NLL Power Rankings: Wild Results Shake Up Lower Half

It was a topsy-turvy Week 13 of the National Lacrosse League season, especially out West. Three teams with worse records than their foes triumphed, a pleasant surprise for the idle division-leading San Diego Seals.

1. Toronto Rock (8-2)

The Rock had the weekend off and return Saturday when they host Rochester. Last week: 1

2. Buffalo Bandits (8-2)

The Bandits had the weekend off but did still get a victory of sorts. The team signed Chase Fraser, their sixth leading scorer last year who has yet to play this season. Josh Byrne has also returned from injured reserve as the team prepares for a Friday matchup with Halifax. Last week: 2

3. San Diego Seals (6-2)

The Seals had the weekend off and return Saturday when they host Las Vegas. Last week: 3

4. Rochester Knighthawks (8-2)

The K-Hawks survived an endurance test in the second-longest game in NLL history. After a late push by the Riptide forced overtime, it took over 14 minutes of action in the extra frame before Brad Gillies finally sent the Rochester fans home happy. Gillies secured a turnover when the ball popped in the air during a skirmish in the Knighthawks’ defensive zone, then ran down on a breakaway and beat Steve Orleman in the top corner. Last week: 4

5. Calgary Roughnecks (7-4)

Calgary dug out of a 6-1 hole against Las Vegas but went cold in the second half in an 11-9 defeat, the Riggers’ first since January 28. A scoreless third for the Roughnecks allowed the Desert Dogs to pull ahead of the visitors, who were playing without second-leading scorer Tyler Pace. Last week: 5

6. Saskatchewan Rush (5-4)

In one of the more surprising results of the season, the Rush were upended by Vancouver and former Saskatchewan goaltender Aaron Bold 16-12. A 6-1 run helped Vancouver take a 9-4 lead at the half and Saskatchewan would never get closer than three the rest of the way. It was a tough blow in the standings, with Panther City and Las Vegas close behind. Last week: 6

7. Las Vegas Desert Dogs (4-5)

After an 0-4 start, the Desert Dogs are making a serious push. Las Vegas is now the winner of three straight and four of its last five, with impressive victories against Calgary and Colorado under its belt. Jack Hannah had five points to continue a strong stretch, while goalie Landon Kells continues to prove he belongs among the NLL starters. Last week: 7

8. Halifax Thunderbirds (5-5)

The Thunderbirds had the weekend off and return Friday when they host Buffalo. Last week: 8

9. Colorado Mammoth (5-5)

The Mammoth’s three-game losing streak came to an end thanks largely to a 10-point performance from Ryan Lee in his season debut. He had four primary assists in a third quarter which saw Colorado take a 10-7 advantage, then had the secondary helper on the final goal that helped fan off a Panther City comeback effort. With its 14-12 win, the Mammoth notched their highest goal total of the season. Last week: 10

10. Panther City Lacrosse Club (6-5)

PCLC scored three straight in the fourth quarter, with Josh Medeiros cutting Colorado’s advantage to 13-12 with 3:51 remaining. The Mammoth managed to still hold Panther City off to earn a split of matchups in back-to-back weeks. Callum Crawford continued his strong play since the trade with six points. Last week: 7

11. Philadelphia Wings (3-5)

The Wings had the weekend off and return Saturday when they host New York. Last week: 11

12. New York Riptide (2-8)

New York ended regulation on a four-goal run with goals from four different players, erasing a 10-6 Rochester advantage with under 12 minutes remaining. Ron John equalized with 55 seconds left on the clock, but no one could beat Rylan Hartley in the remaining 15 minutes. Last week: 12

13. Vancouver Warriors (2-9)

The victory over Saskatchewan was by far the most impressive showing for the Warriors under Troy Cordingley. Vancouver pushed ahead with a 6-1 second quarter then further secured its position with a 4-3 third. Keegan Bal had 11 points on three goals and eight assists, while Adam Charalambides had six points. Last week: 14

14. Georgia Swarm (1-7)

Backed by two double-digit point producers — with Lyle Thompson notching 12 and Andrew Kew adding 10 — the Swarm mercifully got off the schneid with a much-needed 20-4 win against Albany. The defense limited the FireWolves to just 37 shots to help rookie goalie Brett Dobson, while the offense strung together impressive runs. The Swarm’s previous high for goals in a game was 12. Last week: 15

15. Albany FireWolves (2-7)

Albany has now lost five straight, with this week’s matchup marking a new low. The FireWolves set a season low for goals, scoring five or fewer for the second time in four games, while simultaneously setting a new season high for goals allowed. To add insult to injury, it all came against a previously winless squad. Last week: 13