The NLL has had some very good goaltenders over the years. Start with Dallas Eluik, who may be the best of all time. After that you look at Bob Watson, who is the current goaltender of the Toronto Rock. Currently, you would also talk about Anthony Cosmo, Matt Vinc, and Pat O'toole. But who is the best goaltender iin lacrosse? The worst? Who can lead his team to the Champions Cup?
#13 on our list of goaltenders is Andrew Leyshon of the Colorado Mammoth.Last in goals against average last season, he was the reason Colorado wanted Matt Vinc. In his career, he has a GAA of 13.05. Last season his mostly backed up Chris Levis, but he was not exactly a goaltender of the year either. He also previously backed up Curtis Palidwor, who returns to Colorado. Leyshon's future is unclear right now, with Palidwor returned and Matt King now on the Colorado roster. But one thing is for certain; He is not a starting goaltender.
#12 Mike Thompson of the Buffalo BanditsThompson came into the league in 2001 and then took a six year absence. In 2007, he returned to a 12.08 goals against average in all 16 games. In 2008 and 2009 he had some better seasons, and in 2010 he did a terrific job playing while Ken Montour was out. Unfortunately, that may be all that he is. A backup.
#11 Aaron Bold of the Rochester KnighthawksAaron Bold is probably the best backup goaltender in the league. Last season in Rochester, he had a 11.12 GAA in 16 games and 313 minutes. He had an offseason in 2009 with a GAA over 15, but he was also injured and played only seven games. In the years before that, he average a goals against average of under 11, with minutes around 145 per season.
#10 Matt King of the Colorado MammothKing played most of his career in Calgary before being traded to the Colorado Mammoth. He started off in Calgary, and then was traded to the Anaheim Storm. After they dispersed, King played backup goaltender for the Portland Lumberjaxx, backing up Aaron Bold and Dwight Maetche. In 2008, The Edmonton Rush acquired King to be their starting goaltender. But they traded him to Calgary late in the season. Since the move to Calgary, King has had GAA os 10.38 and 11.27. Now he looks to replace Vinc in Colorado.
#9 Nick Patterson of the Minnesota SwarmPatterson started his career with the Vancouver Ravens as a backup goaltender. He was traded to Minnesota in 2005, and had a GAA of 15.51. He was later made the Swarm's starting goaltender, where he put up better numbers to lower his career GAA to 12.90.
#8 Tyler Richards of the Washington StealthRichards was drafted in the fourth round of the 2007 NLL entry draft. He found himself in their in 2009 as a backup goaltender, where he had a GAA of 10.48. The Stealth made him their starter in 2010, where he helped get them to the Champions Cup. Richards also has a playoff record of 4-1, his loss coming in the 2009 loss in the Western Conference Championship to the Calgary Roughnecks.
#7 Ken Montour of the Buffalo BanditsMontour missed some of the 2010 season due to injury, but when in there he had a GAA under 11. Before that season, Montour has been the Bandits starting goaltender in 2009 and 2008. In 2009, Montour had a GAA of 9.57.
#6 Matt Disher of the Edmonton RushDisher was drafted in 1999 by the Buffalo Bandits and became their backup goaltender. In his first four seasons, his lowest GAA was 14.00. After being traded to Anaheim and then Minnesota, Disher turned his game around, excusing the 17 GAA in 2007. In his move to Edmonton, he had a career low in GAA and then Portland and Edmonton again. He helped Edmonton get to the Western Conference finals last season.
#5 Brandon Miller of the Philadelphia WingsMiller began his career in Albany/San Jose backing up Rob Blasdell and Anthony Cosmo. He was later traded to Chicago where he became the starting goaltender. Miller was successful in San Jose before moving to Chicago, with GAAs of 12.06, 10.46, and 11.45. After being traded to Philadelphia, Miller's success returned, though the Wings missed the playoffs.
#4 Bob Watson of the Toronto Rock
Read about Watson here.
#3 Pat O'toole of the Rochester Knighthawks
Read about O'toole here.
#2 Anthony Cosmo of the Boston Blazers
Read about Cosmo here.
#1 Matt Vinc of the Rochester Knighthawks
Read about Vinc here.
Showing posts with label Matt Vinc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matt Vinc. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Boston Blazers.. Is This Their Year?
(photo credit: NLL.com)
When the Boston Blazers first acquired Casey Powell, I thought they became the favorites in the East. When they acquired Josh Sanderson, I thought so even more. The Blazers certainly have what looks to be a powerhouse offense, with those additions along with Dan Dawson. But did the Blazers address their biggest need? And are there more teams to worry about in the East?
Looking at the Blazers roster up-to-down, it looks pretty solid. Along with their big three they have Scott Campbell, John Orsen, Greg Downing, Gary Bining, Kevin Buchanan, Sean Morris, and Dan Teat. Those are some pretty good complementary players to Sanderson, Dawson and Powell. And on the goaltending front, you cannot go wrong with Anthony Cosmo. So again, on paper this team looked solid.
I feel they did address their biggest problem, which was second half scoring. After teams would adjust to Dan Dawson, the Blazers did not have enough players to pick up the slack. They tried to fix this by acquiring Mat Giles, and he was ok, but he was also not their scoring solution.
