Albany will never win a game again
The theme of the Albany/Colorado game on Saturday was “I don’t believe what I’m seeing”, all that changed throughout the game was which team I was talking about. Out of the gate, it was Albany. They were shot out of a cannon, and five minutes into the second quarter held an 8-1 lead. Doing that on the road, in the Loud House, was stunning. Surely this would be the end of the rough start for Albany. Three home OT losses, this was the dominance that would break their curse and kickstart the season. And then the other half of the “I don’t believe what I’m seeing” started. Colorado worked their way back into the game, and the Mammoth only trailed by three at the start of the 4th quarter. Surely, the FireWolves would score in the final frame and protect their lead. Nope. Albany went goalless over the games final fifteen minutes, and give up five goals to Colorado. The Mammoth, despite spotting Albany that 8-1 start, won the game. If Albany couldn’t put that game away for a win, I have my doubts about them as a playoff team this year.
It’s Vancouver’s Title to Lose
After a week one loss, the Warriors have won three in a row. The latest was this weekend’ win against San Diego at home. Last week, Chris Origlieri and the Seals held Ottawa to just five goals.Through three quarters, it looked like more of the same. San Diego held a 6-3 lead after three quarters. Then Vancouver broke the purple and gold dam. Keegan Bal six goals in the 4th quarter on his own, part of an eight goal quarter, and the Warriors secured an 11-9 win. Owen Grant had two goals and an assist, bringing him to up to nine on the season. He’s emerged as a menace in transition, and seems to find at least a couple breakaway situations every game. Bal and Kevin Crowley lead the team in scoring, and players of their age keeping that pace up for the entire season is a big if. But if they can, the Warriors will upset someone.
The Toronto Rock are the best 0-5 team of all time
The fight between Elijah Gash and Zach Belter stole the headlines after the game, with every lacrosse outlet plus Barstool Sports and other mainstream sports outlets talking about the knockout. And while it was an electric few minutes, it really was just a small sampling of whatw was the game of the year so far. Toronto remains battered by injuries and struggling to keep their heads above water. But they went into Banditland and gave the defending champs all they could handle. In the fight and in the game. The Rock held two leads in the 4th quarter. Buffalo scored three times in the games final 1:13 (the last being an empty netter) to escape with a win. If not for a downright heroic game from Ian MacKay, Toronto may have notched a massive road win. The record is what it is, but Toronto showed the league on Friday that, even depleted, they can run with anyone.
Faceoffs don’t matter
The best matchup at the faceoff spot over the weekend featured Jake Withers and Mike Sisselberger. Rochester’s latest signing was a key part of the Hawks win last week, as Sisselberger went 20/29 against Georgia. The Withers match up is more difficult, and the two had plenty of chances to battle in a 19-18 shootout. Siss won the day going 24/41 at the spot. The 4th quarter, in the high leverage spots, saw Sisselberger rise to the occasion. The Hawks were down 18-14, but went on a 4-0 run as Sisselberger was able to string several faceoff wins together in a row. The momentum grab fueled the comeback, and Curtis Knight tied the game with under a minute left. Sisselberger won the ensuing faceoff, but Rochester couldn’t score on the following possession. Clarke Petterson beat the buzzer on the other end, and Rochester’s comeback fell short. The feverish comeback was electric, Sisselberger notched his first NLL point, but Halifax held on for the win.