NLL Power Rankings: Week Four

Team

Explanation

2-0
1 (2)

The Bandits take the number one spot this week due to Calgary losing and thanks to their 12-9 victory over Rochester. Buffalo looked solid during the game and there wasn't anything during the game that really stood out as a weakness. The star of the team is Mike Thompson who currently leads the league with a 9.50 GAA and a 79.1% save percentage.

Next: Philadelphia, January 27th
at Minnesota, January 28th

2-1
2 (1)

Even though Calgary lost to Colorado, they were the better team in my opinion. The key word is team. Calgary got burned by the trio of Prout, Jones, and Grant who combined for 9g 13a but in the long run, the team that has more dangerous players will beat the team with a couple of super stars. Calgary showed in week one and two that they are able to compete and win with top teams in the league. Yes, Toronto and Washington are a combined 0-4 but you can't say that those weren't quality wins.

Next: Toronto, January 28th

3-0
3 (5)

Back-to-back games resulted in back-to-back victories for the Mammoth this weekend. The Colorado offense, led by Grant, is looking like one of the best ones in the league. Grant and Jones lead the league in goals at 13 and 11 respectively and Prout joins those two to round out the top three spots for points. Grant is currently averaging an astounding 10 points per game.

Next: Rochester, January 28th

1-1
4 (3)

Rochester fell to the Bandits thanks to allowing five fourth quarter goals. Their 22 goals in week two was obviously thanks to Philly's defense. The bright spot that I saw in this loss was their ability to answer quickly. With two minutes remaining in the first half, the Hawks were able to score twice.

Next: at Toronto, January 27th
at Colorado, January 28th

0-2
5 (4)

Washington suffered a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Wings on Saturday. Duch was kept out of the net all game and Ratcliff only had one goal. The transition really needs some work and Rabil needs to be given the ball more with a goal and an assist to his name in each game so far. There were several times in which the Stealth only had four men on the field and also a couple times with six.

Next: Edmonton, January 28th

0-2
6 (6)

Toronto had a bye week so we'll see next week how they fixed some problems that have led to them starting off 0-2. They have a tough schedule coming up with being at home against Rochester and traveling to Calgary for a rematch.

Next: Rochester, January 27th
at Calgary, January 28th

1-1
7 (9)

After playing very lethargically against the Hawks in week two, the Wings came out and took it to Washington. Kevin Crowley is one of the leading candidates for ROY and proved why with a six point game (5g1a) and the overtime game winner. Westervelt looked dangerous too with three goals. The real key to victory was Brandon Miller who tallied 49 saves for a 84.5% save percentage. If Miller can have more performances like that throughout the season and Philly gets some defense then we might be looking at a playoff quality team.

Next: at Buffalo, January 27th

0-1
8 (7)

After two weeks of sitting on the sideline, Edmonton finally saw some action as they played host to the Mammoth. Edmonton was very inconsistent. During some possessions they were moving the ball around nicely and were able to find goals and at other times they just weren't having anything go right (second quarter for example). They started off strong with three goals off of three shots but after that they were just plain out played by Colorado. Consistency should be the key for Edmonton during practice.

Next: at Washington, January 28th

0-1
9 (8)

Minnesota has been idle since their loss to Colorado during week two. They are in the same boat as Toronto in terms of having to use their bye week to fix problems. The two differences between Minnesota and Toronto is that the Swarm are still working on personnel relations and they have to still prove to me that they have what it takes to win.

Next: Buffalo, January 28th