By getting Powell and later Sanderson, that should solve the issue. Teams cannot double cover all three players. Especially Powell, who has had a history of good second halves.
While credit to Boston for improving the issue, Powell kind of fell right into their lap. Thanks to the Giles trade of the previous season, Boston was left with the #2 pick of the Titans dispersal. With Colorado snatching up Matt Vinc, Powell was left open for the Blazers. They did have to surrender a few players for Sanderson, but it was well worth getting the former MVP.
The rest of their additions look like good support players, like Dan Teat, who is 20th all time in NLL scoring. And then Kevin Buchanan, who looks to score a few goals.
But other teams are improving too. Toronto has a really solid roster, with Blaine Manning, Colin Doyle, Garret Billings and Wade LeBlanc. The Rock, I have always thought, would be able to contend with Boston. But with the recent additions of Rochester, the Knighthawks might jump into that mix. And it is not so much Vinc, as they always had Pat O'Toole in net.
But even with the loss of John Grant, they have Cody Jaimeson, Jordon Hall, Craig Point, Steve Toll, Shawn Evans, and Matt Zash. With a few more roster moves, they also have Brad Self and Matt Danowski.
So with the Knighthawks and Rock in the mix, that leaves the Blazers with some tough opponents. Back to the Blazers, is their still a weakness on this team? They improved their problems from last year, but that does not mean they won't have problems somewhere else.
I think the Blazers acquired some good defensive players with Orsen and Campbell, but they lost Paul Dawson, who is one of the best in the league. While those two may make up for the loss, the acquisition of Kyle Rubisch was supposed to as well. However he remains unsigned, and it is unknown if Boston will have to trade him.
When the Boston Blazers first acquired Casey Powell, I thought they became the favorites in the East. When they acquired Josh Sanderson, I thought so even more. The Blazers certainly have what looks to be a powerhouse offense, with those additions along with Dan Dawson. But did the Blazers address their biggest need? And are there more teams to worry about in the East?
Looking at the Blazers roster up-to-down, it looks pretty solid. Along with their big three they have Scott Campbell, John Orsen, Greg Downing, Gary Bining, Kevin Buchanan, Sean Morris, and Dan Teat. Those are some pretty good complementary players to Sanderson, Dawson and Powell. And on the goaltending front, you cannot go wrong with Anthony Cosmo. So again, on paper this team looked solid.
I feel they did address their biggest problem, which was second half scoring. After teams would adjust to Dan Dawson, the Blazers did not have enough players to pick up the slack. They tried to fix this by acquiring Mat Giles, and he was ok, but he was also not their scoring solution.
By getting Powell and later Sanderson, that should solve the issue. Teams cannot double cover all three players. Especially Powell, who has had a history of good second halves.
While credit to Boston for improving the issue, Powell kind of fell right into their lap. Thanks to the Giles trade of the previous season, Boston was left with the #2 pick of the Titans dispersal. With Colorado snatching up Matt Vinc, Powell was left open for the Blazers. They did have to surrender a few players for Sanderson, but it was well worth getting the former MVP.
The rest of their additions look like good support players, like Dan Teat, who is 20th all time in NLL scoring. And then Kevin Buchanan, who looks to score a few goals.
But other teams are improving too. Toronto has a really solid roster, with Blaine Manning, Colin Doyle, Garret Billings and Wade LeBlanc. The Rock, I have always thought, would be able to contend with Boston. But with the recent additions of Rochester, the Knighthawks might jump into that mix. And it is not so much Vinc, as they always had Pat O'Toole in net.
But even with the loss of John Grant, they have Cody Jaimeson, Jordon Hall, Craig Point, Steve Toll, Shawn Evans, and Matt Zash. With a few more roster moves, they also have Brad Self and Matt Danowski.
So with the Knighthawks and Rock in the mix, that leaves the Blazers with some tough opponents. Back to the Blazers, is their still a weakness on this team? They improved their problems from last year, but that does not mean they won't have problems somewhere else.
I think the Blazers acquired some good defensive players with Orsen and Campbell, but they lost Paul Dawson, who is one of the best in the league. While those two may make up for the loss, the acquisition of Kyle Rubisch was supposed to as well. However he remains unsigned, and it is unknown if Boston will have to trade him.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Lax Links- 11/17
Here are your Lax Links for Wednesday afternoon.
Our first glimpse of Grant in a non-Rochester jersey- NLL Insider
Rock confirm free agent and rookie camp players- NLL Insider
US indoor lacrosse announces roster- NLL Insider
Matt Vinc interview- NLL Insider
Mammoth re-sign Gajics- NLL.com
Paul Rabil interview- Inside Lacrosse
Our first glimpse of Grant in a non-Rochester jersey- NLL Insider
Rock confirm free agent and rookie camp players- NLL Insider
US indoor lacrosse announces roster- NLL Insider
Matt Vinc interview- NLL Insider
Mammoth re-sign Gajics- NLL.com
Paul Rabil interview- Inside Lacrosse
What Will the Knighthawks do with Pat O'Toole?
