All Four Playoff Teams in Action This Weekend
Published on September 13, 2019 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release
Boston, MA-Â If Week 14 was all about clinching a playoff spot, Week 15 is all about playoff seeding. All four playoff teams are in action this weekend as they jockey for positioning in Denver. Here are some headlines heading into Week 15.
Chesapeake Bayhawks at Denver Outlaws
The Bayhawks travel to Denver to take on the first place Outlaws. The two teams will battle twice in the final two weeks of the season. The season series is currently tied at a game apiece.
Battle for First Place: The Outlaws currently sit at 9-5, good enough for first place in the Major League Lacrosse standings. Meanwhile, the Bayhawks sit at 8-6 and could grab a share of first place with a win this weekend.Â
Battle on the Ground: The Outlaws come into this week leading the league scooping up 629 groundballs this season. The Bayhawks are last in the league at 489 groundballs. Time of possession could be a good indication of the groundball disparity this weekend.  Â
Last Matchup: These two teams last met on August 10th in Annapolis. The Bayhawks beat the Outlaws 12-9 thanks to three goals by MVP favorite Lyle Thompson. Despite the win, Chesapeake won only a single faceoff. Max Adler went 23-24 at the faceoff X. The 95.8% was the greatest single game percentage in MLL history. Kenny Massa, the Bayhawks most consistent faceoff man, didn't play in that game. He is expected to play this weekend.Â
Boston Cannons at Atlanta Blaze
The Atlanta Blaze take on the Boston Cannons at home on Fan Appreciation Day at Silverbacks Stadium. Both teams clinched playoff spots last weekend. For the Cannons, it will be their first playoff appearance since 2016. For the Blaze, it's their first playoff appearance in franchise history.
Battle For Seeding: Like the Bayhawks, the Blaze and Cannons come into Week 15 at 8-6. The winner between the Blaze and Cannons could end the Week in a tie for first place with a Bayhawks win over the Outlaws. The loser of this game could finish the week as low as fourth place.
Shot Quality: The Blaze and Cannons are fifth and sixth respectively when it comes to total shots this season. However, they are in the top three when it comes to total goals. Both teams understand the quality of the shot is more important than the quantity.Â
Previous Matchups: Boston and Atlanta battle for the fourth time this season. The Blaze lead the season series 2-1, outscoring the Cannons 45-42 in three games this season. Nick Marrocco needs to play better this weekend if the Cannons hope to get a win. Marrocco has given up 43 goals on 67 shots against the Blaze this season.Â
Major League Lacrosse Stories from September 13, 2019
- All Four Playoff Teams in Action This Weekend - MLL
- Denver Outlaws to Host Chesapeake BayHawks on Saturday with Opportunity to Secure No. 1 Seed in Playoffs - Denver Outlaws
- Fan Appreciation Night at Atlanta Silverbacks Park Saturday - Atlanta Blaze
- BayHawks Donate over 60,000 Tickets to Anne Arundel County Public School Students - Chesapeake Bayhawks
- NY Lizards to Wear Special Jerseys for "Salute to Heroes" Game on September 21 - New York Lizards
- MLL Week 14: Inside the Numbers - MLL
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
