NLL Insider

There are 8 National Lacrosse League teams that can barely wait to get at it this weekend.

Those not so lucky to be among the 8 have to wait a full 8 months or so to get back on the floor and you can bet they’re champing at the bit. You don’t need to be a lacrosse genius to figure this out, which is probably why it’s so clear to me. Just look at the list of non-playoff teams. The defending champion Rochester Knighthawks are out of the playoffs for the first time since their inception in 1995, thanks in large part to 5 one-goal losses. The Toronto Rock are another non-playoff team, but they’re already talking of ways to revitalize the offense that let them down this season.

Out West, the Edmonton Rush got out of the gate with 5 straight losses, but a new coach who wasn’t shy to pull the trigger on trades and deals restored confidence in the club. The Rush even made a serious run for a playoff spot down the stretch before fading, but Bob Hamley’s got that team set up with some solid draft picks for the next two seasons.

And in Chicago, the Shamrox won 5 of their final 8 games, getting a big spark from the arrival of goalie Matt Roik, who thought his season was over until he got “the call” early in March. Throw in the offfense of Cody Jacobs and Brad Self, and the Shammies were able to pull of some eye-popping wins over the likes of Rochester, Philadelphia and Toronto down the stretch.

Yeah, it’s a long wait to get back on the floor for these clubs, but there’s no reason to think they all won’t be back in 2009 with a vengeance, eager to get in on the postseason party that kicks off this weekend with the 2008 playoff teams.

• Roughnecks eye Mammoth upset: Calgary Herald
• Megan vs. Chantal: Who is your pick? NLLInsider.com

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