Week 9 was a quiet one around the NLL, comparatively speaking: only four games were on the schedule, but they sure did capture the fans’ attention. Some teams got shuffled around the Top 8 on their bye weeks due to the wins and losses of teams around them; such is the nature of Power Rankings. When you’re hot, you’re hot, and when you’re idle… we have to take into consideration how you might do next week. Let’s get to it.
January 23, 2026: The San Diego Seals vs Philadelphia Wings at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA.
The Seals got off to a slow start in their first few games and that led to a 1-3 record (and 0-3 at home). However, they’ve quietly won their last two meetings (both on the road) and find themselves back in playoff positioning in seventh place. This week featured a comeback effort against Philadelphia, which held a 5-1 lead early in the third quarter. Ben McIntosh got the ball rolling, and the Seals scored eight of the last 10 goals of the game. McIntosh, fresh off the IR, led with a hat trick and two assists. If the Seals can stay healthy – Corey Small is on his second stint of the season on the IR – they have a chance to do more damage.
EDMONTON, ALBERTA – January 16, 2026: The National Lacrosse League (NLL) presents the UnBOXed Series from Rogers Place. Calgary Roughnecks vs Georgia Swarm. (Photo by Cliff McCaig/NLL).
Week 9 Result: Beat Toronto
Week 10 Opponent: at Halifax (3-4)
Previous Ranking: N/A
The Swarm is gaining momentum. A modest two-game win streak has them at 4-3 and in fifth place in the standings. After starting the season looking for a new identity without Andrew Kew, the Swarm’s offence is beginning to click. Lyle Thompson has stepped up his game, Shayne Jackson is playing like a steady veteran and rookie Nolan Byrne is scoring highlight-reel goals like they’re going out of style. More importantly, goaltender Brett Dobson is having a career year with a league-best GAA of 6.89 and a save percentage of .867. The Swarm head into Halifax this weekend – a third consecutive win would have put them in consideration as one of the league’s top teams.
Henderson, USA – Jan. 17, 2026: Philadephia Wings vs Las Vegas Desert Dogs at Lee’s Family Forum in Henderson, USA. (Photo by Candice Ward/National Lacrosse League)
Week 9 Result: Idle
Week 10 Opponent: vs. Oshawa FireWolves (2-6)
Previous Ranking: 7th
The Desert Dogs are among four teams that are tied with 3-3 records. They had a week off and now host the 2-6 FireWolves, a team desperate for a road win. Their offences are comparable, with each team sporting four solid scoring options. Where this game will be won is in the defensive end: Las Vegas needs to lock it down in front of Landon Kells, as Oshawa will pepper him with shots to take advantage of his .770 save percentage. The Dogs’ D has room for improvement – they’re in the bottom six in blocked shots, loose balls and caused turnovers, and those are stats they’ll need to key on to move past .500.
Buffalo Bandits against the Ottawa Black Bears on Jan. 16, 2026 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY. (Caroline Sherman/NLL)
Week 9 Result: Lost to Vancouver 12-8
Week 10 Opponent: at Toronto (3-3)
Previous Ranking: 5th
Ottawa remains in the mix with a 4-4 record after falling to Vancouver. They started slow, but a three-goal run late in the second gave them a chance to pull off another fourth-quarter rally, as has been the case in four of their games so far. This time, neither team could muster much offence in the second half, with only four goals scored between them. Unusual for the Black Bears, who are first in both goals for and goals against at an even 94. Interestingly, Zach Higgins has been pulled in six of their eight games so far, but only for a few seconds. Each game, he has returned to the net stronger, allowing Ottawa to pull off those offensive comebacks.
Buffalo Bandits @ Rochester Knighthawks 12/07/24
Week 9 Result: Idle
Week 10 Opponent: at Colorado (5-2)
Previous Ranking: 4th
This past week off for the Bandits could have both positive and negative outcomes. With a 3-3 record and a two-game losing streak, it will either give them time to reset and regroup, or it will make them a little rusty heading as they head west to face the Mammoth. With three losses so early in the season, it’s not clear how the Bandits will rebound after so much success in the prior three seasons – this is a different kind of adversity for the defending champs. A test against the surging Mammoth will be a good measuring stick for the path forward.
Week 9 Result: Beat Ottawa 12-8
Week 10 Opponent: at Rochester (4-2)
Previous Ranking: 6th
The Warriors must have objected to their placement in last week’s Power Rankings, because they didn’t look at all like a middle-of-the-pack team the way they jumped on Ottawa this weekend. It was 3-0 less than six minutes into the game and 9-2 a few minutes into the second as the Warriors cruised to a solid 10-6 halftime lead. They passed the ball around like they were playing keep-away, and every goal had a little “oomph” to it, like they were making a point. While it is concerning that the Warriors only scored twice in the second half, they held the Black Bears to only two as well. Both offence and defence did what they needed to do.
Buffalo Bandits @ Rochester Knighthawks 01/10/26 (Credit: Jonathan Tenca/NLL)
Week 9 Result: Idle
Week 10 Opponent: vs. Vancouver (4-2)
Previous Ranking: 2nd
The 4-2 Knighthawks are on the cusp of greatness this season, but there are several teams standing in their way, including the Warriors, whom they face on Saturday with an identical record. While the Warriors showed this weekend they can score in bunches, Rochester often does so – they sit third in total goal output (13.5 goals/game) while Vancouver sits 11th (10.3 goals/game). Rochester’s worst output was their 11-10 loss to Toronto last week, so as long as Connor Fields, Ryan Smith and Ryan Lanchbury get back on track, and Rylan Hartley turns in another dynamic game in goal, the Knighthawks should get a valuable win.
Denver, Colorado – January 24, 2025: Oshawa FireWolves at Colorado Mammoth at the Ball Arena in Denver Colorado, United States. (Photo by John Matthew Harrison/National Lacrosse League)
Week 9 Result: Beat Oshawa 15-11
Week 10 Opponent: vs. Buffalo (3-3)
Previous Ranking: 3rd
We didn’t know what to expect from the Mammoth when the season began, but the team has shown it’s built of pure resilience, and they earned their spot this week with consistent yet dynamic play. First, they overcame a six-week injury to Andrew Kew. Now, they’re missing Ryan Lee, but his teammates are picking up the slack. Kew had a 10-point game against Oshawa with 4G/6A. Owen Rahn scored his first career hat trick that included a one-handed dunk goal. The offence came in bursts – the Mammoth took a 3-1 lead away from Oshawa with a five-goal run in the first and then broke a 7-7 tie with a four-goal run. Dillon Ward made 49 saves, and the defence blocked another 10 from even reaching him.
Week 9 Result: Idle
Week 10 Opponent: at Calgary (1-5)
Previous Ranking: 1st
The Rush ride their five-game winning streak into Calgary this weekend to face their arch-rivals. Owners of a 1-5 record, the host Roughnecks aren’t going to roll over for the League leaders. Two of their losses were only by a single goal, and one was in overtime. They work hard and they’re hungry. Saskatchewan has to match that energy to extend its streak, and this past week off should have everyone raring to go.
