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The Titans surprised everyone but themselves with their run to last year’s National Lacrosse League title game, where they fell just short against the Calgary Roughnecks. The 10-6 mark in the regular season didn’t exactly make foes quiver in fear, but opponents quickly learned that if they didn’t respect the offensive style brought by Casey Powell, Jordan Hall and Pat Maddalena, they paid the price. Matt Vinc was a rock in cage and had an aggressive, phyiscal defense working in front of him. It all came together at the perfect time for the Titans and whether or not it all comes together again for 2010 remains in question because of the playing status of several key players.

Powell was the undeniable leader on offense for the Titans throughout the playoff run with 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists) in the three games. Yet as much as he’s a playmaker, for himself as well as teammates, a large portion of the help he had last season might not be around in the early stages of 2010. (Editor’s note: This story has been updated since its original posting to include team’s signings and releases)

Offense

Powell had 85 points (40-45) in the regular season and is the team’s top returning scorer. He signed a two-year deal with the Titans and will certainly give the team an image to market in their new home of Orlando, Florida. Back too is Maddalena (28-47, 75) as the team’s No. 3 scorer, but the status of Hall (25-56, 81) remains uncertain. The team’s second-leading scorer isn’t signed just yet, but the team expects him to be ready for the opener. He’s apparently been practicing with the team so once the contract is filed, the offense should be officially ready to roll again for the Titans.

What could be a big hit to the offense is the apparent loss of Brendan Mundorf (28-31, 59), but the Titans still have some offensive depth to rely on in Ryan Boyle (14-40, 54) and Mike McLellan (29-24, 53). Figuring Hall does indeed play, it gives the Titans five of their top six scorers from 2009 and all but Powell (13) played in all 16 games last season.

Having those five in the rotation, along with Mat MacLeod (trade with Knighthawks) and Chad Thompson (free agent), will give newcomer Jessie Guerin, one of the top point producers in the Peterborough juniors, time to adjust to the pro level. Additionally, rookie Dan Hardy (6-4, 214) out of Syracuse can give the Titans a physical presense on offense and he’ll have fellow SU alum Powell to show him the ropes.

Defense

Defense and transition could be another story for Orlando. Gone are Dave Stilley and Bryan Barrett (retirement), steady contributors on a defense that was solid in giving up 180 goals, third-best in the East. The Titans have Matt Alrich, tough guy Rory Smith, Matt Zash and Pat Merrill, who his shaping his game into one of the league’s best, but the unit’s depth will be tested unless newcomers step up right away, especially on transition which arguably was the team’s identity last season.

Jarett Park’s signing wasn’t official until Jan. 5, giving the team one of the NLL’s best trannys who scooped 134 loose balls last season. The bigger question comes from the Peyser brothers, Stephen and Greg. Stephen led the team last season with 137 loosies and was spectacular on faceoffs (239-for-370) and his status for this season is uncertain. Greg also signed on Jan. 5 and should bring some needed experience to a unit that needs it because the rest of the defense is thin in that department, at least when it comes to games played last season.

Draft pick Michael Evans (Johns Hopkins) is among those fighting for time ahead of returnees Bill Greer (5), Steve Amman (5), Jeff Bigas (6), and John Orsen (2), who played in a combined 18 games last season. Another highly-touted draft pick, Nick O’Hara (Duke), was released on Jan. 5. How it all works in front of Vinc, who played 916 of a possible 960 regular-season minutes, will be a big part of the Titans’ success. Sure, his 11.33 goals-against average doesn’t exactly sparkle, but his save percentage of 77% ranked him in the top 5 among regulars. And that’s pretty amazing considering the 782 shots he faced was, by far, the most in the NLL.

Outlook

The Titans would love nothing more than to announce their arrival to Florida with a repeat trip to the championship game, and the offensive machine that played a big role in last season’s run appears to be in place. It’s always a fun offense to watch, but getting the ball to this unit is the biggest question mark heading into 2010. Will Park have help on transtion? Will the Peyser brothers bring their skill and energy to Florida? Will the new faces on defense gel with the veterans? Can Vinc keep the pace with his monster minutes?

There’s no doubt coach Ed Comeau’s aware of the challenges out of the back door and he’ll have some big decisions to make in finding a new combination to work in front of Vinc. In an East Division that’s loaded with talent, the Titans would benefit from having these answers, along with the status of key players, answered sooner rather than later. There isn’t much room for forgiveness this season in the competitive East.

The pre-season rankings of the National Lacrosse League teams were determined by a vote of NLLInsider.com staff.

Chavez is an avid lacrosse player in Rochester and a journalist for the Democrat and Chronicle as well as a longtime Inside Lacrosse contributor. Email him at bob.chavez@nllinsider.com or go to RochesterSports.com.

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