How did the Denver Outlaws secure their spot in the MLL final. What role did veteran player John Grant Jr. play in the team’s success. How did the Boston Cannons’ early lead slip away in the crucial semifinal match.
The Ageless Wonder: John Grant Jr.’s Spectacular Performance
In a stunning display of skill and determination, the Denver Outlaws staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Boston Cannons 17-15 in the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) semifinal. At the heart of this victory was the 44-year-old veteran, John Grant Jr., whose exceptional performance turned the tide of the game.
Grant Jr., who had previously retired from professional lacrosse, made a triumphant return to the sport in May of this year. His motivation? To give his children the opportunity to watch him play. Little did anyone know that his comeback would prove instrumental in propelling the Outlaws to the MLL final.
Grant Jr.’s Game-Changing Goals
With the Cannons holding a comfortable 14-11 lead late in the third quarter, Grant Jr. unleashed a series of spectacular goals that left spectators in awe:
- Three consecutive goals from within 10 feet of the net, including a behind-the-back shot
- A remarkable over-the-shoulder, no-look snipe from the right side of the cage
These goals not only evened the score but also injected a surge of momentum into the Outlaws’ play. Grant Jr.’s performance was a testament to his enduring skill and the invaluable experience he brings to the team.
Boston Cannons’ Strong Start and Early Dominance
The semifinal match began with the Boston Cannons asserting their dominance on the field. Their aggressive offensive strategy and precise execution allowed them to build a substantial lead early in the game.
Key Players and Scoring Highlights
Several Cannons players made significant contributions to their team’s early success:
- Will Sands: Scored a pair of goals, his 20th and 21st of the season
- Ryland Rees: Added a two-pointer to the scoreboard
- Zed Williams: Netted three goals, including his 35th of the season
- Cal Dearth, Kyle Jackson, and Mark Cockerton: Each contributed crucial goals
By the end of the first quarter, the Cannons had established a commanding 7-3 lead. This advantage expanded to 8-3 early in the second quarter, showcasing the team’s offensive prowess and putting significant pressure on the Outlaws.
Denver’s Gradual Comeback: Turning the Tide
Despite facing a six-goal deficit, the Denver Outlaws refused to concede defeat. Their comeback began with a series of strategic plays and crucial goals that slowly but surely eroded the Cannons’ lead.
Key Factors in the Outlaws’ Resurgence
- Capitalization on man-up situations
- Strong performances from players like Mikie Schlosser and Chris Aslanian
- Improved defensive strategies in the later quarters
As the game progressed, the Outlaws’ determination became increasingly evident. They managed to narrow the gap to 13-10 by halftime, setting the stage for their dramatic third-quarter comeback.
Crucial Moments and Game-Winning Plays
The final quarter of the semifinal was a nail-biting affair, with both teams fighting fiercely for a spot in the MLL final. Several key moments and players stood out during this critical phase of the game.
Game-Deciding Goals
- Chris Aslanian: Scored the official game-winning goal with 5:40 left to play
- Zach Currier: Added an insurance marker, extending Denver’s lead to 17-15
These pivotal goals, combined with Grant Jr.’s earlier heroics, secured the Outlaws’ victory and their place in the MLL final against the Chesapeake Bayhawks.
The Impact of Injuries on the Boston Cannons
As the game progressed, the Boston Cannons faced challenges beyond the scoreboard. Injuries to key players had a significant impact on their performance and strategy.
Notable Injuries
- Kyle Denhoff: Forced to leave the game due to injury
- Kyle Jackson: Injured in a collision, resulting in a one-minute, non-releasable penalty for the opposing team
These injuries undoubtedly affected the Cannons’ ability to maintain their early momentum and respond to the Outlaws’ resurgence. The loss of these players limited the team’s options and may have contributed to their inability to hold onto their lead.
Chesapeake Bayhawks: Denver’s Final Opponent
While the Denver Outlaws celebrated their hard-fought victory, another intense battle was unfolding in the second MLL semifinal. The Chesapeake Bayhawks, five-time MLL champions, secured their spot in the final with a thrilling overtime win against the Atlanta Blaze.
Bayhawks’ Path to the Final
- Final Score: Chesapeake Bayhawks 14, Atlanta Blaze 13 (Overtime)
- Key Players: Lyle Thompson and Andrew Kew (3 goals each)
- Game-Winning Goal: Steele Stanwick (Overtime)
The Bayhawks’ victory sets the stage for an exciting MLL final against the Denver Outlaws. With both teams demonstrating resilience and skill in their respective semifinal matches, fans can anticipate an intense and closely contested championship game.
