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NLL Colorado Mammoth

Sundays Are for the Mammoth: Mammoth Beat Black Wolves 19-11

February 18, 2018 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Colorado Mammoth News Release


In a Mohegan Sun matinee, the 5-3 Mammoth beat the 4-4 Black Wolves 19-11. In four seasons, Colorado has racked up a 6-0 record against New England. Four of those six wins were within two points, however, their East Division win this afternoon was one the Mammoth won't soon forget.

From the first face-off, the Mammoth showed progress in their transitions and power plays.

Speaking to the Mammoth's transition, Assistant Coach Dan Stroup said, "Going into last night's practice, we decided we wanted to push the ball and the guys did a great job. They're deciding by center what they're going to do. If they've got the ball they push it and if not they wait for the old guys to get out there."

Commenting on power plays, Head Coach Pat Coyle said, "Our power play continues to be one of our strongest assets. It is nice that teams have to play more honest against us or we will make them pay".

Brad Self's transition goal at 13:51 started a four-goal Mammoth run in the first 7:06 of the first quarter. The Black Wolves netted their first goal at 11:33 on a power play. In the next three minutes, Ryan Benesch and Stephen Keogh answered back on a Mammoth power play, scoring two quick goals to put the score at 6-1 Mammoth.

In the second quarter, the Black Wolves came all the way back and then one, taking a 7-6 lead, but the Mammoth refused to let the Black Wolves run away with the quarter. Jeremy Noble scored to tie the game 7-7 with 1:02 left on the clock. Exactly a minute later with just 0:02 on the clock, Zack Greer put the Mammoth up 8-7 going into the half.

With two quick goals, one on a power play, the Mammoth quickly widened their lead to 10-7 in the third. Stephan LeBlanc scored for the Black Wolves, tightening the score to 10-8. The quarter continued goal-for-goal, each team scoring three apiece. By 8:47, the Black Wolves were back within three points of the Mammoth, 12-9. A final goal by defenseman Joey Cupido who beat Doug Jamieson, brought the score to 13-9 Mammoth.

Beginning the final quarter, Colorado and New England scored back-and-forth to reach 14-10 by 4:14. At 7:34, the Mammoth took off on a five-goal run - two on a power play - to reach a score of 19-10. The Black Wolves netted the final goal of the game at 14:05.

The final score: 19-11 Mammoth.

Coach Stroup said, "This win was really about 'team'. We've been pushing team wins. We say every time you're out there do it for the team. Nobody really cares who scores as long as you're working all the time for the guy next to you. I think that really showed this afternoon."

The Mammoth's team-win mentality did show through their Sunday statistics. Three Mammoth forwards scored a hat trick or higher: Zack Greer (3G, 5A), Eli McLaughlin (3G, 1A) Stephen Keogh (4G, 3A). Other factors determining Colorado's victory included the Mammoth scoring on 7 of 11 power plays and Dillon Ward saving 44 out of 55 shots.

First star of Sunday's game, Ryan Benesch said, "This was a great team win. Everyone on the offense contributed in big ways. Our defensive game was sound and Wardo made saves when we needed them."

Benesch (2G, 6A) also thanked his teammates after he heard that he surpassed his 500th assist. "I had no idea I was even close to 500 assists," Benesch said. "I guess I owe my teammates for scoring this afternoon."

Going into a week 12 bye, the Mammoth stay undefeated in the East Division, and keep sole possession of second place in the West Division.

On March 3, the Mammoth returns home for their "Colorado Pride" game, facing off against the Buffalo Bandits. To find seats visit AltitudeTickets.com.

Check out the Colorado Mammoth Statistics



National Lacrosse League Stories from February 18, 2018


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