(photo credit: Knighthawks.net)
The Knighthawks may be one of the most improved teams in the NLL this season. But they also may have helped other teams improve. They traded their star player John Grant to Colorado with Mac Allen for Matt Vinc, Matt Zash and Brad Self. The case with Vinc has always been; What do you do with Pat O'Toole?
O'Toole is a very good goaltender in his own right. He was one of the best back in the 1990's and still is today. But with the K'Hawks likely committed to Vinc (they signed him to a three year deal) it seems O'Toole will soon be on the move. What teams are out there willing to take on O'Toole?
First off, the Knighthawks offense may take a hit with the loss of Grant and Allen. They did add on some good scoring players this offseason with Cody Jaimeson, Jordon Hall, Matt Zash and Brad Self. But Allen was one of the better transition players in the league and Grant a scorer. If O'Toole is to be moved, I imagine the price for a scorer would be high. Don't get me wrong, Rochester has scoring potential. But I just think they could probably add a big name if O'Toole is moved.
What teams may be interested? The Calgary Roughnecks may be, after trading Matt King their projected starting goaltender is Mike Poulin. They may be interested in O'Toole, but with a depleted roster from so many moves, they may not be a trade fit.
The Swarm a certainly a team Rochester could fish from. Minnesota's starting goaltender, Nick Patterson, ranked near the bottom of the league in all goaltender stats. They still do have Kevin Croswell, but with a pretty good offensive team they might be willing to trade a player for O'Toole.
An unlikely trade partner my be Buffalo, as they already have Mike Thompson and are going to compete with Rochester, but it might turn out to be a possibility. Another team in this category may be Philadelphia. But after a season in which Brandon Miller was awful, I can see the Wings willing to deal for O'Toole.
This will be a fascinating season of Knighthawks lacrosse, in a vastly improved east division. Now with Vinc to lead them, O'Toole may have a new home outside of Rochester, for the first time in 13 years.
The Knighthawks may be one of the most improved teams in the NLL this season. But they also may have helped other teams improve. They traded their star player John Grant to Colorado with Mac Allen for Matt Vinc, Matt Zash and Brad Self. The case with Vinc has always been; What do you do with Pat O'Toole?
O'Toole is a very good goaltender in his own right. He was one of the best back in the 1990's and still is today. But with the K'Hawks likely committed to Vinc (they signed him to a three year deal) it seems O'Toole will soon be on the move. What teams are out there willing to take on O'Toole?
First off, the Knighthawks offense may take a hit with the loss of Grant and Allen. They did add on some good scoring players this offseason with Cody Jaimeson, Jordon Hall, Matt Zash and Brad Self. But Allen was one of the better transition players in the league and Grant a scorer. If O'Toole is to be moved, I imagine the price for a scorer would be high. Don't get me wrong, Rochester has scoring potential. But I just think they could probably add a big name if O'Toole is moved.
What teams may be interested? The Calgary Roughnecks may be, after trading Matt King their projected starting goaltender is Mike Poulin. They may be interested in O'Toole, but with a depleted roster from so many moves, they may not be a trade fit.
The Swarm a certainly a team Rochester could fish from. Minnesota's starting goaltender, Nick Patterson, ranked near the bottom of the league in all goaltender stats. They still do have Kevin Croswell, but with a pretty good offensive team they might be willing to trade a player for O'Toole.
An unlikely trade partner my be Buffalo, as they already have Mike Thompson and are going to compete with Rochester, but it might turn out to be a possibility. Another team in this category may be Philadelphia. But after a season in which Brandon Miller was awful, I can see the Wings willing to deal for O'Toole.
This will be a fascinating season of Knighthawks lacrosse, in a vastly improved east division. Now with Vinc to lead them, O'Toole may have a new home outside of Rochester, for the first time in 13 years.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Knighthawks Lock up Vinc
NLL Insider has confirmed that the Rochester Knighthawks locked up their goaltender Matt Vinc to a three year deal.
Vinc was traded two weeks ago from Colorado for John Grant and Mac Allen. The salary figures were not revealed, but Vinc's agent, Chaka Bainbridge has confirmed it makes him one of the highest payed players in the National Lacrosse League. “He is excited to help bring Rochester back as a perennial title contender,” said Bainbridge. “Curt (Styres) and the entire Knighthawk staff are serious about succeeding and winning multiple Cups and this signing shows their commitment to that.”
Vinc is coming off a busy year, being named goaltender of the year with Orlando, being drafted by Colorado in the dispersal and then traded to Rochester, and leading team Canada to the FIL championship game.
“With every team getting stronger in the off-season the Knighthawks had to make some changes to stay competitive and right now I think they would have to be considered to have leap frogged Toronto and Boston as a favourite with Buffalo to advance to the Champion’s Cup from the East,” added Bainbridge
I think I will disagree with that last statement, as I think Toronto and Boston are still the favorites. But their is no doubt Rochester has improved this offseason via draft and free agency, as well as the Vinc trade.
Vinc was traded two weeks ago from Colorado for John Grant and Mac Allen. The salary figures were not revealed, but Vinc's agent, Chaka Bainbridge has confirmed it makes him one of the highest payed players in the National Lacrosse League. “He is excited to help bring Rochester back as a perennial title contender,” said Bainbridge. “Curt (Styres) and the entire Knighthawk staff are serious about succeeding and winning multiple Cups and this signing shows their commitment to that.”
