As we stepped into the fresh season of the National Lacrosse League last weekend, 15 teams began their quest for dominance, eager to dethrone the reigning Buffalo Bandits. Notably, five of these teams hail from Canada, with Canadian teams capturing victory in four of the last seven NLL Cups.
Lacrosse ranks as a favorite pastime for sports bettors in Canada.
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Given its rapid pace and impactful action, lacrosse naturally attracts those eager to bet on sports—but who will finally hoist the trophy as the season concludes? With 15 teams commencing their campaigns with renewed hope, we're examining the potential contenders for the ultimate bragging rights.
After wrapping up last season with a dismal 3-15 record, marked as the lowest in the NLL, changes were inevitable. However, all wins were achieved away from home. Talks from training camp suggest readiness for a comeback, thanks to a roster shake-up that introduced agility and young blood, particularly with Alex Simmons.
Drafted fourth in 2022, Alex Simmons delayed going pro to finish his studies at Syracuse. This rookie might just be the catalyst the Wolves need, though the weight of expectation rests heavily on his shoulders.
The incumbent champions carry the weight of expectation into a new season, having reached the finals three consecutive times, albeit losing the first two. As champions, they now face the challenge of defending their title. They finished with a remarkable 14-4, leading the East despite other teams possessing superior offensive and defensive stats. Their approach was business-like, ensuring victories whenever needed.
Dhane Smith, the league's standout player and two-time MVP, shattered the league record for assists last year with 96. The Buffalo Bandits have locked him into a fresh five-year deal, establishing the foundation for another championship push. Failing to reach the NLL Cup Final would indeed be a letdown.
The team, with five championships under their belt, dominated with four wins between 2009 and 2013. Despite setting a personal best 13-5 regular-season record last year, they fell short against the Colorado Mammoth in the Western Finals.
Christian Del Bianco, the reigning MVP and only the second goalie to ever nab the MVP title, remains crucial in their pursuit of glory. They showed poise when needed, going 6-1 toward the end, but a stronger start would ease some stress.
Defending Western champions, they concluded last year's regular season with a modest 9-9 after placing fourth in the West. Despite taking the Bandits to a series-deciding game 3 in the NLL final, avoiding a post-defeat slump is essential to bounce back stronger.
Adding to their challenges, Ryan Lee is grappling with a knee injury. However, this setback might just stir a collective resolve, pushing the team to perform with renewed vigor. With a recent championship triumph under their belt, they're certainly strong contenders for yet another finals appearance.
Their previous season was a tale of two halves, starting disastrously with seven straight losses before rally to secure six consecutive wins in the latter half — nearly sneaking into the playoffs. Such a turnaround would have been an inspiring saga.
For a successful campaign, they must start strong this time. Replicating their prolific goal-scoring feats from the past season could be pivotal, especially given their reputation as one of the NLL's offensive powerhouses.
The team finished last season with a balanced 10-8 record, posting identical 5-4 marks both at home and away. But improving home performance is crucial as the specter of two successive first-round playoff exits looms large, with an aging lineup in tow.
Last year, they led the Eastern Conference with 238 goals, second only to the Western Conference leaders, the San Diego Seals, with 240. With Ryan Benesch turning 39 in January and Cody Jamieson at 36, the urgency is apparent. An impressive start could be their last chance to make a significant impact.
In their inaugural season, a 5-13 record ensued, managing a respectable 4-5 at home but struggling vastly on the road. Their sole road win came against the Albany FireWolves, the league's weakest team that year.
With experience now on their side, it's reasonable to foresee progress this season. Despite their midseason slump last year resulting in a breakdown, any forward momentum could be invaluable as a foundation for future growth.
Placing seventh in the East in both 2022 and 2023, little progress made in their third season within the NLL. However, a glimpse of hope emerges as they house some of the league's top young talents.
Tyson Gibson and Jeff Teat, both top draft picks, have anchored a promising foundation, with both earning Rookie of the Year honors. There's renewed anticipation for Teat, an MVP favorite, to spearhead a significant leap forward this season.
Hailing from Texas, the team edged into the playoffs last year with a 10-8 record after a 7-11 debut season. Although falling short against the Roughnecks in the playoffs, the experience should fuel their determination to return.
The Roughnecks were a formidable obstacle in the latter stages of their last season. They didn't face them until game 16, where they suffered defeats in consecutive games, including the decisive playoff outing. Their lone matchup with the Roughnecks this season is highly anticipated and promises intensity.
The NLL, based in Philadelphia, prides itself on the Wings, who share the record for most championships with six titles. Concluding last season with a 9-9 mark, they triumphantly beat the Rochester Knighthawks thrice in their last five games. Still, it wasn't quite enough to secure a playoff berth.
Mitch Jones, a notable returnee, has signed a new contract after ranking third in league points. Joining him, Joe Resetarits has been stellar over the past two seasons, amassing 111 and 110 points, respectively. Another productive year could significantly bolster the Wings.
Following a blistering 6-0 season start, the team found its momentum unsustainable, ultimately securing a 10-8 finish. Making the playoffs was well-received, yet their leaky defense—the most vulnerable among playoff qualifiers—needs tightening.
As the top pick in the 2022 draft, big things are expected from Thomas McConvey. Fans are hopeful his addition ensures an enduringly strong performance throughout the season. Last year saw them losing six of their final seven games, culminating in a playoff drubbing by the Bandits.
Leading the West last year with a 14-4 finish, they matched the Bandits' record in the East. Their league-best 240 goals, split evenly between home and away, were instrumental.
At first, a first-round playoff ousting at the hands of the fourth-seed Mammoth in the West seemed disappointing. Yet, the Mammoth ultimately pushed the finals to a decisive game against the Bandits, marking their second straight postseason triumph over them. Revenge is surely on the cards after dominating the West both times.
The Rush concluded last year 8-10, boasting a winning home record and starting strong at 5-3. Nonetheless, a second-half collapse, with five straight losses and seven in eight games, saw the Mammoth leapfrogging them into the playoffs.
Between 2016 and 2020, as a freshly rebranded Saskatchewan team, they dominated with five consecutive Western titles (nabbing the 2015 title in Edmonton). Yet, the past two seasons saw them settle under .500. Victories in 2016 and 2018 added to their triumphs, and fans are yearning for a revival. Yet, realism suggests another around-.500 season might be reality.
The Rock boasts six championship titles, tying them as the league's top franchise. However, since their last victory in 2011, they showcased stellar defense last season, scoring the third-most goals. Still, their road struggles were a stumbling block, managing an 8-1 home record but tallying 5-4 away.
Eager to start on the right foot, memories of an 11-10 regular-season finale loss to the Bandits linger as they finished East runners-up. Such losses dented their confidence, exacerbated by consecutive Eastern Finals defeats to the same foe. To truly capitalize on their talent, mental toughness is key this season.
Struggling at the basement of the Western Conference with a 4-14 finish, only the FireWolves fared worse. Beginning the season 1-9 marked a terrible start, with 247 conceded goals as the league's worst defensive record.
Reid Bowering, the second pick from the 2020 draft, has truly shone brightly, cementing himself as one of the league's elite defensemen. He's evolved into a master at transitioning plays, and regardless of where he lines up, he's pivotal to their hopes of an improved season—given the right teammates can be found to support him.
In recent years, the Buffalo Bandits and Colorado Mammoths have crossed paths in the NLL finals, each capturing glory once. As the new season unfolds, both teams seem poised to contend again, especially with the East emerging stronger. The Bandits, leading the race at +700, are anticipated favorites. Yet, the New York Riptide, sitting at +1300, might just break through and challenge for honors in the East.