Looking Ahead: The MLL Final in Denver
The stage is now set for an epic showdown between the Denver Outlaws and the Chesapeake Bayhawks in the MLL final. This highly anticipated match will take place on Sunday in Denver, offering both teams the opportunity to claim the championship title.
Factors to Watch
- John Grant Jr.’s continued impact on the Outlaws’ performance
- The Bayhawks’ championship experience as five-time MLL winners
- Home-field advantage for the Denver Outlaws
- Potential strategic adjustments based on semifinal performances
As lacrosse fans eagerly await this clash of titans, one question looms large: Will the Denver Outlaws, buoyed by their dramatic comeback and the inspiring play of John Grant Jr., emerge victorious? Or will the seasoned Chesapeake Bayhawks add a sixth championship to their impressive collection?
The Significance of Denver’s Comeback Victory
The Denver Outlaws’ semifinal triumph over the Boston Cannons is more than just a win; it’s a testament to the team’s resilience, adaptability, and depth of talent. This victory holds several important implications for the team and the league as a whole.
Team Morale and Momentum
Overcoming a significant deficit in a high-stakes game can have a profound impact on team morale. The Outlaws’ ability to stay focused and mount a comeback demonstrates their mental toughness and unity as a team. This positive momentum could prove crucial as they head into the final.
Veteran Leadership
John Grant Jr.’s performance underscores the value of experience in pressure situations. His leadership on the field not only contributed directly to the scoreboard but also likely inspired and steadied his younger teammates. This blend of veteran savvy and youthful energy could be a winning formula for Denver.
Tactical Flexibility
The Outlaws’ ability to adjust their game plan and chip away at the Cannons’ lead showcases their tactical flexibility. This adaptability will be an essential asset in the final, where quick strategic shifts could make the difference between victory and defeat.
League Excitement
From a broader perspective, such a thrilling semifinal match generates excitement for the MLL and the sport of lacrosse as a whole. Close, competitive games with dramatic comebacks help to attract new fans and retain existing ones, contributing to the growth and popularity of the league.
As the Denver Outlaws prepare to face the Chesapeake Bayhawks in the MLL final, they carry with them the confidence and momentum gained from their semifinal victory. Will this remarkable comeback serve as a springboard to championship glory? The lacrosse world eagerly awaits the answer.
Boston Cannons fall short to Denver Outlaws in MLL semifinal
Breaking News
The ageless wonder of Major League Lacrosse nearly single-handedly willed his Denver Outlaws team back into Friday’s semifinal against the Boston Cannons, and his younger — much younger — supporting cast finished the job, completing a 17-15 come-from-behind win at the University of Denver’s Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium.
Chris Aslanian will be listed as scoring the official game-winning goal, and Zach Currier added the insurance marker for the Outlaws, but there is no doubting that 44-year-old veteran John Grant Jr. was the star of Friday’s contest.
“I’m just glad I get to play another one,” Grant Jr. told ESPN after the game. “I didn’t want this to be my last one.”
With the Cannons enjoying a 14-11 advantage late in the third quarter, Grant Jr. went to work. He netted three consecutive goals — all three from inside of 10 feet and one behind his back — to even the game. Even when Boston responded to start the fourth, Grant Jr. was there again, scoring on a ridiculous over-the-shoulder, no-look snipe from the right side of the cage as he ran away from the keeper.
Aslanian then put the Outlaws ahead for the first time in the final frame with 5:40 to play, and Currier beat Boston keeper Nick Marrocco as he flew through the air at the top of the crease to extend the Denver advantage to 17-15.
Grant Jr. had retired from professional lacrosse but came back to the game in May of this season, saying he wanted his children to be able to watch him play. Now, they’ll watch him compete in the MLL final against the Chesapeake Bayhawks on Sunday in Denver.
The Cannons started well Friday. Will Sands scored a pair of goals and Ryland Rees added a two-pointer as Boston jumped out to a 7-3 advantage through 15 minutes. Sands, known more for his assist game than his scoring, managed his 20th and 21st goals of the season in that first frame to put the third-seeded Cannons in front.
Cal Dearth, Zed Williams and Kyle Jackson also scored in the opening quarter for the Cannons.