Vinc is coming off a busy year, being named goaltender of the year with Orlando, being drafted by Colorado in the dispersal and then traded to Rochester, and leading team Canada to the FIL championship game.
“With every team getting stronger in the off-season the Knighthawks had to make some changes to stay competitive and right now I think they would have to be considered to have leap frogged Toronto and Boston as a favourite with Buffalo to advance to the Champion’s Cup from the East,” added Bainbridge
I think I will disagree with that last statement, as I think Toronto and Boston are still the favorites. But their is no doubt Rochester has improved this offseason via draft and free agency, as well as the Vinc trade.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Player Preview: John Grant
With the bloackbuster trade of Matt Vinc and John Grant last week, we had a Vinc player preview with his new team in upstate New York. Now, we look at the player moving from the only franchise he's ever known to Denver.
Grant was originally a third round pick for the Buffalo Bandits in 1995, but opted not to sign and to stay in college. He re-entered the draft four years later in 1999, and was selected first overall by the Rochester Knighthawks, and was named rookie of the year. In the next three years in Rochester, Grant scored 95, 105, and 99 points. The year where he scored 105 came in a 14 game season, and the year he scored 95 was in 12 games.
The next season, 2004, Grant was injured most of the year and was only able to score 35 points in 5 games.
In 2007, Grant set a National Lacrosse league record with 15 points in a single game in a win over the New York Titans. Grant was also named MVP that season, as well as Champions Cup MVP with the championship in Rochester. The record does not hold, as Mark Steenhius of the Buffalo Bandits broke it.
Grant missed the entire 2009 season with emergency knee surgery. He returned to play 15 out of the Knighthawks 16 games in 2010, but they did not make the playoffs after falling to the Washington Stealth in the last game of the season.
In the MLL, Grant was a member of the Rochester Rattlers in their inaugural season. He finished second in the league with 59 points, and won offensive player of the year.
He skipped the 2002-2004 seasons, but returned to the Rattlers in 2005. In 2007, he broke the single season points record with 71, and was again named offensive player of the year, and also the MVP. He again led the league in scoring in 2008, and was again names MVP.
With the Rattlers folded, Grant now plays on the Toronto Nationals. He has been to two championship games, one in Rochester and one in Toronto.
Grant also played in the Ontario Lacrosse Association, with the Peterbourogh Lakers in the junior OLA. He was the league's top scorer in 1993, 1994, and 1995, as well as MVP in 1994. In 1995, Grant moved up to Major Series Lacrosse, also with the Lakers, and won the Rookie of the Year award. In 2000, he won the league's MVP. In 2002 and 2003, Grant moved to the Western Lacrosse Association, with the Coquitlam Adanacs.
Grant returned to Peterbourough in 2005, and led his team to the Mann Cup Championship. He also won the championship with the Lakers in 2006 and 2007. Grant surprisingly played in 2009, after his knee surgery that kept out of the Knighthawks lineup. In 2010, the Lakers won the championship again.
Grant is about to write a whole new chapter to his lacrosse legacy in Colorado now, hoping to lead the Mammoth the the playoffs, and the Champions Cup.
Grant was originally a third round pick for the Buffalo Bandits in 1995, but opted not to sign and to stay in college. He re-entered the draft four years later in 1999, and was selected first overall by the Rochester Knighthawks, and was named rookie of the year. In the next three years in Rochester, Grant scored 95, 105, and 99 points. The year where he scored 105 came in a 14 game season, and the year he scored 95 was in 12 games.
The next season, 2004, Grant was injured most of the year and was only able to score 35 points in 5 games.
In 2007, Grant set a National Lacrosse league record with 15 points in a single game in a win over the New York Titans. Grant was also named MVP that season, as well as Champions Cup MVP with the championship in Rochester. The record does not hold, as Mark Steenhius of the Buffalo Bandits broke it.
Grant missed the entire 2009 season with emergency knee surgery. He returned to play 15 out of the Knighthawks 16 games in 2010, but they did not make the playoffs after falling to the Washington Stealth in the last game of the season.
In the MLL, Grant was a member of the Rochester Rattlers in their inaugural season. He finished second in the league with 59 points, and won offensive player of the year.
He skipped the 2002-2004 seasons, but returned to the Rattlers in 2005. In 2007, he broke the single season points record with 71, and was again named offensive player of the year, and also the MVP. He again led the league in scoring in 2008, and was again names MVP.
With the Rattlers folded, Grant now plays on the Toronto Nationals. He has been to two championship games, one in Rochester and one in Toronto.
Grant also played in the Ontario Lacrosse Association, with the Peterbourogh Lakers in the junior OLA. He was the league's top scorer in 1993, 1994, and 1995, as well as MVP in 1994. In 1995, Grant moved up to Major Series Lacrosse, also with the Lakers, and won the Rookie of the Year award. In 2000, he won the league's MVP. In 2002 and 2003, Grant moved to the Western Lacrosse Association, with the Coquitlam Adanacs.
