A BATTLE OF FIRST PLACE TEAMS MAMMOTH vs BLACK WOLVES
March 4, 2016
By: Justin Ivey, Beat Writer
New England Black Wolves
Saturday’s inter-divisional matchup between the New England Black Wolves (5-2) and the Colorado Mammoth (7-2) is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the NLL season. Currently, both teams sit atop their respective divisions but both teams are no stranger to overcoming adversity during their run to the top. New England’s last two games have both been decided by only one goal. On February 14th they won an overtime thriller against the visiting Toronto Rock, 17-16. Then on February 28th, they defeated Georgia with 3.5 seconds left in regulation, 16-15. On February 27th Colorado completed an epic fourth quarter comeback on the arms of Adam Jones to beat Vancouver at home for their third one (1) goal win on the season. Last year these teams met only once and Colorado came out on top 14-12, beating the Black Wolves at home on February 22nd. This will be the first meeting of the two during the 2016 season, just one month apart from each other.
What to Watch:
1. DEFENSE
Both teams have been strong on defense. Mammoth goalie Dillon Ward leads all goalies with a 10.47 goals-against average. Black Wolves goalie Evan Kirk leads the NLL with a .797 save percentage. New England is allowing the lowest goals per game in the league (10.86) while Colorado is allowing the second lowest (11.11).
2. MAMMOTH STARS
Adam Jones, the 2012 NLL ROY, is leading the Mammoth in goals. Most recently he had a sock trick (6G) in the fourth quarter alone to lead the comeback against Vancouver. Callum Crawford is second in the NLL in points (55) and leads the team in assists (39). Veteran John Grant Jr. is no slouch either, ranking second on the team in points (46). His leadership is imperative.
3. BLACK WOLVES LEADERS
Shawn Evans, last year’s MVP, is fourth in the NLL points race (52) and leads the team in goals (22), assists (30) and loose balls (50). Pat Saunders (18G) and Kevin Crowley (17G) participate frequently in the balanced attack. This will be the first game of 2016 for Andrew Suitor. He replaces Brian Megill on the active roster. Suitor hasn’t played since April 17th, 2015 when he tore his ACL in his left knee.
My Prediction:
In the Mile High City, New England is able to catch their breath and records the W. It will not come easily though. After squandering an early lead, they will have to hold off the fearless Mammoth attack. Goals will be tough to come by. Final score – New England 11—Colorado 9.
Justin Ivey, Beat Writer New England Black Wolves
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