Minnesota Swarm (2-1 H 1-1 A 1-0)

vs
Colorado Mammoth (2-2 H 1-2 A 1-0)

Saturday, February 7, 2009 - 7:00 pm CST
Xcel Energy Center
St. Paul, Minnesota

Live Statistics

Minnesota Swarm Game Center

TV/Internet/Radio Coverage:

More Coverage of this game at:

Regular Season History:

This is the first of two games against the Mammoth this year for the Swarm. The last time these two teams met was on March 31, 2007. The Mammoth rallied in the fourth quarter to win that game at the X, by a score of 11-9. The Mammoth, except for the new Boston team, are the only team the Swarm have never defeated in the regular season.

Rosters:

Regular Season Statistics:

2009 NLL Standings

Former Mammoth With The Swarm:

• Mark Miyashita

Former Swarm With The Mammoth:

The Minnesota Swarm will be arriving to the X after playing the previous night against the West Division leading Calgary Roughnecks. The Colorado Mammoth won their first home game after two home losses with a 12-8 victory over the New York Titans last Saturday.

What may the Swarm do in net this weekend? I see Nick Patterson (1-0 9.00 GAA .810 Save %) getting the start in both games. Even with the emergence of Kevin Croswell (1-1 7.31 GAA .852 Save %) this year, I think Nick is the way to go. Maybe more so with the Necks the previous night, but Nick has more experience with many of the B.C. players on these two teams than Croswell. Not too mention, Patterson has started well also, just ran into the machine that is Buffalo. If the Swarm score a couple in first quarter, its likely I think Patterson would have stayed in for the rest of the game and finished strong.

With the two games this weekend, the Swarm's reputed depth will get its first huge test. I definitely believe fans will see Kevin Buchanan and Joe Cinosky get their first NLL action this weekend. I am definitely interested to see what these two players have in their arsenal. I wouldn't be surprised when Buchanan plays that the Swarm will only go with three righthanders instead of their usual four on offense. Having four lefties I think we make the transition easier for Buchanan and will give Swarm Head Coach Dewey Jacobs more options than if the offense had the usual four right - three left alingment. Watching pre-season practices, one could see that Cinosky picked up quickly on what was being taught to him. I think the Swarm are very intrigued by his combination of size and speed. I know many dismiss them because of their limited indoor experience but remember that both players have been stellar throughout their careers, have been leaders who have set examples for their teammates, very athletic and both have bought into the team concept the Swarm have established. Its all about getting them into the line up so they can show what they can do. So those are two players to keep an eye on this weekend.

The Mammoth have struggled to put the ball in the net this year, having averaged under nine goals per game. They are led by their captain Gavin Prout (6g 9a) who is depended upon to orchestrate the offense. The two main goal scorers are Brian Langtry (8g 6a) and Dan Carey (5g 7a). Emerging for the Mammoth on their offense, is rookie standout Matt Danowski (5g 0a) from Duke, who had his first hat trick last Saturday.

The Mammoth's goaltender to start this season, Gee Nash (1-1 13.49 GAA .696 Save%) is on injured reserve. So, they brought in Curtis Palidwor but backup Andrew Leyshon (1-1 8.55 GAA ..782 Save%) has done well after being out of the league in 2008 and may keep the starting job up til Nash gets back.

The Mammoth played their best game of the year last weekend against the Titans. Was that game trend or mirage for the Mammoth? Is Andrew Leyshon trend or mirage in net for the Mammoth? Right now I tend to believe it is closer to mirage and even if it is a trend it won't be enough. The Swarm will be their toughest opponent to date and maybe with some new juice in the already solid line up, I see the Swarm finally getting their first victory over the Mammoth in team history. I think you will see the Swarm exceed their ten goals per game average and finish the weekend strong and in first place in the West.

Prediction: Minnesota Swarm 13 Colorado Mammoth 9

Minnesota Swarm Promotions:

• First 5,000 attending will get a Swarm Fifth Anniversary Lacrosse Ball
• Special Jerseys to support local heroes
• Postgame Party at McGovern's Pub

Next Games After This Match Up

• Minnesota (2-1) vs Boston (2-3) - Friday, February 20 7:00 pm CST
• Colorado (2-2) vs Calgary (4-0) - Saturday, February 14 8:00 pm CST