Grant returned to Peterbourough in 2005, and led his team to the Mann Cup Championship. He also won the championship with the Lakers in 2006 and 2007. Grant surprisingly played in 2009, after his knee surgery that kept out of the Knighthawks lineup. In 2010, the Lakers won the championship again.
Grant is about to write a whole new chapter to his lacrosse legacy in Colorado now, hoping to lead the Mammoth the the playoffs, and the Champions Cup.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Player Preview: Matt Vinc
I was planing on Mark Steenhius this week but with all the commotion of the Vinc trade, I'm going to go with him this week. So, first let's take a look at his career.
Vinc played high school lacrosse with Billy Dee Smith and Craig Conn, and was the sixth overall pick in the 2005 draft by the San Jose Stealth. In 2006, Vinc played in only four games for the Stealth, with a 6.34 GAA.
In the 2006 New York Titans expansion draft, Vinc was selected. He became the starting goaltender in 2007.
In 2008, he put up a 11.35 GAA, his career high. In 2009, he led the Titans to 10-6, and a three way tie with Buffalo and Boston. The Titans, however, got first place due to tiebreakers.
In the eastern conference championship, Vinc held Buffalo to three goals, saving 41 of 44 shots to lead New York into the National Lacrosse League championship. New York went on to lose to the Calgary Roughnecks.
The next season to franchise moved to Orlando to become the Orlando Titans. Orlando made it to the eastern conference final, to lose to Toronto.
Vinc won goaltender of the year, and was selected by the Colorado Mammoth with the first overall pick in the dispersal.
Vinc was later traded to the Rochester Knighthawks for John Grant and Mac Allen. This trade did not make sense for some people, but Vinc is a teacher in Ontario, and did not want to play on the west coast.
However, you still wonder why Colorado selected him when Casey Powell was next.
Vinc played high school lacrosse with Billy Dee Smith and Craig Conn, and was the sixth overall pick in the 2005 draft by the San Jose Stealth. In 2006, Vinc played in only four games for the Stealth, with a 6.34 GAA.
In the 2006 New York Titans expansion draft, Vinc was selected. He became the starting goaltender in 2007.
In 2008, he put up a 11.35 GAA, his career high. In 2009, he led the Titans to 10-6, and a three way tie with Buffalo and Boston. The Titans, however, got first place due to tiebreakers.
In the eastern conference championship, Vinc held Buffalo to three goals, saving 41 of 44 shots to lead New York into the National Lacrosse League championship. New York went on to lose to the Calgary Roughnecks.
The next season to franchise moved to Orlando to become the Orlando Titans. Orlando made it to the eastern conference final, to lose to Toronto.
Vinc won goaltender of the year, and was selected by the Colorado Mammoth with the first overall pick in the dispersal.
Vinc was later traded to the Rochester Knighthawks for John Grant and Mac Allen. This trade did not make sense for some people, but Vinc is a teacher in Ontario, and did not want to play on the west coast.
However, you still wonder why Colorado selected him when Casey Powell was next.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Reaction to Matt Vinc trade
The Matt Vinc trade sure was interesting. Colorado trades their #1 overall pick when Casey Powell went right behind, that is what I don't get. Yeah, Vinc turned into John Grant and Mac Allen, but I mean, Casey Powell!
Colorado went and got Matt King from Calgary afterwords. There are rumors in Rochester that Vinc or Pat O'toole could be traded now, so keep an eye on those stories. Here is some reaction to yesterday.
Lacrosse Magazine talks about all the deals the Mammoth made yesterday.
Jody Gage says John Grant will always be a Knighthawk- NLLInsider
Grant happy to be in Denver- NLLInsider
What do fans think of this deal?
NLL.com talks about the blockbuster
Remember, tomorrow is the #14 game!
Colorado went and got Matt King from Calgary afterwords. There are rumors in Rochester that Vinc or Pat O'toole could be traded now, so keep an eye on those stories. Here is some reaction to yesterday.
Lacrosse Magazine talks about all the deals the Mammoth made yesterday.
Jody Gage says John Grant will always be a Knighthawk- NLLInsider
Grant happy to be in Denver- NLLInsider
What do fans think of this deal?
NLL.com talks about the blockbuster
Remember, tomorrow is the #14 game!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
NLL Preview Colorado Mammoth
The NLL Draft will be soon upon us. The NLL season is now only a few months away, and it's time to preview them.
The Mammoth had their worst season in franchise history last season, finishing last in the west and in the NLL. The year before, Colorado was the last seed to make the playoffs in the west, but lost in the first round to the champion Calgary.
The Mammoth's biggest problem last season was their goaltending. Their starting goaltender, Andrew Leyshon, had the worst goals against average in the NLL at 13.38 and only a .718 save percentage. That is one thing the Mammoth have sured up this offseason; Goaltending.
The Mammoth were in a good spot when the Titan's dispersal came with the #1 pick. They could have had last year's MP Casey Powell, but they went with the goaltender of the year, Matt Vinc. Last season Vinc was third in GAA and S%. That sures up their biggest issue.
