NLL Colorado Mammoth

Mammoth falls to Roughnecks

Published on March 21, 2009 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Colorado Mammoth News Release


DENVER - The Colorado Mammoth could not recover from a scoreless third quarter as the team fell to the Roughnecks 13-10 Saturday night at Pengrowth Saddledome in Calgary. The loss drops Colorado to 5-5 on the year while Calgary moves to 8-2 and remains in sole possession of first place in the West Division.

As one would expect from such a rivalry game, this was a rough, intense and spirited contest throughout. Although the Mammoth never lead in the game, the largest lead Calgary could muster in the first half was a two-goal spread. Tracey Kelusky notched a first-half hat-trick for the Roughnecks as they led just 3-2 after the first quarter. Red-hot forward Brian Langtry continued his stellar play for the Mammoth offense as he netted a hat-trick of his own in the first-half to go with an assist. Langtry and team captain Gavin Prout (2 goals, 2 assists in the first half) kept Colorado in the game early on.

Matching each other blow for blow, the two teams showed why they are among the best teams in the league, and why their play will go far in deciding the final West Division standings over the next few weeks. The tight first half came to a close with the teams tied 7-7 at the break.

Penalties early in the third frame proved costly for the Mammoth as the Roughnecks' high-octane and NLL-best power play offense scored three quick goals, and five total in the quarter to take a commanding 12-7 lead. Scott Ranger scored twice in the period, including a highlight-reel goal, as the Mammoth offense staggered to find their stride and climb from the hole they found themselves in after being held scoreless in the period.

Prout and Tyler Crompton each drew rope early in the fourth quarter with goals for the Mammoth as they cut the Roughneck lead to 12-9 barely two minutes into the final period. A Jed Prossner goal with 3:48 left brought Colorado to within three at 13-10, but a fourth quarter Mammoth comeback was not to be on this night. Neither team would score again, and the visitors from Colorado were forced to watch as their season record sank to 5-5.

Although Andrew Leyshon was strong in net for Colorado, blocking 33 of 46 shots on goal, Matt King was outstanding for Calgary. With 42 saves on 52 shots, his play was the difference much of the night.

Colorado was led by Gavin Prout's seven points (3 goals, 4 assists), followed by Langtry's hat-trick and assist. Tyler Crompton added two goals and an assist while Gary Rosyski tallied five assists. Brian Safarik hustled to 10 loose balls for the Mammoth in the loss.

Calgary's balanced attack featured four players with two or more goals, led by Dane Dobbie's hat-trick and assist. Tracey Kelusky matched Dobbie with his own four-point night (3 goals, 1 assist) while Kaleb Toth netted two goals to go with four assists. Scott Ranger had a pair of goals and assists while Josh Sanderson notched a goal and six assists. The Roughnecks were an incredible 22-27 on face-offs in the game.

The Mammoth returns to Pepsi Center tomorrow - Sunday, March 22 - for a battle with the Minnesota Swarm. The ball drops at 6pm for the early Sunday match featuring Dollar Hot Dog Night and the Battle of the Badge (Police vs. Firemen) game at halftime.

Tickets for all Mammoth home games are on sale now at the Pepsi Center box office, all Ticketmaster retail centers, online at Ticketmaster.com and by phone at 303.830.TIXS or 719.520.9090.

Check out the Colorado Mammoth Statistics

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National Lacrosse League Stories from March 21, 2009


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