NLL Power Rankings: Week Three

Team

Explanation

The Calgary Roughnecks (2-0) are the top seed in my first power rankings. Their comeback win against the Rock and their back-and-forth battle against the Stealth earned them this spot. Behind top notch play from Dane Dobbie and Curtis Dickson, Calgary is the team to beat this season.

Next: Colorado, January 21st

Buffalo(1-0) is a solid looking team with many goal scoring threats. They were able to stick with the Rock all game before they finally walked away with the game in the fourth quarter. Mike Thompson was a stud in goal with 41 saves.

Next: At Rochester, January 21st

The Knighthawks (1-0) looked great on Saturday night. Yes, it was against the Wings but putting up 22 goals is no laughing matter. Accursi, Jamieson, Hall, Keogh, Vitarelli, and Powless all looked deadly. While I originally thought that they would be this good this year, the real test will come next week when they play host to the Bandits.

Next: Buffalo, January 21st

Washington (0-1) lost to Calgary thanks to some late 4th quarter goals including one that happened when Richards was out of the net. Their defense looked sharp and so did their offense. The main thing that they need to work on is their transition as Calgary was allowed to have several quick break and one-on-one opportunities. A loss is a loss but I was impressed with how they played.

Next: At Philadelphia, January 21st

John Grant Jr. led the Mammoth (1-0) against Minnesota with an 11 point performance (4g, 7a). Consistency on defense and steady improvement on offense is what put the Mammoth at five on my list.

Next: At Edmonton, January 20th

The Toronto Rock (0-2) have played two of the top teams so far and have fallen to both of them. Their biggest problem is that the game is 60 minutes long instead of just 30 minutes, this was not something changed during the flurry of rule changes in the preseason. Colin Doyle and Matt Roik have been the stars of the team so far but the Rock need someone else to step up on offense now that Manning is out if they plan on returning to the championship game. Defense is also a key improvement that needs to happen.

Next: Rochester, January 27th

We have not seen Edmonton play yet, but by now they should have a good idea of what to expect from other teams. I don't see them challenging for one of the top spots this season so expect to see them around the middle of the list all season.

Next: Colorado, January 20th

Minnesota (0-1) was looking decent at the beginning of their game with the Mammoth but when time was dwindling and every goal was important they just stopped performing. They were outscored 13-7 in the second half (8-4 in the 4th quarter) but it didn't seem like it was that close. If Minnesota wants to compete later in the season they will need to improve their defense.

Next: Buffalo, Januaary 28th

Philadelphia (0-1) looked horrible against the Knighthawks in their opener. They came out flat and couldn't get anything going except for two short scoring streaks. Kevin Crowley was really the only bright spot in that game.

Next: Washington, January 21st