The Mammoth did not have any of their runners in the top 20 goals scored. In fact, their highest goal scorer was ranked 22nd in the league, Jamie Shewchuk. After him at 23d was Brian Langtry. Even with Vinc between the pipes this season, the Mammoth will need better scoring from their veterans. Alex Gajic is their next ranking scorer. Gajic had a great rookie season, competing for rookie of the year. But this season he will need to take the next step to become a true goal scorer in this league.
The Mammoth, even with their horrible record, did have a shot at the playoffs with two weeks left. Minnesota had gone cold and the Mammoth had a game in Boston. If they won the next two and Minnesota lost, they could have still made it. But Colorado lost a heart breaker to Boston, one of the best games of the year in the NLL. The Mammoth showed fight even when there was little hope left. The Mammoth will compete for a playoff spot again this season.
The Mammoth had their worst season in franchise history last season, finishing last in the west and in the NLL. The year before, Colorado was the last seed to make the playoffs in the west, but lost in the first round to the champion Calgary.
The Mammoth's biggest problem last season was their goaltending. Their starting goaltender, Andrew Leyshon, had the worst goals against average in the NLL at 13.38 and only a .718 save percentage. That is one thing the Mammoth have sured up this offseason; Goaltending.
The Mammoth were in a good spot when the Titan's dispersal came with the #1 pick. They could have had last year's MP Casey Powell, but they went with the goaltender of the year, Matt Vinc. Last season Vinc was third in GAA and S%. That sures up their biggest issue.
The Mammoth did not have any of their runners in the top 20 goals scored. In fact, their highest goal scorer was ranked 22nd in the league, Jamie Shewchuk. After him at 23d was Brian Langtry. Even with Vinc between the pipes this season, the Mammoth will need better scoring from their veterans. Alex Gajic is their next ranking scorer. Gajic had a great rookie season, competing for rookie of the year. But this season he will need to take the next step to become a true goal scorer in this league.
The Mammoth, even with their horrible record, did have a shot at the playoffs with two weeks left. Minnesota had gone cold and the Mammoth had a game in Boston. If they won the next two and Minnesota lost, they could have still made it. But Colorado lost a heart breaker to Boston, one of the best games of the year in the NLL. The Mammoth showed fight even when there was little hope left. The Mammoth will compete for a playoff spot again this season.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Draft Recap
Not much information is out yet on who acquired who, but this is what I have so far.
The Boston Blazers, as expected, got 2010 NLL MVP Casey Powell and defenseman John Orson. The Blazers will become the favorites to win the ast with Powell, Mat Giles, Dan Dawson and Daryl Veltman on offense, and new acquisitions Orson and Scott Campbell on defense.
The Colorado Mammoth also got their guy, goaltender Matt Vinc. They also picked up Jarret Park, Marc Burton, Chad Thompson, and Bryan Barrett. Park is a transition player and a veteran of five years who can help the Mammoth with their scoring. Thompson is also a transition player. Barret and Burton will see limited roles.
Here are the rest of the results:
Rochester: Jordon Hall
Minnesota: Rory Smith
Philadelphia: Brenden Mundorf
Edmonton: Bill Greer
Philadelphia: Ryan Boyle
Toronto: Mike McLelen
Washington: Chet Konezey
Round 2:
Colorado: Jarret Park
Philadelphia: Stehpen Peyser
Rochester: Dan Hardy
Minnesota: Tim O'Brian
Boston: Greg Peyser
Buffalo: Jesse Guerin
Edmonton: Matt Alrich
Calgary: Curtis Wager
Toronto: Mat MacLeod
Washington: Matt Zash
Round 3:
Colorado: Chad Thompson
Philadelphia: Jeff Bigias
Rochester: Kenny Nims
Minnesota: Matt Bocklet
Boston: Matt Ammann
Buffalo: Matt Brown
Edmonton: Pass
Calgary: Kieth Cromwell
Toronto: Pass
Washington: Pass
Round 4:
Colorado: Marc Burton
Philadelphia: Dan Cocoziello
Rochester: Mike Evens
Minnesota: Pass
Boston: Chris Passavia
Buffalo: Pass
Calgary: Rob Smith
Round 5:
Colorado: Bryan Barret
Philadelphia: Pass
Rochester: Bobby Horsey
Boston: Pass
Calgary: Brian Spallina
(end of draft)
Boston looks like the most improved team in the draft, but Colorado and Calgary look to have improved also. Minnesota does not appear to have done much to improve though, if I were a Swarm fan I would be disapointed.
The Boston Blazers, as expected, got 2010 NLL MVP Casey Powell and defenseman John Orson. The Blazers will become the favorites to win the ast with Powell, Mat Giles, Dan Dawson and Daryl Veltman on offense, and new acquisitions Orson and Scott Campbell on defense.
The Colorado Mammoth also got their guy, goaltender Matt Vinc. They also picked up Jarret Park, Marc Burton, Chad Thompson, and Bryan Barrett. Park is a transition player and a veteran of five years who can help the Mammoth with their scoring. Thompson is also a transition player. Barret and Burton will see limited roles.
