Newswire: MLL final week previews
MLL final week previews
Friday, August 10, 2012 12:47:24 PM


Caption: The Outlaws and Bayhawks will battle for the No. 1 slot in the MLL this weekend.

Alternate Text: The Outlaws and Bayhawks will battle for the No. 1 slot in the MLL this weekend.

Issue Codes
Professional Lacrosse
Week 14 is upon us, and everyone is waiting with bated breath to see who will make the final two playoff spots for the 2012 season. Three teams are in contention: the defending MLL champion Boston Cannons, the Long Island Lizards and the Rochester Rattlers.

The first two could clinch with wins this weekend as they're currently tied for third, but if either Boston or Long Island falls, the door will be open for Rochester. Here's what this weekend's matchups look like for the three remaining players:

♦ Boston will face the pitiable Ohio Machine, who they decimated last week 19-13. It would be a huge upset if the Cannons lost this one, but it's worth mentioning that Ohio has the homefield advantage here and that Boston did give up 13 goals in their previous encounter.
♦ Long Island will battle the almost equally inconsequential Hamilton Nationals, who stand at 3-10 for the season. They shouldn't have a problem either, but with shaky performances in recent weeks from Greg Gurenilan, Stephen Peyser and Max Seibald it could go either way.
♦ Rochester takes on the Charlotte Hounds, who currently sit right below them in the rankings but have three fewer wins for the season. They will only get a playoff spot if they win and Long Island loses, but they will surely be fighting tooth and nail in North Carolina, and have a good shot at a win here. They were not in a fair fight when they took on Denver last week.

Last but definitely not least, the Denver Outlaws and Chesapeake Bayhawks will duke it out in their season finales for first place in the league this weekend. Both teams have clinched their playoff spots, but neither wants to be called "Wild Card No. 1."