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NLL Colorado Mammoth

Grant's Overtime Game-Winner Puts Colorado in the Play

April 3, 2015 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Colorado Mammoth News Release


DENVER - Colorado-Calgary has become the National Lacrosse League's version of the movie 'Groundhog Day'. Seemingly every time the teams play, the game goes to overtime. Friday night at Pepsi Center held true to the script, marking the fifth straight meeting between the teams that needed an extra frame. For the fourth time in those five games, the Mammoth was victorious. Colorado captain John Grant, Jr. scored the game-winner 3:08 into overtime, earning the Mammoth a playoff berth and extending the team's winning streak to four.

Rookie Alex Buque made his second straight start in goal, stopping 39 shots - including two in overtime - in the victory.

"I'm glad I have a team that supports me 100-percent," said the 22-year-old. "We came out with a 'W' because everyone believes in each other. That's family, that's the team right there."

On Friday, one month before the regular-season concludes, the Mammoth earned a bid to the playoffs. The team will make its 12th postseason appearance in its 13 seasons in the Mile High City.

"At the beginning of the year, you're trying to get to the playoffs; you're trying to win the Champion's Cup, but that's not what we're saying before each game," said coach Pat Coyle. "We're not saying 'We need to get into the playoffs'. We're actually talking about winning each individual shift, so that's not going to change no matter whether it's the first game, 18th game, playoff game. We believe that if we win that shift, we increase the chances of winning the game, which, the rest follows."

Grant finished with five of his team's nine goals to move within four scores of lacrosse legend Gary Gait for second on the NLL's all-time list. Defensemen Joey Cupido and Creighton Reid continued their breakout seasons with goals of their own. Adam Jones and Drew Westervelt also found twine.

In 41 all-time head-to-head meetings (regular and postseason combined), the Roughnecks now own the slightest edge in the series, winning 21 times. On Saturday in Calgary, the Mammoth looks to earn its 21 win against its arch-rival in a contest that could secure a home playoff game for Colorado. (Edmonton would have to beat Vancouver on Saturday as well.)

As for the script between the teams that never seems to change? Mammoth assistant captain Dan Coates said Friday night was exactly what he expected.

"To be a part of it, it's unbelievable! Tonight was an awesome atmosphere. We're looking forward to tomorrow because we know it's going to be a battle again."

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