NFL, MLB, CFL stats



Mammoth Drops Contest Heading into All-Star Break

February 20, 2011 - National Lacrosse League (NLL) - Colorado Mammoth News Release


DENVER - The Colorado Mammoth lost a heartbreaker, 12-10, to the Minnesota Swarm on Saturday night at Pepsi Center.

The Mammoth took the field with a level of energy and excitement that fans hadn't witnessed all season. Colorado's efforts were rewarded, outscoring Minnesota, 4-1, through the first 15 minutes of play.

The pace of the game was set behind a rock-solid, early-game performance from Mammoth all-star goalie Chris Levis. After allowing a score early, Levis shut the door on the Swarm's scoring opportunities, continuously rebuking attempt after attempt.

After all-star defenseman Mac Allen made it 5-1 on his first goal of the season seventeen seconds into the quarter, the Swarm reeled off four straight goals to tie the game at five. Mammoth forward Brian Langtry scored a highlight-reel, behind-the-back goal 13:58 into the quarter as his team regained the lead - but, it was short-lived. Swarm all-star forward Ryan Benesch scored with just five seconds remaining in the half as Minnesota tied the score after pulling goalie Nick Patterson to play with an extra attacker.

Just as the halftime horn sounded, things got chippy on the field as both teams emptied their benches. Several minutes later, a fight between Allen and Minnesota defenseman Shayne Bennett concluded with the teams heading to their respective locker rooms. Colorado was assessed 37 penalty minutes for the altercation, while the visitors racked up 47.

The Swarm dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Mammoth 3-0 in the period. Two rebound goals after Levis saves, including another tally by Benesch and one by former Mammoth forward Jamie Shewchuk, were followed by Benesch's fourth of the night 11:05 into the frame.

Colorado tried to claw back from a 9-6 deficit, but was unable to draw even despite out-shooting Minnesota, 22-10, in the fourth.

In a match-up of the two West Division all-star goalies, Patterson stopped 47 of the 57 shots-on-goal he faced, while Levis recorded 39 saves on 51 Swarm scoring attempts.

The National Lacrosse League All-Star Game is next Sunday, February 27, in Verona, New York (near Syracuse). Colorado and Minnesota will have a rematch of tonight's West Division clash on Friday, March 4 at 7pm at Pepsi Center in both teams' next games. Tickets for all remaining Mammoth home games are on sale now and start at just $5.

Check out the Colorado Mammoth Statistics

• Discuss this story on the National Lacrosse League message board...

National Lacrosse League Stories from February 20, 2011


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.

OurSports Central