NLL Scouting Report: Week 14
Return to Blog Home
Here are some quick notes from Insider sources on tonight’s up-coming games for the week 14 schedule.
Saturday, March 29 - All Time Eastern
Minnesota at Chicago - 8:00 PM
Philadelphia at Rochester - 8:05 PM
San Jose at Edmonton - 9:30 PM
Minnesota at Chicago
“Don’t be surprised if the Shamrox pull off another up-set on Saturday. The ‘Rox are actually playing really well right now and after two weeks off for Minnesota, the Swarm may need a quarter to get into rhythm as they’re rarely able to get everyone together at practice. A bonus for Chicago who always seem slow out of the gates. They outscored Rochester 7-3 in the final quarter of their last game to win by one, without any powerplay markers. A healthy Jonas Derks and Cody Jacobs- who combined for seven goals last weekend, has proven to be the spark they’ve needed.
Minnesota has put a lot of weight on the shoulders of rookie Craig Point and he’s delivered at times. The key pieces to that puzzle though are Secore and Ward who, if hurt, really hinder the Swarms’ chances. When they’re on, Minnesota has one of the league’s best five-on-five games with lots of off-ball movement. The goaltending match between NLL All-Star starter Nick Patterson and newly signed Matt Roik will be a good one.
The key Saturday night: Minnesota has to continue to play the way that’s allowed them to be successful to start at 7-3 this season- and that’s by playing team ball. In their losing funk, Minnesota started to get away from that and settled for long-range shots that weren’t effective. Chicago has to try and utilize their transition game early. If they come out hot, they always seem to have the legs in the second half.”
Philadelphia at Rochester
“This one may come down to goaltending. Rochester’s coaching staff has made it known publicly, they’re not happy with their tending. O’Toole also looked shaky during this past summer’s Mann Cup getting pulled a few times. It’s got to be a confidence thing right now- he’s getting beat a lot from the outside and low. And now he has to face the high-powered offense of Philly.
Iannucci no doubt is going to break the scoring record this season- 43 goals already in nine games. Their rookies of Merrick Thomson and Rooney haven’t played well the last couple of games but they have the skills. Geoff Snider will get them the ball and Bergey’s playing some of the best ball of his career- already matching his goal total from last season. Those goals are coming because Philly seemingly gives up transition opportunities just to get the ball back! That’s hurt Philadelphia two of their last three games- 21-12 loss to Buffalo and 20-13 loss to New York last weekend. Teams have found ways to beat the Wings’ press and trap. And they are finishing on the break.
This is a must-win for Rochester who are sixth in the East. Junior’s putting up his points- second in the league with 65 in only 10 games, but it’s the fourth and fifth scorers that aren’t available. If they can get Grant, Williams or either of the Evans coming out of the front gate though and beat that press, that fifth wheel won’t even come into play on Saturday. Newly signed Vitarelli, who plays with the boys in Peterborough, could provide a nice lift.
The key Saturday night: Rochester has to get good goaltending from Pat O’Toole and find a transition game. Philadelphia will likely continue to play aggressive ball led by Sweeney, Van Beek and Christmas, and, as in past games, it will either burn them or led ‘em to victory. Rochester doesn’t have as talented tranny guys as Buffalo or NY so that plays in their favor. Two very explosive teams. Should be a fun game to watch.”
Key stat: Rochester outscored Philly 7-2 in the fourth quarter the last time these two met but still lost 15-14 ’cause the Wings’ power was 7-16 while Rochester’s was 3-12. Overall this season, Rochester’s power has been converting at 42%, Philly 40%.
San Jose at Edmonton
“Edmonton is 2-1 in their last three. Throw out those first set of games because they’re in the rear-view mirror for the Rush now. This is a decent team. Not a great one. But they are younger, a little quicker and better since Hamley’s taken over. No disrespect to Paul Day- who had the Rush winning after the first, second and third quarters the last time these two met, only to lose it in the fourth.
San Jose’s offense is explosive. We all know about their studs but six of their 13 goals last weekend in a one-goal victory came on a power. They need to start working better off ball and stop relying on Jeff Zywicki to create- although he obviously can do it. Defensively they’ve got some underrated players in Sorensen and Holmes, plus Santos and Martin plus Cosmo or Bold. But they keep getting hit up for big goals against because they get spread wide and often times don’t have help back-side.
Edmonton will try to take advantage of that. Will be interesting to see if they can continue to get production from their new signings who seem to be playing well together. Dan Teat is the newest member, after Hominuck and Plunkett have combined for 12 points in two Rush games. Chris McKay is obviously another great addition although he may not dress as early as this weekend.
The key Saturday night: San Jose has to play better team defense, or sagging man-to-man D, while Edmonton’s got to take advantage of some of the Stealth’s rookie defenseman, including Paul Dawson who’s beatable one-on-one. The Rush need for their new acquisitions to continue to produce.”
Coverage
Reminder that all games are available live with the B2 Broadband Broadcast.
To catch the feeds and watch live, click here.
All Time Eastern - feed starts approx. 10 minutes before the game
Minnesota at Chicago - 8:00 PM
Philadelphia at Rochester - 8:05 PM
San Jose at Edmonton - 9:30 PM
Rate This Story:
(6 votes, average: 4.33 out of 5)
Loading ...
