Outlaws Clinch 2014 MLL Playoff Berth, Await Seeding
July 28, 2014 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Denver Outlaws News Release
DENVER - Despite Denver's overtime loss against the Ohio Machine (6-6) this weekend, the Outlaws (8-4) clinched a berth in the 2014 MLL Playoffs. The Outlaws have made the playoffs for the ninth time in as many years as a franchise. Denver is the only MLL franchise to secure a playoff berth in each year of existence.
"Some people have the perception is that making the playoffs isn't difficult because the Outlaws have accomplished it every single year, but the truth is that each year it is a terrific achievement," said Denver Outlaws General Manager Tony Seaman. "Every team in the MLL is loaded with the very best players in the world, and being one of the top four teams in the league is outstanding."
"Congratulations to every Outlaws player that has been a part of the 2014 team and especially to Head Coach B.J. O'Hara," added Seaman. "The long-range goal is to win the Championship, but that is impossible to accomplish without first getting into the playoffs."
Seeding has yet to be determined for the playoffs, but this year the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds will host playoff games on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014.
The only scenario in which the Outlaws could lock up homefield advantage for the playoffs after this weekend's games is if they beat the Chesapeake Bayhawks (4-8) Thursday and the New York Lizards lose this weekend.
Denver has a road game early this week on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. EST against Chesapeake. The game will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network. The New York Lizards are also on the road, and will play the Charlotte Hounds (4-8) Friday night at 7 p.m. EST.
Denver hosted Chesapeake earlier this season on June 21, and won 9-6 behind a balanced offensive performance with a rare Michael Simon two-point goal late in the game, and impressive play by the Outlaws' defense. Denver's defense allowed the second-fewest goals (6), points (8), and faceoff wins (6) in franchise history. Goalie Jesse Schwartzman was at his finest, with 28 saves-second-most in team history-and an .824 (28-34) save percentage.
MLL Playoff Berths by Franchise
Franchise Postseason Berths Years as Franchise Pct.
Denver (2006-14) 9 9 1.000
Boston (2001-13)* 10 13 0.769
Chesapeake (2001-14) 9 14 0.643
New York (2001-14) 8 14 0.571
Rochester (2001-08, 11-14) 6 12 0.500
Charlotte (2012-14) 1 3 0.333
Ohio (2012-13)* 0 2 0.000
Florida (2014)*^
*possibility of 2014 playoff berth still undetermined
^first year as a franchise
OUTLAWS PLAYOFF RESULTS BY SEED
Seed No. Year(s) W L
1 5 "Ë06, '08, '09, '12, '13 4 4
2 2 "Ë10, '11 0 2
3 0 - 0 0
4 1 "Ë07 0 1
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from July 28, 2014
- Fiorito, McArdle and Wolf Named Players of the Week - MLL
- Outlaws Clinch 2014 MLL Playoff Berth, Await Seeding - Denver Outlaws
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