soon as the final horn sounds, high fives and hugs permeate the floor.
Its not just Menschner who has been around for twenty five years, Walt Bujak started out as a player and was on the first Championship team. Bujak is now acting as a referee.
"I played when it was basically pick-up games; I was on the first Championship team. Lots of great times,” Bujak said. “I realized that I was getting older, definitely slower and the kids were getting bigger and better so I stopped playing and became a ref."
What is it that draws individuals such as Budaj to keep coming out? "I love the game and I won't lie, the money is nice." Money? None of the players are playing for any money but for love. The officials are the only ones that get paid.
One of the newer players is 18 year Brendan Gilligan. Gilligan is new to the game and many of the veterans have taken him under their wing, some of his mentors do not even play with his team. It is clear that Gilligan has been accepted into the PBLA family. Clearly, a blueprint has been laid out for his development. He is being brought along slowly, but is having the time of his life. To further show the Lacrosse family ties, Brendan’s mother Doreen has come on board as timekeeper/scorekeeper.
Later this week, more of the history and a partial list of the great players who have participated. Many hall of famers and current superstars proudly call themselves alumni.
Part 1
There has been a lacrosse league in existence in Philadelphia for twenty five years. Started by Bill Malizia, the Philadelphia Box Lacrosse Association continues its storied tradition with two games every Monday and Wednesday night thru August.
Located at Rizzo Rink, the league features an eclectic mix of youth and experience. Frank Menschner, the Commissioner has missed a total of two games in that quarter century. Menschner is proud of his achievements. Not only in that league, but his experiences in the Lacrosse world. Having traveled to far away places such as Prague, Menschner plays for the love of the game.
All of the participants hold down full time jobs or attend school. Ages vary from 18 to a few guys in their 40's.
The league can boast that some of the biggest names in the Lacrosse World as alumni. Former Philadelphia Wings Bob Snider and Mickey Hover either have or are currently playing.(Part 2 will deal with some more history and a partial list of some of the greats who have found their way on the floor of Rizzo Rink)
Playing in a non-air conditioned facility under I-95 in South Philadelphia; the atmosphere is far from glamorous. Yet not a single player notices the sometimes steamy conditions and the tremendous aroma from a local Steak House.
The Lacrosse players are more of a fraternity or brotherhood. All of the participants know each other well, travel together and even throw a few back together. On the floor, they are bitter rivals. As soon as the final horn sounds, high fives and hugs permeate the floor.
Its not just Menschner who has been around for twenty five years, Walt Bujak started out as a player and was on the first Championship team. Bujak is now acting as a referee.
"I played when it was basically pick-up games; I was on the first Championship team. Lots of great times,” Bujak said. “I realized that I was getting older, definitely slower and the kids were getting bigger and better so I stopped playing and became a ref."
What is it that draws individuals such as Budaj to keep coming out? "I love the game and I won't lie, the money is nice." Money? None of the players are playing for any money but for love. The officials are the only ones that get paid.
One of the newer players is 18 year Brendan Gilligan. Gilligan is new to the game and many of the veterans have taken him under their wing, some of his mentors do not even play with his team. It is clear that Gilligan has been accepted into the PBLA family. Clearly, a blueprint has been laid out for his development. He is being brought along slowly, but is having the time of his life. To further show the Lacrosse family ties, Brendan’s mother Doreen has come on board as timekeeper/scorekeeper.
Later this week, more of the history and a partial list of the great players who have participated. Many hall of famers and current superstars proudly call themselves alumni.
Friday, May 13, 2011
2011 NLL Championship - Washington Stealth at Toronto Rock
By Tom Hoffman
For the second consecutive season, the National Lacrosse League Championship game will feature the Washington Stealth and Toronto Rock. This season’s match will take place this Sunday at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre. The game will be shown live in the US on Versus and on TSN in Canada at 2 PM.
How they got here
Toronto defeated the Buffalo Bandits last Saturday 12-11 at HSBC Arena. The Rock never trailed in the game but had to hold on as the Bandits scored the game’s final four goals to make things interesting. Bob Watson made 35 saves while Garrett Billings paced the Rock offense with a six point (3G, 3A) evening. Washington trailed the Calgary Roughnecks 3-1 after the first quarter before outscoring them 7-1 in the second and third stanzas en route to a 10-8 victory at Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome. Lewis Ratcliff scored seven points (3G, 4A) for the Stealth while Tyler Richards made 44 saves in goal.
Playoff History
In addition to last season’s title game meeting that was won by Washington 15-11, the teams met back in the 2002 Championship when the Stealth were known as the Albany Attack. Toronto won that night 13-12 at Pepsi Arena. Six players have played in both Championship games. Colin Doyle (the 2002 Championship MVP), Bob Watson, Sandy Chapman and Blaine Manning all played for the Rock while Phil Sanderson and Cam Woods were in the Albany lineup.
Regular Season
The teams met on April 1 in Toronto with the Rock needing overtime to defeat the Stealth 13-12. Toronto’s Stephan LeBlanc scored with 1:12 left in regulation to send the game to overtime then scored the game winner in the extra session.