Williams added his second of the game early in the second quarter to push the Cannons’ lead to five at 8-3. Just past the four-minute mark of the second, Williams added this third of the night, his 35th of the season, and pushed the Boston advantage to six.
But Denver started to chip away. Buoyed by a pair of man-up situations, the Outlaws closed the gap to 10-7, and then 11-9 and 12-10 as the teams traded goals while having a tough go of it on defense. Leading the comeback charge for the Outlaws was Mikie Schlosser, who had two great shots from in tight that beat Marrocco.
The Cannons wrested momentum back in the final seconds of the half when Mark Cockerton beat the buzzer in tight for a 13-10 advantage. The 13 goals in the first two quarters were four more than the Cannons scored in their entire previous game against the Outlaws in Denver back on August 31, a 22-9 setback.
Aslanian led Denver with three goals in the opening half. Williams led the Cannons with four.
In the third quarter, the teams started to play a little more conservatively and take more time on their offensive possessions. The Cannons also started getting banged up. Kyle Denhoff and Jackson were both big losses, the latter hurt on a collision officials deemed a one-minute, non-releasable penalty. They were unable to take advantage of the 60-second man-up situation, but Dearth buried a chance not long afterward to push the lead to 14-10 with the first score of the third quarter.
Zach Currier’s shot from the high right side beat Marrocco just shy of the 10-minute mark of the third to close the gap again to three at 14-11.
And then the ageless wonder took over the latter minutes of the third.
In the other semifinal, Lyle Thompson and Andrew Kew had three goals each as the Chesapeake Bayhawks came from behind to upend the Atlanta Blaze 14-13 in overtime to reach the MLL final.
Steele Stanwick was the hero for the Bayhawks, the five-time MLL champions playing this season as the top seed after a 10-6 regular season. Stanwick snagged the pass to the left of the cage, spun toward the middle and was tripped up. As he flew through the air, Stanwick fired the ball past keeper Christopher Madalon. After a brief conference of the officials, the goal counted.
Brian Phipps earned the win in the cage for the Bayhawks with 13 saves.
Mark Matthews led the scoring for Atlanta (9-8) with three goals. Madalon made 14 saves in the loss.
Justin Pelletier is a veteran, award-winning New England-born sports journalist. For 16 years, he worked for — and eventually led — the sports department at the Sun Journal of Lewiston, Maine. There, he helped lead the department to numerous state and national honors, eventually ascending to Managing Editor, Nights/Sports. A graduate of Boston University and proud member of the famed “Jack Falla mafia,” Pelletier has returned to Boston after an absence of “far too long.
” He is active with the Associated Press Sports Editors, serving as its Northeast Region chair. Pelletier is married and has twin daughters, who every day are an inspiration to push forward.
Outlaws Have Plenty of Motivation to Repeat as MLL Champions
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Outlaws Have Plenty of Motivation to Repeat as MLL Champions
Wed Oct 2 2019 | Phil Shore | Pro
MLL
PHOTO BY RON CHENOY/PRETTY INSTANT
Dillon Ward has made Denver his home, playing for MLL’s Outlaws and the NLL’s Mammoth.
He was also the MVP of the 2014 world championship at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, site of Sunday’s MLL championship game.
As Major League Lacrosse front office, players, coaches and fans descend on Denver for MLL championship weekend, the home team — the Denver Outlaws — considers it business as usual.
For a team that earned a trip to the postseason for the 13th time in 14 season, for a franchise that won last year’s MLL championship and three of the last five titles, the players know what to expect because it’s what is expected of them week in and week out.
“Every year, it’s expected we win championships,” Denver faceoff specialist Max Adler said. “It starts with [Outlaws president] Mac Freeman. Anything short of that, there’s no consolation prize.”
That’s not to say there isn’t plenty of motivation, because there is.
One reason for Denver’s success has been roster stability. The Outlaws, who will play the Boston Cannons in the second semifinal Friday at the University of Denver’s Peter Barton Stadium (10 p.
m. Eastern on ESPN News) have six players on the active roster with championship rings from last year, including finalists for MLL MVP (Zach Currier), Defensive player of the Year (Finn Sullivan) and Goalie of the Year (Dillon Ward) awards.
They have their sights set on becoming the league’s first repeat champions since the Chesapeake Bayhawks in 2012 and 2013.