Here are the rest of the results:
Rochester: Jordon Hall
Minnesota: Rory Smith
Philadelphia: Brenden Mundorf
Edmonton: Bill Greer
Philadelphia: Ryan Boyle
Toronto: Mike McLelen
Washington: Chet Konezey
Round 2:
Colorado: Jarret Park
Philadelphia: Stehpen Peyser
Rochester: Dan Hardy
Minnesota: Tim O'Brian
Boston: Greg Peyser
Buffalo: Jesse Guerin
Edmonton: Matt Alrich
Calgary: Curtis Wager
Toronto: Mat MacLeod
Washington: Matt Zash
Round 3:
Colorado: Chad Thompson
Philadelphia: Jeff Bigias
Rochester: Kenny Nims
Minnesota: Matt Bocklet
Boston: Matt Ammann
Buffalo: Matt Brown
Edmonton: Pass
Calgary: Kieth Cromwell
Toronto: Pass
Washington: Pass
Round 4:
Colorado: Marc Burton
Philadelphia: Dan Cocoziello
Rochester: Mike Evens
Minnesota: Pass
Boston: Chris Passavia
Buffalo: Pass
Calgary: Rob Smith
Round 5:
Colorado: Bryan Barret
Philadelphia: Pass
Rochester: Bobby Horsey
Boston: Pass
Calgary: Brian Spallina
(end of draft)
Boston looks like the most improved team in the draft, but Colorado and Calgary look to have improved also. Minnesota does not appear to have done much to improve though, if I were a Swarm fan I would be disapointed.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Draft Set for Friday, Vinc to go #1
The NLL has confirmed that the Orlando Titans dispersal draft will be held tomorrow at 1 pm.
The draft is open to every player on the Titans, excluding Pat Merril and Pat Maddalena. Matt Vinc, Casey Powell, and Jordon Hall are expecting to go 1, 2, and 3.
I started a discussion here, so check that out and talk about it here.
UPDATE: The Blazers have traded Brenden Thenhaus to Buffalo for their first round pick in the Titan's dispersal draft. Boston also surrenders their 2011 first rounder.
DOUBLE UPDATE: The Wings have traded Geoff Snider to the Calgary Roughnecks for their dispersal pick. Is this an indication of a rebuilding Wings team, finishing last in the east last season?
The draft is open to every player on the Titans, excluding Pat Merril and Pat Maddalena. Matt Vinc, Casey Powell, and Jordon Hall are expecting to go 1, 2, and 3.
I started a discussion here, so check that out and talk about it here.
UPDATE: The Blazers have traded Brenden Thenhaus to Buffalo for their first round pick in the Titan's dispersal draft. Boston also surrenders their 2011 first rounder.
DOUBLE UPDATE: The Wings have traded Geoff Snider to the Calgary Roughnecks for their dispersal pick. Is this an indication of a rebuilding Wings team, finishing last in the east last season?
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Titans confirm Hiatus, Mammoth hint at selecting Vinc?
The Orlando Titans have confirmed their hiatus from the NLL, while Pat Merril and Pat Maddalena were given their rights to free agency.
Meanwhile, the dispersal draft is expected to be held later this week, with the Colorado Mammoth holding the first pick. We all know they need goaltending, and the Mammoth all but confirmed they will select 2010 goalie of the year Matt Vinc.
If they do select Vinc, that leaves Casey Powell wide open for the Boston Blazers who continue to luck out on dispersal drafts. Two years ago they drafted Dan Dawson and Anthony Cosmo from Arizona and Chicago respectively.
If the Mammoth were to change their mind and select Powell, the Blazers would likely select Jordon Hall, as they do not need goaltending.
Mock draft:
Mammoth: Matt Vinc
Blazers: Casey Powell
Knighthawks: Jordon Hall
Swarm: Ryan Boyle
Wings: John Orson
Bandits: Dan Hardy
Rush: Rory Smith
Roughnecks: Matt Zash
Rock: Stephen Peyser
Stealth: Jarret Park
That is subject top change, obviously. Let's look into this a bit deeper;
If the Blazers were to draft Powell, they would be a force to reckon with in the East Division. Imagine a team with Dawson and Powell? This team would be a goal scoring machine.
If the Mammoth were to get Vinc, as we think, they might turn into contenders in the West. Remember they got hot at the end of last year as well.
Meanwhile, the dispersal draft is expected to be held later this week, with the Colorado Mammoth holding the first pick. We all know they need goaltending, and the Mammoth all but confirmed they will select 2010 goalie of the year Matt Vinc.
“We have certain needs that we are going to address,” Govett said on the team’s web site. “[Orlando goalie] Matt Vinc is arguably the best goalie in the league and that could be an answer for us for years to come. They also have Casey Powell, who is an all-time great player; a future Hall of Famer. Then there is Jordan Hall, who is probably the best offensive transition player in the league. There are three options there where we just couldn’t go wrong.”
If they do select Vinc, that leaves Casey Powell wide open for the Boston Blazers who continue to luck out on dispersal drafts. Two years ago they drafted Dan Dawson and Anthony Cosmo from Arizona and Chicago respectively.
If the Mammoth were to change their mind and select Powell, the Blazers would likely select Jordon Hall, as they do not need goaltending.