Stats and Stuff
Washington (203) again led the NLL in scoring this season. While the Stealth were next to last in goals against (198), their defense currently is tops (along with Calgary) among the eight playoff squads. This will be the final game of Bob Watson’s NLL career. Washington Rhys Duch was named to the league’s first team All-Pro squad while teammate Lewis Ratcliff and Toronto’s Stephan LeBlanc each made the second team. The Rock’s Aaron Pascas earned a spot on the All-Rookie team. Ratcliff and Duch finished second and third, respectively, in regular season scoring while the Rock placed four players (LeBlanc, Billings, Blaine Manning and Colin Doyle) in the top 20. Toronto is seeking its sixth NLL title which would tie them with Philadelphia.
The pick
If this game has the excitement of the regular season matchup this could be one of the best championship tilts in league history. Washington is looking join the 1997 Rochester Knighthawks and 1987 Baltimore Thunder as teams that won the championship playing all of their postseason matches on the road. The Stealth is also looking to win back to back titles for the first time since the Rock did so in 2002 and 2003. Toronto is looking to send Bob Watson off to retirement a winner. Look for the Champion’s Cup to stay out west.
Washington 12 Toronto 10
For the second consecutive season, the National Lacrosse League Championship game will feature the Washington Stealth and Toronto Rock. This season’s match will take place this Sunday at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre. The game will be shown live in the US on Versus and on TSN in Canada at 2 PM.
How they got here
Toronto defeated the Buffalo Bandits last Saturday 12-11 at HSBC Arena. The Rock never trailed in the game but had to hold on as the Bandits scored the game’s final four goals to make things interesting. Bob Watson made 35 saves while Garrett Billings paced the Rock offense with a six point (3G, 3A) evening. Washington trailed the Calgary Roughnecks 3-1 after the first quarter before outscoring them 7-1 in the second and third stanzas en route to a 10-8 victory at Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome. Lewis Ratcliff scored seven points (3G, 4A) for the Stealth while Tyler Richards made 44 saves in goal.
Playoff History
In addition to last season’s title game meeting that was won by Washington 15-11, the teams met back in the 2002 Championship when the Stealth were known as the Albany Attack. Toronto won that night 13-12 at Pepsi Arena. Six players have played in both Championship games. Colin Doyle (the 2002 Championship MVP), Bob Watson, Sandy Chapman and Blaine Manning all played for the Rock while Phil Sanderson and Cam Woods were in the Albany lineup.
Regular Season
The teams met on April 1 in Toronto with the Rock needing overtime to defeat the Stealth 13-12. Toronto’s Stephan LeBlanc scored with 1:12 left in regulation to send the game to overtime then scored the game winner in the extra session.
Stats and Stuff
Washington (203) again led the NLL in scoring this season. While the Stealth were next to last in goals against (198), their defense currently is tops (along with Calgary) among the eight playoff squads. This will be the final game of Bob Watson’s NLL career. Washington Rhys Duch was named to the league’s first team All-Pro squad while teammate Lewis Ratcliff and Toronto’s Stephan LeBlanc each made the second team. The Rock’s Aaron Pascas earned a spot on the All-Rookie team. Ratcliff and Duch finished second and third, respectively, in regular season scoring while the Rock placed four players (LeBlanc, Billings, Blaine Manning and Colin Doyle) in the top 20. Toronto is seeking its sixth NLL title which would tie them with Philadelphia.
The pick
If this game has the excitement of the regular season matchup this could be one of the best championship tilts in league history. Washington is looking join the 1997 Rochester Knighthawks and 1987 Baltimore Thunder as teams that won the championship playing all of their postseason matches on the road. The Stealth is also looking to win back to back titles for the first time since the Rock did so in 2002 and 2003. Toronto is looking to send Bob Watson off to retirement a winner. Look for the Champion’s Cup to stay out west.
Washington 12 Toronto 10
Thursday, May 5, 2011
2011 NLL Division Finals Preview
By Tom Hoffman
With four teams down and four left standing, the National Lacrosse League will determine the Champion’s Cup finalists on Saturday evening when both Divisional Finals games will take place. Both games can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com while the Toronto-Buffalo match will also be shown Sunday at 2PM on Versus.
Eastern Division Final
Toronto Rock (11-6) at Buffalo Bandits (11-6), 7:30 PM at HSBC Arena
Regular Season: Buffalo won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the third meeting in postseason. Toronto won last season’s East Semi-Final 13-11 at Air Canada Centre while Buffalo took a 19-10 decision in the 2004 East Final.
How they got here: Toronto scored seven straight goals after falling behind 3-1 and held on to defeat the Rochester Knighthawks 10-8 last Sunday at Air Canada Centre. Garrett Billings and Colin Doyle each put up three goals and three assists for the Rock. Buffalo got a goal from John Tavares with 40 seconds left in regulation to lead the Bandits to an 11-10 win at home over the Boston Blazers last Saturday. The game winner came after Boston scored four consecutive goals to tie the game. The goal was the third of the game for Tavares, who also added four assists while teammate Roger Vyse chipped in four goals.
