The National Lacrosse League has shown such parity over the years that the case of the Edmonton Rush, the Washington Stealth’s opponent tonight, raises eyebrows.
The Rush, who are starting their fifth season in the NLL, have yet to produce a winning record. Their all-time mark is 16-48, including 5-27 on the road. But a couple of offseason moves, most notably the hiring of former Portland LumberJax head coach Derek Keenan as head coach and general manager, seem to have the franchise pointed in the right direction.
Keenan’s addition brings a winning track record to the franchise — he guided Portland to the playoffs three times in four seasons — and the signings of veteran forward Gavin Prout (26 goals, 48 assists last season for Colorado) and transition player Brodie Merrill (14 goals, 33 assists with Portland) give Edmonton its strongest roster in five seasons.
“It’s the best team they’ve had by far, easily,” Washington head coach Chris Hall said.
Washington (1-0), coming off a 17-8 season-opening win over the Colorado Mammoth, is familiar with Edmonton’s new coach and players, but the Rush have a slight edge in the scouting department heading into tonight’s 8 p.m. game at Comcast Arena. The advantage? Edmonton, which opens its season tonight, had a chance to see the Stealth play last weekend.
“You have a bit of an idea of their style,” Hall said. “… It is different to prepare against a team that you haven’t seen operate together.”
Hall and the Stealth do know that Merrill, an NLL All-Star in 2009 with the now-defunct Portland Lumberjax and a former Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year selection, will figure prominently in whatever the Rush do.
“Certainly Brodie Merrill is the key to their transition and the key to many parts of their game,” Hall said. “We have to pay special attention to him.
“I think it’s no secret that Brodie is a major factor.”
The Stealth, who relocated to Everett from San Jose, Calif., in June, own a 9-1 all-time record against the Rush. Keenan said he was impressed with what he saw from the Stealth last weekend.
“They seem to bring something in all areas, which is different to prepare against,” Keenan said of the Stealth’s season-opening win. “Certainly it’s going to be a big challenge for us.”
The Stealth won both games against Edmonton last season, including a 16-6 thrashing that saw 10 Stealth players score and an 11-10 comeback win.
Washington, though, does have some injuries in its defensive corps.
Fifth-year defender Travis Gillespie, who played in just seven games last season because of a torn calf muscle, is out at least six weeks with a broken hand, and second-year defender Brett Manney won’t play against Edmonton because of a sore elbow, Hall said.
Kyle Hartzell, a second-year transition player, figures to be a game-time decision after missing last week with a lower body injury, Hall said.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
