Mclaughlin Schools Black Wolves In Ot

January 15, 2017

By Lindsey McGuire / NLL.com Correspondent

Photo by Jack Dempsey / Colorado Mammoth

Eli McLaughlin ushered the Colorado Mammoth into an 11-10 win over the New England Black Wolves with a first minute goal in OT.

New England got off to a hot start with 2 quick goals within the first 3 minutes of the game, but Colorado answered back, scoring two goals within 39 seconds. Jay Thorimbert’s first goal of the season finished off the first quarter, elevating New England to a 3-2 lead.

The Colorado Mammoth dominated the second quarter starting at 3:45 seconds with five goals catalyzed by Jeremy Noble. The four goal run in just over 2 minutes included not only Noble, but McLaughlin and Wardle while Zack Greer extended the run with his first goal at the Pepsi Center 5:46 into the quarter. The Mammoth rolled into half-time with a 7-3 advantage over the visiting Black Wolves.

Shortly into the third quarter, Colorado Forward Callum Crawford scored what seemed to be the final nail in the coffin. However, New England’s Kyle Buchanan responded with a morale-shifting goal 3:06 into the 3rd quarter, making the score 8-4 Mammoth. Buchanan wasn’t finished with the 4th Black Wolves goal of the night. He added the fifth, as well as assisted Shawn Evans to the 6th New England goal. Crawford topped off his hat trick to bring the Mammoth lead back to 3 at the end of the quarter.

Two-time NLL MVP, Shawn Evans, wasn’t going to let his team go down without a fight. He picked up his second goal of the night 2:51 into the 4th. Still, Crawford didn’t let Evans out-shine him. He scored his 4th goal of the game with 9:49 remaining, putting Colorado back on top 10-8. New England Forward Crowley stepped up with his own hat trick with 4:43 left in the 4th. He dished it off to Saunders for the game-tying goal with little time left, forcing a Mammoth – Black Wolves overtme.

McLaughlin finished off the Black Wolves only 51 seconds into overtime, giving the Mammoth their second win on the season and a great rebound after last week’s home loss to Vancouver.

The Mammoth will play next Friday, January 20 at home against the Calgary Roughnecks. Tickets can be purchased by visiting coloradomammoth.com or by calling (303) 405-1101.