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Mammoth Looks to Slow the Rush on 'Fan Appreciation Night'

April 19, 2012 - National Lacrosse League (NLL) Colorado Mammoth

DENVER - With two games remaining in the regular season, the Colorado Mammoth finds itself in the driver's seat. The team, which has already won six more games than it did in 2011, has the National Lacrosse League's best record (11-3) and controls its own destiny for the top overall seed in the postseason. On 'Fan Appreciation Night' on Friday at 7pm on HealthONE Field at Pepsi Center, Colorado looks for the season sweep of the Edmonton Rush (5-8).

"They've been a challenge for us in the two games we've played previously," said Mammoth head coach Bob Hamley. "They were really close games and we know we have to be ready."

Colorado defeated Edmonton, 13-12, at Rexall Place in January. On February 4, the Mammoth outscored the Rush 4-1 in the fourth quarter at Pepsi Center in the 11-7 victory.

According to Hamley, the team the Mammoth faced early in the season is playing much better of late. The Rush has won three of its last four.

"Edmonton's probably playing their best lacrosse right now so we're going to have to continue to move the ball and move our feet."

The Alberta squad boasts the league's second stingiest defense (11.00 goals against per game),

"They're a big, strong, athletic defense that's really been the backbone of their team for the season," explained the Mammoth's bench boss.

But, that vaunted defense has been more porous away from home. At Rexall Place, the Rush gives up just 10.17 goals a game. On the road, it's allows a goal and a half more (11.71). On Friday, Edmonton faces a Mammoth offense that scores 13.79 goals per game (second to Calgary's 13.8). In Colorado's last three games, all wins, the hot offense has hung 51 goals on the opposition.

Forward John Grant Jr. continues his pursuit of the NLL's single-season points record. With two games remaining, he sits 11 shy of John Tavares' mark of 115 set eleven years ago. Grant has scored six-plus points in every game this season.

The Mammoth will host its annual 'Jerseys Off Our Backs' on-field presentation immediately following the game. Twenty-three lucky fans will receive Friday night's game-worn jerseys.

All fans in attendance at Friday's game will have the opportunity to purchase West Division Semifinal playoff tickets at the Pepsi Center box office immediately following the game. Tickets to 'Fan Appreciation Night' are on sale now at the Pepsi Center box office, all Colorado Dick's Sporting Goods retail kiosks, online at TicketHorse.com, or by calling 303.53.HORSE.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from April 19, 2012


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