NLL Power Rankings: Week Five

Team

Explanation

4-0
1 (3)

Colorado is one of the easier picks this week. I was doubting them last week but after a three goal win over Rochester, that wasn't actually as close as the score line says, I'm thinking that they are for real. Being undefeated and having three of the top five points leaders doesn't hurt.

Next: Edmonton, February 4th

2-2
2 (2)

Calgary has lost two straight overtime games but I have them holding steady at number two. They are a consistent team, scoring either 12 or 13 goals in all four of their games. They also have allowed the second fewest goals per game at 11.5. Their victory in week one over the Rock is still shining bright in my mind. The Roughnecks are also tied with the the Knighthawks for most players in double digit points (6).

Next: Bye

2-2
3 (6)

The defending champions won both of their games this weekend. The impressive thing about this is that not only were they back-to-back games with travel in between but they also lost Colin Doyle early in the first game and didn't show any weakness without him. Both of their two losses were close and it finally looks like the Rock have learned how to play a complete 60 minutes (or more). Look for their recent success to continue once they get Doyle back and their five game home stand after this week's game at Philly.

Next: at Philadelphia, February 4th

2-2
4 (1)

Buffalo seemed to be on cruise control at the beginning of the season. When you are dominating all aspects of the game like they were, you tend to relax. Their lack of discipline was evident especially in their loss by eight to Minnesota where it seemed like they were short handed the entire game thanks to penalty minutes. If they keep their head in the game, they are still a dangerous team led by John Tavares.

Next: Washington, February 4th

1-3
5 (4)

After starting out 1-0 with a 22-12 victory over the Wings in week two, the Hawks have dropped three straight. A slow start against Colorado proved to be too much to overcome even with their Cody Jamieson led comeback. We'll see if Rochester can get back on the winning path with two games against Minnesota followed by a game against Washington. I don't think that their 22 goal performance was a fluke.

Next: Minnesota, February 4th

1-1
6 (8)

Edmonton is loving Aaron Bold right now. Bold is currently leading the NLL in GAA at 9.00 and Save% at 82.4%. I would like to see some more offense from the Rush especially before the face Calgary for four times this season.

Next: at Colorado, February 4th

2-1
7 (7)

A big win over Buffalo led by Mundorf, Dawson, and Westervelt is showing that the Wings have improved ever since their poor performance against Rochester. A big part of this turnaround has been Brandon Miller who has a 80.6% save percentage in their last two wins with an impressive 79 saves compared to his 59.4% with 19 saves in their one loss

Next: Toronto, February 4th

1-1
8 (9)

Minnesota came out against Buffalo and punched them right in the jaw and never looked back. While that was an solid win, Minnesota is still a young team and they haven't really proved anything to me yet. I'm still willing to say that Minnesota could find themselves watching the playoffs at home.

Next: at Rochester, February 4th

0-3
9 (5)

A 16-5 loss to Edmonton at home is embarrassing. Washington came out flat on both sides of the ball and never improved. Their offense has stalled, their defense isn't keeping people to the perimeter, and Tyler Richards isn't getting the big stops that he had earlier in the season. Previously I was arguing that they were better than 0-2 but now I think that 0-3 is fitting.

Next: at Buffalo, February 4th