Three Teams Battle for The One Seed in Regular Season Finales

Published on September 20, 2019 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release

Boston, MA - There is still plenty of sorting out to do in the final weekend of the Major League Lacrosse regular season. The Atlanta Blaze are locked in to the fourth playoff spot, but nothing else is set in stone. The Denver Outlaws, Chesapeake Bayhawks, and Boston Cannons will battle for the first overall seed this weekend. Here are some storylines heading into the final weekend of the 2019 season.

Denver Outlaws at Chesapeake Bayhawks: Friday, September 20th

The Outlaws and Bayhawks face off for the second time in as many weeks, this time with the first overall seed on the line. The Bayhawks beat the Outlaws 11-10 in Denver last weekend.

Playoff Scenarios: The Outlaws are in the driver's seat when it comes to seeding. If they beat the Bayhawks, they will have the first overall seed in the 2019 MLL Playoffs. A win would pit them against the Atlanta Blaze in the semifinals. As for the Bayhawks, a win and a Boston loss gives them the first overall seed. A lose for the Bayhawks results in a third place spot in the postseason. 

Thomson's Chance at History: Lyle Thompson comes into this weekend with 73 points on the season. The all-time record is 78, set by Rob Pannell last season.  Thompson needs five points to tie the record. His points per game average this year is just short of that number, scoring 4.88ppg. 

Bayhawks Defense: Last weekend in Denver, the Outlaws turned the ball over 23 times. Matt Abbott and Jesse Bernhardt did a great job of slowing down the Outlaws offense and causing turnovers. If Chesapeake can replicate their defensive performance from last week, they are bound to head to Championship Weekend on a two-game winning streak. 

Dallas Rattlers at Boston Cannons: Saturday, September 21st

The Rattlers come into this one looking to play spoiler. Dallas is already eliminated from playoff contention, but hopes to finish the season with a win. As for the Cannons, a win would give them at least the second seed in the upcoming MLL playoffs.

Cannons Playoff Scenarios: If the Cannons win this weekend they are guaranteed a spot in the top two. A win and a Chesapeake win gives the Cannons the first overall seed in Denver. Boston will finish in third with a loss and a Denver loss. 

Faceoff Battle: The Cannons beat up on the Blaze last weekend in a 19-9 win. Boston dominated at the faceoff X with Kevin Reisman going 15-24. Reisman will go up against Noah Rak on Saturday, who boasts a 47.78% this season. 

Dallas's Emerging Stars: Although the season didn't go as planned for the Rattlers, they have plenty to look forward to going into 2020. Rookies Sean Sconone and Craig Chick, both Coca-Cola MVP candidates, look like stars for years to come. Second year defenseman Jake Pulver has also emerged this season. Despite not making the postseason, Bill Warder's squad has plenty to build on going forward. 

Atlanta Blaze at New York Lizards: Saturday, September 21st

The Blaze and Lizards do battle Saturday night in the final regular season game of the year. The Blaze are looking to get back on track, while the Lizards look to grab a win heading into the offseason.

Nothing to Play For? Although each team has nothing tangible to play for as far as the standings go, both teams still have plenty of incentive to play well this weekend. The Blaze are already locked into the four seed, but want to win to feel good about themselves heading to Denver. The Lizards have long been eliminated from playoff contention, but want to put on a show for their fans one last time. 

Blaze Trying to Get Back on Track: The Blaze are coming off of a tough 19-9 loss last weekend against the Boston Cannons. Atlanta doesn't want to head to Denver on a two-game losing streak.

Major League Lacrosse Stories from September 20, 2019

• Denver Outlaws Lose 13-11 to Chesapeake BayHawks in Final Game of the Regular Season - Denver Outlaws
• Three Teams Battle for The One Seed in Regular Season Finales - MLL
• Blaze Face Lizards in Regular Season Finale - Atlanta Blaze

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