Week 13 featured four games of NLL action – a quiet weekend compared to the 10 games on deck in Week 14! But every game was action-packed with multiple lead changes and epic comebacks. Colorado’s winning streak came to an end at the hands of the Rock, while the Rush increased their streak to nine with a comeback against Philadelphia. Buffalo and Halifax made valiant efforts but couldn’t get past the higher-ranked Vancouver and San Diego, respectively. Was there any shakeup in the Power Rankings? Let’s find out.
Buffalo Bandits @ Rochester Knighthawks 01/10/26 (Credit: Jonathan Tenca/NLL)
The Knighthawks sit ninth in League standings, tied with Las Vegas with a 4-5 record and on a four-game losing streak. That’s right – prior to their current streak, they were 4-1 and considered one of the League’s most promising teams. It’s been a bumpy road with all four losses coming at the hands of Canadian teams, and this week the first-place Rush coming to visit. The Knighthawks have what it takes to win – the reigning MVP, a tough defence and an eager and energetic goaltender. Can they put it all together and start the second half of their season on a positive note?
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 13 Result: Idle
Week 14 Opponent: vs Vancouver (7-3)
Previous Ranking: 8th
The Desert Dogs enjoyed a bye in Week 13 to prepare for the Warriors, the team that beat them 15-9 in their first game of the season. The Dogs lost another game by six goals, but it was back when they faced the Rush on January 9. Since then, they’ve won by three twice and lost by three to Georgia and one goal to Colorado, respectively, as Landon Kells has settled into his role as a veteran goaltender. Chase Fraser remains out, but Chris Cloutier, Mitch Jones and Jonathan Donville have filled his void to lead offensively and nearly even out the teams’ goals for (12.3 per game) and goals against (12.9 per game).
Ottawa Black Bears @ Rochester Knighthawks 02/14/26 (Credit: Jonathan Tenca/NLL)
Week 13 Result: Idle
Week 14 Opponent: vs Oshawa (2-9)
Previous Ranking: 6th
After a Week 13 bye, league-leading scorer Jeff Teat (78 points) and his Ottawa Black Bears host the Oshawa FireWolves this weekend at Canadian Tire Centre. Ottawa is solidly in the middle of the pack, currently on a two-game streak with wins over Calgary and Rochester. They’ve been guilty of falling behind in games but have had outstanding fourth quarters, led by their captain, Teat, who has scored 17 of his 30 goals in the final frame. It’s hard to contain Teat when he gets on a heater, and it’s not likely the 2-9 FireWolves will be the ones to do it.
January 23, 2026: The San Diego Seals vs Philadelphia Wings at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, PA.
Week 13 Result: Beat Halifax 9-8
Week 14 Opponent: at Colorado (8-3), vs Vancouver (7-3)
Previous Ranking: 7th
It was Halifax who commanded the first half of Saturday’s oceanside matchup until a five-goal run from the hometown Seals gave them an 8-6 lead in the third quarter. San Diego saw the Thunderbirds tie it early in the fourth but scored the game-winner shortly after on a perfect play – goaltender Chris Origlieri lobbed the ball to defender Graydon Bradley, who streaked into the offensive zone three on two and flipped the ball underhand to forward Dylan Watson, who drove in and scored. The Seals have a tough week ahead against two top teams and will need that kind of team cohesion to get past them.
HAMILTON, CANADA – JANUARY 31: 2025 NLL regular season game action between the Ottawa Black Bear and Toronto Rock at TD Coliseum on January 31, 2026 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NLL)
Week 13 Result: Beat Colorado 13-9
Week 14 Opponent: vs. Buffalo (4-6)
Previous Ranking: 5th
In Week 12, Toronto fell to Colorado 16-8, but fast forward a week and the Rock, now sitting at 6-4, dethroned the Mammoth after a huge five-goal run in the fourth quarter. The Rock made a switch at forward, sitting veteran Dan Craig and dressing Isiah Moran-Weekes for his NLL debut. Moran-Weekes played the role of water bug, collecting a goal and assist while buzzing around to help his teammates. Challen Rogers and CJ Kirst had had tricks, and Troy Holowchuk made 42 saves. The Rock next face rival Buffalo, which is sure to be a heated matchup – Toronto/Buffalo always is, and the Bandits will be looking to assert some dominance.
