#1 – San Diego Seals (2-0)
Week 2 Result: 13-12 OT win vs. Saskatchewan Rush
Week 3 Opponent: Bye
Previous Ranking: 4th
We all knew the San Diego Seals would get here eventually. After Week 2’s slate of games, the Seals are one of two teams in the NLL that are a perfect 2-0 to start the season. They earned that record after pulling off one of the most remarkable 4th quarter comebacks in recent memory this past weekend. Having beaten two highly respected clubs in the Saskatchewan Rush and the New York Riptide to start the year, the Seals will look to continue their best start to a season in their franchise’s young history when the face the Calgary Roughnecks in two weeks.
#2 – Halifax Thunderbirds (1-0)
Week 2 Result: Bye
Week 3 Opponent: New York Riptide (0-1)
Previous Ranking: 2nd
The Halifax Thunderbirds were one of the many teams that didn’t suit up last weekend, and they shouldn’t be punished for that. Their Week 1 dominating win is still one of the most complete games we’ve seen from one of the league’s teams this season. Heading on the road to face the formidable Riptide, the Thunderbirds will have the next chance to prove just how good they’ll be this season.
#3 – Saskatchewan Rush (1-1)
Week 2 Result: 12-13 OT loss at San Diego
Week 3 Opponent: Bye
Previous Ranking: 3rd
The Saskatchewan Rush were so, so close to being labeled the undisputed, no-doubt-about-it #1 team in the power rankings, but it wasn’t to be. Still, losing on the road, in overtime, in hostile territory against many analysts pick to win the NLL Cup, shows just how good this team can be. With a blend of youthful exuberance and savvy veteran wisdom, this roster is loaded with talent at every position. They’ll have this bye week to right and wrongs and be ready to storm out of the gates against Panther City Lacrosse Club on New Year’s Eve.
#4 – Toronto Rock (1-1)
Week 2 Result: 7-11 loss at Rochester
Week 3 Opponent: Buffalo Bandits (0-1)
Previous Ranking: 1st
It was an unexpected defeat, but the Rock took their first loss of the season to the surging Knighthawks. The Rock are still one of the best team’s in the league and will be looking to make a big statement against the Buffalo Bandits, who they last saw in the 2021-22 East Conference Finals. With a win this coming weekend will surely right the ship and move the Rock back up the ladder. An early season loss like their last one could spell trouble for the rest of the league. The Rock have made it clear that they are in win-now mode; this loss will only fuel their desire to prove the deserve to be competing for the NLL Cup this spring.
#5 – Rochester Knighthawks (2-0)
Week 2 Result: 11-7 win vs Toronto
Week 3 Opponent: Albany FireWolves (1-0)
Previous Ranking: N/A
The Knighthawks are surprising a lot of people early on this season, but not themselves. Looking like a focused, energized, cohesive unit on the floor, the Knighthawks are off to their best start in their young franchise history. Not many teams have beaten the Toronto Rock since the 2019-2020 NLL season, but the Knighthawks have now been added to the short list of teams that have. Led by the spectacular efforts of Connor Fields and Rylan Hartley in the first couple of games, the entire unit is showing that they belong in any way too early postseason conversations.
Next 3 In (in alphabetical order)
Albany FireWolves (1-0)
Week 2 Result: Bye
Week 3 Opponent: Rochester Knighthawks (2-0)
Previous Ranking: Next 3 In
The Albany FireWolves have already proven that they are up for any challenge after beating the Bandits in Week 1. Now, after a week off, the FireWolves will be hosting arguably the hottest team in the NLL, the Knighthawks. Looking to start a season 2-0 for the second time in three years, the defensive and goaltending efforts will need to be in peak form for another full 60 minutes versus the league’s 3rd-highest scoring offense.
Buffalo Bandits (0-1)
Week 2 Result: Bye
Week 3 Opponent: Toronto Rock (1-1)
Previous Ranking: 5th
The Buffalo Bandits had the last weekend off, so they couldn’t avenge their nail-biting loss to the FireWolves in Week 1. Last season’s East Conference champs are still one of the most potent and skilled groups in the league. Looking to avoid falling to 0-2 for the first time since the 2016-17 NLL Season, the determined and confident Bandits will be trying to bully their fierce East Conference foes, the Toronto Rock, into submission this weekend.
Colorado Mammoth (0-1)
Week 2 Result: Bye
Week 3 Opponent: Panther City Lacrosse Club (1-0)
Previous Ranking: Next 3 In
There is no doubt that the defending NLL Champions will be looking to show the lacrosse world that they are still the kings of the box. This is a team, that, when fully healthy, can be a nightmare for any opponent. The fact that Rhys Duch is joining the crew is just one more reason to think that the Mammoth mean serious business this season.
