Showing posts with label Geoff Snider. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Geoff Snider. Show all posts

Thursday, November 4, 2010

NLL Defensive Preview

In the month of October we previewed some of the goal scorers of the NLL. We looked at who would lead, be in last, and score the most. But offense is not the only part of lacrosse. No, you also need a good defense...

NLL Preview- DefenseThese days, lacrosse is more of a game of scoring goals. I mean, the name of the game is scoring more goals than the other team. But you need something else. You need a good defense to stop other teams from scoring. You need to play physical, pick up loose balls, and do not allow top offensive players to penetrate. So, who is the best defensive player in lacrosse? Who has the best defensive team?

Who will lead? In NLL history, the best to play the game of defense is Brodie Merrill of the Edmonton Rush. He was second in the league in loose balls, behind only Geoff Snider. Now, Merrill is not a defenseman, but that does not automatically disqualify you. Merrill is a transition player, allowing him to play defense and offense.
Last year in loose balls, the top three were Snider, Merrill and Steve Toll. Those three will probably continue similar numbers, as three of the best defenders in the game.

Best defensive team? Well having Merrill automatically makes you one of the best, so let's but Edmonton up there. Boston has a good chance to be a good defensive team, even after losing Paul Dawson. They acquired John Orsen, Scott Campbell, and are hoping Kyle Rubisch signs with them soon.

Lead the league? Who will lead the league in loose balls? That is the stat I am going to use here, as there are no real defensive stats to defy a player. As I said above, Snider and Merrill are almost sure bets, and I am also going to drop in Orsen.

Top 5?
Top five defensive players in the game: Brodie Merrill, Geoff Snider, Steve Toll, Eric Martin, Greg Peyser. After Merrill and Snider it's a toss up. If you have any ideas of who you would like to see there, tell me in the comments.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Lax Links- 7/19

With the FIL currently in progress, here are your Lax Links

Team Canada blows out Germany- NLL Insider

Are the Knighthawks looking to trade for Snider?- NLL Insider

The Iroquois non-participation is a sad day for lacrosse- Inside Lacrosse

Chris Sanderson's path back into lacrosse- Lax United

Sunday, April 18, 2010

NLL Game Recaps

The Blazers won a key game this weekend with Rochester and Buffalo losing. A win or Rochester loss next week gets them into the playoffs. The Orlando Titans clinched the number one seed in the east, while The Mammoth where officially eliminated. The rock clinched a playoff berth.

Notes:

* The Rush beat the Stealth in OT, which means a Roughnecks and Stealth loss next week gives them the number one seed in the west. They finish their season 10-6.

* Geoff Snider scored four goals for the Wings in their win over the Minnesota Swarm. John Christmas had the hat trick for Minnesota.

* Buffalo suffered a tough loss to Orlando, which means next week's game vs Boston is a must win.

* Toronto absolutely dominated Rochester, which means they clinch a playoff spot. A win and a Buffalo loss, and the Knighthawks make the playoffs.

* Nick Rose, the backup goalie for Boston, was spectacular at the end of the game. Anthony Cosmo was ejected for illegal equipment in the third quarter.

*Josh Sanderson scored the hat trick and a game winner in OT for the roughnecks vs the Rush.

Next week is the last week of the regular season! Boston plays Buffalo, Orlando plays Philly, Calgary plays Colorado, Rochester plays Washington, and Orlando plays Minnesota.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Smith Hearing Expected Thursday

photo credit: NLL Insider
Rory Smith, defender for the Orlando Titans and league penalty minutes leader, is set for an arbitration hearing with the NLL tomorrow. Smith had a controversial hit on the Calgary Roughnecks Tracey Kelusky, who led the NLL in scoring at the time. The hit has been much debated, and many feel like it was both high and late.
Kelusky has missed the last three Roughnecks games with concussion like symptoms. Kelusky received a five minute major for the hit, and a game misconduct was tacked on after.
It is Smith's fourth misconduct of the season. Smith has already received a suspension for the hit, for four misconducts results in an automatic.
Smith is on pace to break the all-time penalty minutes mark (96), and break Geoff Snider's record of 103.