“We chose to all come back to the Outlaws,” Adler said, referring to those players who stuck with MLL rather than leave for the new Premier Lacrosse League this year. “We’re the team that got the most guys back. We all had other options, but we made the choice to come back to Denver to win another championship, and because we were treated so well in Denver. We wanted an opportunity to repeat and defend our championship.”
“It’s very hard to [repeat] in this league,” Sullivan added. “The talent is so deep. Even with the two leagues this year, it’s a deep league. You saw that with Dallas and the [six-game] surge they went on.
We understand how difficult it is, but we understand the opportunity is amazing to win in front of our home fans, who are amazing.”
Outlaws attackman John Grant Jr., who was the championship game MVP in 2013, came out of retirement to compete as a player/coach this season. He has won five MLL championships, including three years in which his team defeated Denver for the title.
Denver is an important place in Grant’s lacrosse career, as it is for many of the players on the Outlaws. Getting an opportunity to win the championship in front of their home fans means a lot to Ward and Adler, as well. Not only would they get to celebrate with the supporters that have backed them all season, but also the Outlaws would be only the second team to win the MLL championship in their home market, following only the 2010 Chesapeake Bayhawks.
“To compete for a championship in front of them, that’s the dream,” Adler said. “To win a championship in front of your home crowd, that’s what everyone dreams of that plays sports.
It’s why it’s so great to play for a home team. It’s a fan base that doesn’t just care about the individual players but for the team. You represent their city. It’s a really cool opportunity.”
The championship game will be played at Dick’s Sporting Good Park, where the 2014 world lacrosse championship was held. Ward, the MVP of the tournament, helped Canada win the gold medal with 10 saves in the championship game.
“Denver has become my home,” said Ward, who also plays for the National Lacrosse League’s Colorado Mammoth. “I live here full time. I just bought a house with my girlfriend here. We have the best fans in lacrosse. Denver loves lacrosse. To play for a championship here in front of our home crowd, at the University of Denver and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, which I have history at, I’m excited to have an opportunity to win a championship here in front of our home crowd.”
Although Denver is once again in the playoffs, and there is a lot of excitement from the players for the games in front of their home crowd, it doesn’t mean there haven’t been obstacles to overcome.
The Outlaws lost defenseman Eli Gobrecht and midfielder Mikie Schlosser, each for multiple games due to injuries. When Schlosser, in particular, went down, it also coincided with a four-game losing streak.
Denver rebounded from that losing streak, however, with three straight wins to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Ward said that adversity will help the Outlaws moving forward.
“When we came out of this slump, I looked at myself and the guys in the room and said, ‘This is a team that can get back to where we want to be,’” he said. “It’s easy to mail it in. It’s hard to get back to what made you successful. Us going through that slump has helped us get back together.”
The team also had to cope with the death of its owner, Pat Bowlen, who passed away June 13 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Bowlen, who owned both the Outlaws and the NFL’s Denver Broncos, is given a lot of credit not just for helping to bring professional field lacrosse to Denver, but also for offering unwavering financial and emotional support.
Winning another championship would be a great posthumous honor.
“If he’s not the one to say we’re going to have a professional lacrosse team in Denver, none of this happens,” Adler said. “There’s no alternative. [Bowlen’s death] had a huge impact on us, and we’d love to win this for Pat Bowlen and in his memory.”
Last year, the Outlaws won the championship on the backs of unheralded players whom they acquired through unconventional means. Ward, Sullivan and Gobrecht all were supplemental draft picks. Schlosser was a sixth-round college draft selection, while Adler was a seventh-round pick out of Division II.
This year, however, those same players comprised Denver’s backbone. Their experience not only helped the Outlaws win games, but also they steered the team out of a losing streak and helped bring along key first-year contributors like Chris Aslanian (a finalist for the MLL Rookie of the Year award) and Brendan Kavanagh (a 2018 supplemental draft pick that made his debut in 2019).
“At the end of the day, we want to win week in and week out. We’re building for the championship weekend,” Ward said. “The guys who have been underdogs are taking more of a leadership role and pulling us toward that goal.”
Despite the potential to make history, to do something MLL teams have been unable to do for quite some time now, the Outlaws’ greatest motivation is, quite simply, each other.
“The biggest thing is how much we love playing with each other and hanging out with each other,” Adler said. “We’re working other jobs. We can’t go out partying; we have to wake up at 5 and work out. It’s not for our stats. It’s to win another championship. We’ve been doing everything we can to make sure we win again.”
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Result Denver – Miami 5 June 2023: score and match statistics
What did you bet on
Majority choice
P2
3.