Buffalo Bandits at Vancouver Warriors – 02.20.26 (Jaclyn McKee)
Week 13 Result: Beat Buffalo 11-9
Week 14 Opponent: at Las Vegas (4-5), at San Diego (6-4)
Previous Ranking: 4th
Vancouver led 5-1 against Buffalo this weekend but fell flat in the second quarter, allowing a run of six goals before they got back on their feet to outscore the Bandits 5-2 the rest of the game. It was a testament to their veteran core that the team never showed any panic during the Bandits’ run, and that patience will serve them well going forward. Curtis Dickson was held to one assist against Saskatchewan but picked himself up this weekend, contributing four goals and two assists. Jesse King had a hat trick that included the game winner, along with a pair of assists. The Warriors are making a swing to the American Southwest this week, visiting two teams nipping at their heels – Las Vegas on Friday and San Diego on Saturday.
Georgia vs Halifax 01-31-2026
Week 13 Result: Idle
Week 14 Opponent: Home and home with Philadelphia (2-8)
Previous Ranking: 3rd
The idle Swarm, owners of a five-game win streak, face a home-and-home series with Philadelphia in Week 14. They sit tied with Vancouver at 7-3 and have allowed the lowest number of goals of the season with only 77, thanks to goaltender Brett Dobson’s league-leading .857 save percentage and 7.03 GAA – numbers that are almost unheard of at this level. Shayne Jackson and Lyle Thompson have come alive as of late to bolster the offence, but it’s Dobson who has been the story of the season since day one. He should have no trouble handling Philadelphia’s shooters this weekend – he hasn’t had trouble handling anyone.
Denver, Colorado – January 31, 2025: Buffalo Bandits at Colorado Mammoth at the Ball Arena in Denver Colorado, United States. (Photo by John Matthew Harrison/National Lacrosse League)
Jack Hannah #33 of the Colorado Mammoth
Week 13 Result: Lost to Toronto 13-9
Week 14 Opponent: vs San Diego (6-4)
Previous Ranking: 2nd
The Mammoth’s seven-game win streak was snapped by the Toronto Rock in the back half of their home-and-home series. Colorado still sits in second place in the Standings, but they were outworked and outplayed in the fourth quarter of Week 13. After closing the third period tied 7-7, the lead changed hands three times, and the Rock scored the final five goals of the game. It was an undisciplined outing, with the Mammoth giving up four goals on seven power play opportunities. Jack Hannah contributed six assists but was held goalless, and Toronto won every defensive category except faceoffs. The Mammoth are human, after all.
The Saskatchewan Rush host the Vancouver Warriors at Sask Tel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, February 14, 2026
Week 13 Result: Beat Philadelphia 14-6
Week 14 Opponent: at Buffalo (4-6), at Rochester (4-5)
Previous Ranking: 1st
Maybe it was the early start, maybe it was the incoming winter storm on the Eastern seaboard, but the Rush were unusually down 3-0 after the first quarter against Philadelphia on Sunday. They tied the game at halftime and then took over the second half, dominating in every category, capitalizing on three of their power plays and outscoring the Wings 10-2 to take a decisive victory and their ninth consecutive win. The Rush continue their Eastern swing this coming weekend, visiting Buffalo and Rochester. Both opponents are under .500, but that doesn’t mean winning will be easy. They’ll be up for facing the number one team with the goal of being the one to take them down – Buffalo especially, as this will be their first meeting since the Bandits beat them in last year’s NLL Finals.
