Desert Dogs Travel to Colorado for Crucial Playoff Push Game
NLL Las Vegas Desert Dogs

Desert Dogs Travel to Colorado for Crucial Playoff Push Game

Published on April 2, 2026 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Las Vegas Desert Dogs News Release


LAS VEGAS - The Las Vegas Desert Dogs (7-7) will face off against the fourth-placed Colorado Mammoth (10-5) for the second time this year on Friday, April 3, at 6 PM PST at Ball Arena.

The Desert Dogs fell just short in their first meeting with Colorado at home on February 13, losing 13-12. However, Las Vegas enters this matchup riding a three-game winning streak, scoring a total of 44 goals over those games. Colorado comes off a bye week in Week 18 but secured a win against the Calgary Roughnecks in their most recent contest.

This game features two evenly matched teams and promises extra intensity, given the bad blood from earlier in the season. A win would give the Desert Dogs the longest winning streak in franchise history and bring them one step closer to the playoffs.

DESERT DOGS FETCH OVERTIME WIN

The Desert Dogs delivered a statement performance Saturday night, grinding out a thrilling 10-9 overtime win over the Calgary Roughnecks (4-11) to keep their playoff push alive.

Las Vegas set the tone early, jumping out with energy and physicality as Chris Cloutier opened the scoring. The Dogs leaned into their identity from the start, playing relentlessly on both ends of the floor.

Jackson Webster provided the highlight of the night, scoring a behind-the-back goal, his third of the game, to electrify the crowd and help send the Dogs into halftime with a commanding 5-2 lead.

Out of the break, Las Vegas stayed in control. Jonathan Poitras struck early in the third to extend the lead, and the Dogs carried a 7-3 advantage into the final quarter behind strong possession and tempo.

Calgary made things interesting late, storming back with four unanswered goals to tie the game and force overtime after Las Vegas had built a 9-5 lead with key goals from Cloutier and Brandon Goodwin.

In overtime, Jonathan Donville sealed the deal, scoring the game-winner at the 6:12 mark to secure the hard-fought victory.

MILESTONES

- Tyson Bell is 8 points away from 100 career NLL points

- Alex Buque is 1 game away from 150 NLL games played

- Chris Cloutier is 4 assists away from 200 NLL assists AND 2 games away from 100 played

- Jonathan Donville is 8 goals from 100 NLL goals AND 9 assists away from 250 NLL assists.

- Kyle Killen is 13 points away from 300 career NLL points

- Tyson Bell recorded his 150th NLL game and 900th loose ball recovery against Calgary

COLORADO NEAR THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN

The Colorado Mammoth have cooled slightly since their hot start, but they have still been winning, going 3-2 since facing Las Vegas about a month ago.

Once again, the Mammoth will be coming off a bye week as they take on the Desert Dogs, who have been riding high on momentum. These two teams are on a collision course, and the impact will be felt on Friday.

Colorado's offense is led by Andrew Kew, who has dominated this season and is an MVP favorite. Kew leads the league with 43 goals and 35 assists, followed closely by Will Malcom, with Kew totaling 70 points (27G, 43A). Kew is coming off a massive performance against Calgary, scoring six goals and adding four assists.

For Las Vegas, the challenge is twofold. They face a top-tier opponent and must maintain momentum as the playoffs approach. The Desert Dogs are a scrappy, hard-nosed team that will battle any opponent, setting the stage for a great matchup.

LVDD POINT LEADERS

- #16 Mitch Jones - 86 points (31G, 55A)

- #3 Jonathan Donville - 80 points (21G, 59A)

- #25 Chris Cloutier - 68 points (31G, 37A)

- #91 Adam Poitras - 44 points (25G, 19A)

- #67 Kyle Killen - 31 points (19G, 12A)

WHO TO WATCH

With a playoff spot within reach, the Desert Dogs could benefit from help elsewhere in the league. Key matchups to keep an eye on in Week 19:

Apr 4 | 3 PM PT - Rochester at Halifax

Root for Rochester to win. Las Vegas holds a tiebreaker over Rochester but not Halifax.

Apr 4 | 4 PM PT - San Diego at Toronto

Root for Toronto to win. This will create more separation and breathing room in the tight playoff race.

WHERE TO WATCH

Fans can join the team for the Watch Party at the Rio on Friday, April 4, starting at 5 PM PST to cheer on the Pack.

Can't make it in person? Watch locally on SSSEN (5.4 / Cox 125) or stream on NLL+ and ESPN+.

Faceoff: 6:00 PM PT | 9:00 PM ET

Check out the Las Vegas Desert Dogs Statistics

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National Lacrosse League Stories from April 2, 2026


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