Updated 1.8.22
Friday, January 7
Colorado Mammoth (2-1) at Vancouver Warriors (2-1) – 10:30pm ET – ESPN+/TSN
The lone matchup on Friday evening comes as an early season test for both of these Western Conference teams sitting at the top of the standings. In the abbreviated 2019-20 season, each team won a home game against the other. However in the 2021-22 season, Western Conference teams are 0-8 at home. Keegan Bal* and Mitch Jones for the Warriors are both in the top 10 in the NLL in points this season. The Mammoth are 2-0 are on the road this season and will look to continue their early season success away from the Loud House in front of Dillon Ward and a staunch defense. *Keegan Bal was placed on the COVID Protocol List as of 1.8.22 and will miss this game
Saturday, January 8
Georgia Swarm (1-1) at Philadelphia Wings (2-1) – 12:00pm ET – ESPNEWS/TSN
The NLL is back on ESPNEWS to start the new year. The Swarm have not played since December 12 where Lyle Thompson put up a casual 10 points (5g, 5a) in their win against the New York Riptide. Wings faithful will be back in full force to see if Zach Higgins returns to the net after a scary play in his last game where a shot went through his facemask. The Wings are 2-0 at home and have a quartet of players who already have more than 10 points each through three games.
Calgary Roughnecks (1-2) at Rochester Knighthawks (2-1) – Postponed
Announced late Thursday evening, the Roughnecks at Knighthawks game has been postponed to a later date to be determined.
Saskatchewan Rush (1-2) at Albany FireWolves (0-2) – 7:00pm ET – ESPN+/TSN
Two of top performing teams in 2019-20 find themselves struggling early on in 2021-22. Each team has the core of their rosters from the previous season and may just need to shake off the cobwebs. The Albany FireWolves traded for Ryan Benesch this past week who is top 10 all-time in points in NLL history to try and kickstart their sluggish offense. For the Rush, they have a trio of players over 10 points this season but which other players will help fill the support role? Each Rush game has been a nail-biter, each being decided by one goal so far this season.
Toronto Rock (2-1) at Buffalo Bandits (2-0) – 7:30pm ET – ESPN+/Sports Interaction Game of the Week on TSN
The Sports Interaction Game of the Week on TSN features two preseason favorites in the Eastern Conference. The previous Game of the Week’s have all been decided by one goal. Will this game live up to the same hype? Buffalo comes in with one of the most potent offenses, averaging 14 goals per game in their first two contests. Dan Dawson of the Toronto Rock is primed to make history this weekend. He will play in his 300th NLL game, becoming only the second player to achieve that milestone. With two points, he will surpass NLL Hall of Famer John Grant Jr for second on the all-time list. For both records, he trails only Bandits legend and Head Coach, John Tavares. *Effective 1.6.22 – Dan Dawson was placed on the COVID Protocol List and will miss this game and will need to wait until next game to hit these milestones
Panther City Lacrosse Club (0-3) at San Diego Seals (2-1) – 10:00pm ET – ESPN+/TSN
Panther City has not looked like an expansion team even with their winless record. Early in the season, they have played in two one goal games, including an overtime loss at Philadelphia in Week 1. The offense will look a bit different without one of their key veterans in Ryan Benesch who was traded to Albany earlier this week. Regardless of who is playing for Panther City, Head Coach Tracey Kelusky will have his team ready to play with the same intensity they have shown through three games. The Seals in their last two games have looked like a team on a mission. They lead the league in goal differential through Week 5 and Dane Dobbie continues to look like a natural fit in purple and gold with a team leading 11 goals. It might only get scarier for opponents now that Austin Staats and Zack Greer are also back in the lineup.
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