X-Factors: Toronto does not want to be trailing at halftime or going into the fourth quarter as the Bandits are 9-0 when leading at the half and after three quarters (including playoffs) this season. Buffalo should feel the same way; the Rock has a 10-1 record when leading at halftime and 11-1 after three. The teams’ pre-season scrimmage and second regular season tilt both were fight filled affairs. While the playoffs are high spirited expect both teams to keep a lid on the extracurricular activities.
Western Division Final
Washington Stealth (9-8) at Calgary Roughnecks (12-5), 9:30 PM at Scotiabank Saddledome
Regular Season: Calgary won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the third meeting in the postseason with Calgary having won the previous meetings (15-14 in 2004 and 17-5 in 2009).
How they got here: The defending champion Stealth defeated the Minnesota Swarm 14-8 last Saturday at Xcel Energy Center. Washington outscored the Swarm 8-2 in the second half to run away with the victory. Rhys Duch and Lewis Ratcliff each tallied three goals for the Stealth. Calgary won at home 10-6 over the Colorado Mammoth last Saturday night. A four goal second quarter was the difference for the Roughnecks, who were led by hat tricks from Dane Dobbie and Scott Ranger. Jeff Shattler added a goal and four assists for Calgary.
X-Factors: This will be the first matchup between the teams’ brotherly faceoff artists (Calgary’s Geoff and Washington’s Bob). These were the NLL’s top two teams (Washington 1st, Calgary 2nd) in scoring while both were near the bottom (Calgary 8th, Washington 9th) in defense. Washington has won three straight in Calgary since their loss in the 2009 DF. Both teams are undefeated when leading after three (Calgary 8-0, Washington 6-0). Both teams want to stay out of the penalty box (Washington 1st in Power play at 49.4%, Calgary 2nd at 45.4%).
LaxPhilly picks: Buffalo and Washington. Record of 2-2 last week.
With four teams down and four left standing, the National Lacrosse League will determine the Champion’s Cup finalists on Saturday evening when both Divisional Finals games will take place. Both games can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com while the Toronto-Buffalo match will also be shown Sunday at 2PM on Versus.
Eastern Division Final
Toronto Rock (11-6) at Buffalo Bandits (11-6), 7:30 PM at HSBC Arena
Regular Season: Buffalo won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the third meeting in postseason. Toronto won last season’s East Semi-Final 13-11 at Air Canada Centre while Buffalo took a 19-10 decision in the 2004 East Final.
How they got here: Toronto scored seven straight goals after falling behind 3-1 and held on to defeat the Rochester Knighthawks 10-8 last Sunday at Air Canada Centre. Garrett Billings and Colin Doyle each put up three goals and three assists for the Rock. Buffalo got a goal from John Tavares with 40 seconds left in regulation to lead the Bandits to an 11-10 win at home over the Boston Blazers last Saturday. The game winner came after Boston scored four consecutive goals to tie the game. The goal was the third of the game for Tavares, who also added four assists while teammate Roger Vyse chipped in four goals.
X-Factors: Toronto does not want to be trailing at halftime or going into the fourth quarter as the Bandits are 9-0 when leading at the half and after three quarters (including playoffs) this season. Buffalo should feel the same way; the Rock has a 10-1 record when leading at halftime and 11-1 after three. The teams’ pre-season scrimmage and second regular season tilt both were fight filled affairs. While the playoffs are high spirited expect both teams to keep a lid on the extracurricular activities.
Western Division Final
Washington Stealth (9-8) at Calgary Roughnecks (12-5), 9:30 PM at Scotiabank Saddledome
Regular Season: Calgary won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the third meeting in the postseason with Calgary having won the previous meetings (15-14 in 2004 and 17-5 in 2009).
How they got here: The defending champion Stealth defeated the Minnesota Swarm 14-8 last Saturday at Xcel Energy Center. Washington outscored the Swarm 8-2 in the second half to run away with the victory. Rhys Duch and Lewis Ratcliff each tallied three goals for the Stealth. Calgary won at home 10-6 over the Colorado Mammoth last Saturday night. A four goal second quarter was the difference for the Roughnecks, who were led by hat tricks from Dane Dobbie and Scott Ranger. Jeff Shattler added a goal and four assists for Calgary.
X-Factors: This will be the first matchup between the teams’ brotherly faceoff artists (Calgary’s Geoff and Washington’s Bob). These were the NLL’s top two teams (Washington 1st, Calgary 2nd) in scoring while both were near the bottom (Calgary 8th, Washington 9th) in defense. Washington has won three straight in Calgary since their loss in the 2009 DF. Both teams are undefeated when leading after three (Calgary 8-0, Washington 6-0). Both teams want to stay out of the penalty box (Washington 1st in Power play at 49.4%, Calgary 2nd at 45.4%).
LaxPhilly picks: Buffalo and Washington. Record of 2-2 last week.
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