Mock draft:
Mammoth: Matt Vinc
Blazers: Casey Powell
Knighthawks: Jordon Hall
Swarm: Ryan Boyle
Wings: John Orson
Bandits: Dan Hardy
Rush: Rory Smith
Roughnecks: Matt Zash
Rock: Stephen Peyser
Stealth: Jarret Park
That is subject top change, obviously. Let's look into this a bit deeper;
If the Blazers were to draft Powell, they would be a force to reckon with in the East Division. Imagine a team with Dawson and Powell? This team would be a goal scoring machine.
If the Mammoth were to get Vinc, as we think, they might turn into contenders in the West. Remember they got hot at the end of last year as well.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Disscusion Topic: Casey Powell
With the much documented dispersal of the Orlando Titans, I questioned the future of Casey Powell a few days ago. But let's go deeper into this; With the upcoming dispersal draft, it has been widely assumed the Colorado Mammoth, with the worst record in the NLL the year prior, would select Powell. However, now reports are saying they might select Matt Vinc to sure up their goaltending woes. That leaves Powell wide open for the Blazers to select him, which could make them a very dangerous team. This theory goes out the door, however, if Vinc elects to terminate his contract after the Mammoth select him.
But the real question for me here is Powell's future in the NLL. He has sat out the MLL season and Team USA this summer. He won MVP of the NLL with the best record in the east Titans.
Would Powell play in Colorado, or terminate his contract? Would he play in Boston? I think he would, because if Powell comes to Boston, that team can be scary.
But the real question for me here is Powell's future in the NLL. He has sat out the MLL season and Team USA this summer. He won MVP of the NLL with the best record in the east Titans.
Would Powell play in Colorado, or terminate his contract? Would he play in Boston? I think he would, because if Powell comes to Boston, that team can be scary.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
More Orlando Titans Aftermath
As expected, there is a lot more in the aftermath of the folding of the Orlando Titans, including the draft order in tomorrow's dispersal draft. However as it was expected tomorrow, it may be held out into next week because of the players wanting to terminate their contract. The order of the draft is expected to look like this:
Colorado (expected to select Casey Powell)
Boston (via the Max Seibald trade)
Rochester
Minnesota
Philadelphia
Buffalo
Edmonton
Calgary
Toronto
Washington.
Philadelphia and Boston will flip-flop their positioning in later rounds due to trades and acquisitions that allow Boston to currently be ahead of Philadelphia.
It is also believed now that Matt Vinc may terminate his contract with Orlando.
Colorado (expected to select Casey Powell)
Boston (via the Max Seibald trade)
Rochester
Minnesota
Philadelphia
Buffalo
Edmonton
Calgary
Toronto
Washington.
Philadelphia and Boston will flip-flop their positioning in later rounds due to trades and acquisitions that allow Boston to currently be ahead of Philadelphia.
It is also believed now that Matt Vinc may terminate his contract with Orlando.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
NLL Game Preveiw: Titans @ Blazers
photo credit: NLL.com
Preveiw: The Boston Blazers face a must win situation at home vs the top seed Orlando Titans. With the Rock winning and the Bandits facing the league worst Colorado Mammoth, the Blazers need a win to hold on to second. Meanwhile the Titans look to win their second straight after beating Toronto last week.
Leading Goal Scorer: Boston: Dan Dawson, 60 pts
Orlando: Jordan Hall, 56 pts
Goaltender: Boston: Anthoney Cosmo, 9.29 GAA, .803 S%
Orlando: Matt Vinc, 9.09 GAA, .821 S%
Injuries: Boston: Bubba Durano and Jamie Roony will return tonight for the Blazers.
Orlando: Jordon Hall, Hamstring
Notes: * The last time the Blazers and Titans met, they went to Double OT in the longest game in NLL history.
* Hall will likley be out vs the Blazers.
* Vinc leads the NLL in GAA.
* Dan Dawson of the Blazers scored five points last game for Boston.
* Blazer's Paul Dawson shaved his head yesterday for Locks of Love.
* The game is at 7:30 pm and can be seen at NLL.com Network
Preveiw: The Boston Blazers face a must win situation at home vs the top seed Orlando Titans. With the Rock winning and the Bandits facing the league worst Colorado Mammoth, the Blazers need a win to hold on to second. Meanwhile the Titans look to win their second straight after beating Toronto last week.
Leading Goal Scorer: Boston: Dan Dawson, 60 pts
Orlando: Jordan Hall, 56 pts
Goaltender: Boston: Anthoney Cosmo, 9.29 GAA, .803 S%
Orlando: Matt Vinc, 9.09 GAA, .821 S%
Injuries: Boston: Bubba Durano and Jamie Roony will return tonight for the Blazers.
Orlando: Jordon Hall, Hamstring
Notes: * The last time the Blazers and Titans met, they went to Double OT in the longest game in NLL history.
* Hall will likley be out vs the Blazers.
* Vinc leads the NLL in GAA.
* Dan Dawson of the Blazers scored five points last game for Boston.
* Blazer's Paul Dawson shaved his head yesterday for Locks of Love.
* The game is at 7:30 pm and can be seen at NLL.com Network
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