Outlaws, Rattlers in a 2018 MLL Finals Rematch
June 27, 2019 - Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release
Just fast forward ten months and you'll see a lot of changes for the 2018 MLL finalists Denver Outlaws and Dallas Rattlers.
For one, five-time MLL champion John Grant Jr. returns for the Outlaws after a two year absence. Coming into the season, Grant Jr. was four points shy of the all time points record and sure enough, the lacrosse legend set the mark in Denver's last game. Almost as impressive as his career accolades is his ability to persevere and fight through injuries. After joining the Outlaw's staff as player-coach in 2018, Grant Jr.'s playing days appeared to be over. However, a combination of Grant's improving health and inspiration from his daughter speared his return to the league he called home since 2001.
Besides Grant Jr., Denver midfielder Brendan Kavanagh has been nothing short of brilliant in 2019. Through three games, Kavanagh has four goals and six assists. His ten points and 2.0 assist to turnover ratio rank in the top five in the league, tied for 4th and 5th respectively.
Returner Zach Currier is also off to a great start for Denver, averaging three points per game. His most impressive stat is his 14 ground balls recorded. Among midfielders, this ranks second best in the MLL, only trailing teammate Matt Gilray (15). It will be interesting to see how Denver responds to a three week lapse in play, with their last game coming at Atlanta on June 8th.
Dallas is in a little different predicament. For a team who held the best regular season record at 11-3 a season ago, they risk starting the 2019 campaign 0-4. Dallas attackmen Bryce Wasserman and Ryan McNamara need to be better for the Rattlers. Getting shots off hasn't been an issue for this tandem, combining for 42 total attempts the past two weeks. The main concern is Shots on Goal Efficiency (SOGE). Dallas ranks last in SOGE at 42 percent.
Surprisingly, Dallas has the fewest turnovers in the MLL at 15.33 per game, helping them generate such a high offensive output. With these numbers, don't be astonished to see the Rattlers rattle off 20 goals Thursday night.
Prediction: Rattlers 19 - Outlaws 17
How Dallas Ends The Skid:
1. Improved offensive efficiency
Despite attempting 60 shots last week (most in 2019), the Rattlers only put 11 past Atlanta goalie Christopher Madalon. This high powered attack is capable of generating scoring chances, but a 18.3% efficiency rate isn't going to get the job done vs. the Outlaws.
2. Winning the faceoff battle
Dallas has struggled so far in the faceoff circle. As a team, FOGOs have only won approximately 47% of draws. Blake Boudreau was magnificent most recently versus Atlanta, winning 17 faceoffs compared to Atlanta's 11. The Rattlers are going to need a similar performance this week for Boudreau.
3. Christian Carson-Bannister
Carson-Bannister has to be on the hot seat this upcoming week. Through three games, he has saved an abysmal 43% of shots. It remains unclear who will be next in next though, however. In their second game of the season, backup Kristian Alleyne came in for 15 minutes, allowing a goal on his only shot attempt. For week three, Sean Sconone was next in line. Keep an eye on the net play from whoever is behind next Thursday @ Denver.
Breakout Performance:
M- #59 Mikie Schlosser
In my MLL week two preview, Schlosser was my X-factor candidate. I believe he has the ability to lead Denver's attack this week. Getting a multitude of shots off hasn't been an issue for the third-year midfielder, who has 20 total shots attempted through three games. He is on the right track in the goal department. Held scoreless in the Outlaw's opening game, Schlosser has three goals the past two games with two coming in their most recent game.
Stat of the Week:
In the last two games, Dallas attackmen Bryce Wasserman and Ryan McNamara have a 14.3% shooting efficiency rate. Combined they have 6 goals on 42 total attempts. Look for Dallas to get better looks on net this week.
Rookie to Watch:
M- #14 Jake Seau
Signed by the Rattlers week 2, the Duke product has made an immediate impact scoring in Dallas' last two contests. The first year midfielder has accumulated 13 total shots. Look for this trend to continue and watch out for Seau moving forward in his rookie campaign.
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Major League Lacrosse Stories from June 27, 2019
- Madalon Leads Atlanta into Annapolis - Atlanta Blaze
- Rattlers Fall to Outlaws - Dallas Rattlers
- Rattlers, Outlaws Set for 2018 Title Game Rematch - Dallas Rattlers
- Outlaws, Rattlers in a 2018 MLL Finals Rematch - MLL
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