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MLL Week 12 Preview

August 23, 2019 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release


Boston, MA - It's every professional sports teams goal to win a championship, and this week several MLL teams can take the first step in that journey by clinching a spot in the MLL Playoffs. The Boston Cannons, Chesapeake Bayhawks, and Atlanta Blaze can all clinch a spot in the playoffs with wins and some help this weekend. Here are some storylines heading into Week 12.

Dallas Rattlers at Boston Cannons: Saturday, August 24th

The Rattlers head to Boston on a four-game winning streak, looking to keep the momentum rolling down the stretch. The Cannons, meanwhile, are looking to stay atop the MLL standings with a win.

Storylines

Rattlers Chasing Outlaws: The Rattlers come into the weekend only two games out of a playoff spot despite starting the season 0-7. The Rattlers could be tied for the fourth and final playoff spot, if they win both their games this weekend, and the Outlaws lose to New York on Saturday. 

Cannons Looking to Clinch: The Cannons sit at 7-4, tied for first place in the MLL standings. Boston can clinch a spot in the postseason this weekend with a win over the Rattlers, and a Rattlers loss to the Bayhawks on Sunday. 

Quality not Quantity: Both the Cannons and Rattlers are at the bottom of the league when it comes to total shots. However, the Cannons rank 2nd in MLL and the Rattlers 4th when it comes to shots on goal percentage showing that it's not the number of shots you take, but rather the quality of those shots. 

Chesapeake Bayhawks at Atlanta Blaze: Saturday, August 24th

The Blaze come into this one playing pretty good lacrosse. They sit at 7-5, only a half game back of the Bayhawks and Cannons for first place in the MLL Standings. Meanwhile, the Bayhawks are trying to recover from a 12-11 overtime loss to the Cannons last weekend.

Storylines:

Chesapeake Looking to Go Dancing: There are two scenarios this weekend which would result in the Bayhawks clinching a spot in the 2019 MLL Playoffs. A Bayhawks win over the Blaze and a Bayhawks win over the Rattlers this weekend would do the trick. In addition, the Bayhawks can actually lose to the Blaze and still clinch a spot in the postseason with some help. 

Atlanta's Path to the Playoffs: The Blaze's path to clinching a playoff berth is more complicated. They would need to beat the Bayhawks this weekend and hope the Dallas Rattlers lose both of their games, to the Cannons and Bayhawks respectively. 

FaceOff Battle: This game pits two of the best faceoff men in the league against one another. Kenny Massa (CHE), leads the league with a faceoff percentage of 61.23%. Alex Woodall (ATL), meanwhile, has a percentage of 53.32%. 

New York Lizards at Denver Outlaws: Saturday, August 24th

This game is critical for both the Outlaws and the Lizards. The Outlaws are trying to break a four-game losing streak. As for the Lizards, they need to win this game to keep any shot at the postseason alive.

Storylines:

Must Win for the Lizards: B.J O'Hara's squad knows the task at hand. Win against Denver or your season is over. If New York fails to win this weekend in the "Mile High City," they will be eliminated from playoff contention. 

Denver Desperate for A Win: Things aren't as dire for the Outlaws, but they really do need a win to snap a four-game losing streak. Denver currently sits in the fourth and final playoff spot, but the Rattlers are breathing down their necks.

Get Shots on Net: Both the Outlaws and Lizards have had trouble getting shots on net. Both teams are at the bottom of the MLL when it comes to shots on goal percentage. The Outlaws are 5th at 57.0%, while the Lizards are last at 55.9%. 

Chesapeake Bayhawks at Dallas Rattlers: Sunday, August 25th

This game has the potential to be sloppy. Both teams are playing two games in as many days this weekend, and will travel to Dallas after playing games in other cities on Saturday.

Faceoff Battle: Kenny Massa (CHE) comes into this weekendleading Major League Lacrosse with a faceoff percentage of 61.23%. The Rattlers, meanwhile, are last in the league with a team faceoff percentage of 38.69%. 

Sconone: Sean Sconone has been the biggest reason the Rattlers have been able to turn it around. The Umass product now leads the league with a save percentage of 54.19%. 

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Major League Lacrosse Stories from August 23, 2019


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.


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