80
107 forecasts
F2H1
2.78
12 predictions
F1 (-8.5)
2.00
11 predictions
Predictions for Denver vs Miami 05 June 2023
Jun 05
00:00
Denver Nuggets
–
Miami Heat
Is the Miami fairy tale ending? The club, which had eliminated such strong opponents as Boston, Milwaukee and New York, completely failed in the first leg. But it is worth noting that Miami had big problems with implementation. Maybe there was not enough time for rest, after all, the series with Boston lasted 7 games, when Denver closed Los Angeles dry. Now the clubs should be in more or less equal conditions, and the former and the latter had only 2 days to rest. Miami can gather at any moment and surprise once again. There was infa that Hirro could play in the second match, but he would not be, however, even without his participation, the Hit should level the score
Jun 05
00:00
Denver Nuggets
–
Miami Heat
In the second game of the final series, Denver will try to strengthen its advantage over Miami and one step closer to the coveted title.
From the second meeting between Denver and Miami, I expect about the same picture as in the first meeting, Denver will close Butler to the maximum without which Miami it’s just that the more viscous style of Miami makes you not even think that the teams will open up sharply, besides, Denver is well aware that losing the advantage of their parquet can cost a lot, since the team did not look very good away during the regular season, so 216 points is enough for the eyes in this match.
Jun 05
00:00
Denver Nuggets
–
Miami Heat
The NBA Finals continues. Denver Nuggets second home match against Miami Heat. Denver, as expected, confidently won the first game and continues on to the title. Denver is rightfully considered a favourite, they are very good during the season and have not yet lost at home in the playoffs. Miami The second team in history with a play-in to the final. All the games in Miami were difficult and they have character here.
Miami this time did not play attacking and could not score even 93 points. Denver averages 114 points in the playoffs. All 5 personal meetings for Denver and all had more than 111 points. I think the closed game is not profitable clips
Jun 05
00:00
Denver Nuggets
–
Miami Heat
The second match of the NBA Finals, between Denver and Miami.
Denver showed in the first match that it’s just a car this season, the team just took it calmly without nerves and won. Nikola Jokic is the lead tasher along with Murray, plus some other guys helped out.
As for Miami, they showed just a terrible game, Butler’s 13 points, plus 0/10 from the field by Strus, just some kind of failure, especially for the final. Butler said that they will fight, the chances for this are very small, at least on the Denver site.
I took this outcome because watching the first game I realized that they can score much more points, which they will do today.
Jun 05
00:00
Denver Nuggets
–
Miami Heat
“Highlanders” rush at full speed to their championship under the leadership of their leader Nikola Jokic. He is, of course, a strange character; only Giannis in the National Basketball Association can argue with him in strangeness. One is a freak-freak, the other is a goof during a normal run. But when the Serb has the ball in his hands, real miracles happen. Basketball has never seen such a smart center in the body of a well-fed “Carlson”. He should eat honey from jam and run away from Freken Bock, and not compete with the best basketball players in the world. But he competes, and how. One of the best, if not the best player in the world right now. This is Denver’s x-factor, and Miami has nothing to block it.
Easy win Nuggets
All match predictions
90,002 The Nuggets have won all nine home games this season. Looking forward to a 2-0 series with the “Hit” following the second meeting in the highlands of Denver?
Estimated lineups for the match Denver – Miami:
Vincent – Strus, Butler – Martin, Adebayo
Statistical facts for the match Denver – Miami:
The Nuggets are the second-best home team in the regular season (34-7), with nine wins in nine home games in the playoffs.
Taking into account the past regular season, Jokic and Co. have five wins in a row in face-to-face meetings with the “Hit”. It begs P1 (-6.5) for 1.71 P1 (-6.5) 1.71
In 13 out of 16 Nuggets playoff games, the total was 211 or more points (81%). To be considered TB (211) for 1.55 TB (211)1.55
Prediction for Denver Nuggets vs Miami Heat match:
The Nuggets had a great first game of the series (104:93), which is especially important against the background of the following fact: the Heat started with a victory in all three previous series on the way to the final. Perhaps, one can feel the reserve of Jokic and Co., when the fourth quarter has already become a formality, so it is hardly possible to talk about PM2. And yet, the “Hit” issued 93 points, while they implemented 40.6% of shots from the field and performed only three free throws. Definitely, Butler and his teammates did not get points even if the match was lost.
