Game Preview: New York Riptide vs Colorado Mammoth
February 22, 2024 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
New York Riptide News Release
The New York Riptide and Colorado Mammoth will meet Friday, February 23rd, at 9:00 PM EST in a matchup that will have massive implications on the playoff race. The Riptide are coming off their first loss in their last five games, a run that has elevated them to a playoff position if the season were to end today. The Mammoth are sliding in the opposite direction, as they have dropped three straight games after back-to-back wins in January. This game will be a good indicator of who will get the final playoff spots as multiple teams are sitting a half-game or just one game out of the playoff picture through 12 weeks of the season. This game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and TSN+ for anyone who cannot attend. In-game updates will also be available on the Riptide's X account @newyorkriptide.
Riptide's Trip to Montreal:
This past game, the Riptide traveled up to the Place Ball Arena in Montreal, Canada, for the NLL's first Unboxed Series game. The Riptide burst out of the gates fast in that matchup, building a 5-2 lead after one quarter and looking like the game would continue to go their way, like the past four during the win streak. Mark Matthews and the Rock had other plans as Toronto stormed back to tie that game at the half and then dominate the second half on their way to a 16-10 win. Nick Rose was nearly unbeatable in the second half, keeping the Riptide off the board the entire third quarter to help the Rock build their lead. Mark Matthews' eleven points were the most in a single game for him since January 28th, 2023.
For the Riptide, Jeff Teat continued his sensational play, recording eight points on the night on three goals and five assists. Teat now ranks first in Goals as well as points in the 2024 NLL season. Teat led the NLL in goals and points last year as well, as his 136 points were one shy of Dhane Smith's NLL single-season record. Through 10 games, Connor Kearnan is averaging 4.9 points a game, his highest total since he entered the NLL. Kearnan has been the anchor on the right side, leading the offense alongside Stephen Keogh across from Jeff Teat.
Colorado's Recent Struggles:
After falling in the NLL finals this past season, Colorado entered this season with high expectations. An Injury-riddled start to the season has Colorado sitting at 3-7 after the first ten games of the season, struggling to stay alive in the playoff standings. Dillon Ward has been struggling this year as his 75.2% save percentage is the lowest in his 10 years in the NLL, as well as 12.78 Goals allowed average sitting at the highest in his time in the NLL. Ward has not allowed less than 12 goals in any of the team's losses this year and has only held the opponent under double-digit goals once this season.
Milestone Watch:
Cameron Dunkerley needs to play just 13 minutes to break 1,000 minutes in goal in his career so far. Dunkerley has been one of the stars of the season, making his first 50-save performance against San Diego this month. The young goalie from Orangeville has established himself as one of the better goalies in the NLL, who will be starting in the league for the next 10+ years. Jeff Teat is currently averaging 3.3 goals a game, which puts him on pace for just over 59 goals, which would break his career-high of 56 goals last season. The third-year forward has established himself as one of the best offensive players in the game, as he is five goals ahead of the next player, Ryan Benesch, who has 28 goals this year.
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