Photo courtesy of Rochester Knighthawks

National Lacrosse League Week 7 Power Rankings and NLL Projections

5. Saskatchewan Rush (3-1)

Power Rating: 0.0759
Current Win Total Projection: 10.45
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +15.6
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 5th
Last Week’s Ranking: 5th

Last week, we talked about how the Rush have the pieces to contend for another title. It ultimately comes down to putting together a complete game—something they have yet to do. Still, they’ve done enough to get to 3-1 and Austin Shanks and Adam Jay’s return should prevent a repeat of what we saw against Philly. The biggest area of improvement will need to be settled offense and increased production on the power play. This offense is still getting used to playing together, so I’m optimistic that a breakout offensive performance is coming.

6. Philadelphia Wings (3-1)

Power Rating: 0.0315
Current Win Total Projection: 10.27
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: +6.4
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 6th
Last Week’s Ranking: 7th

Philadelphia moves up a spot during their bye week, but whether they have what it takes to stay there remains to be seen. As I’ve repeatedly stated, the issues of transition defense and relying too much on good goaltending are still there, but the offense has certainly made up for any defensive shortcomings and Nick Damude has been as advertised in recent weeks. They’re a team I’ll continue to watch closely.

7. Vancouver Warriors (2-1)

Power Rating: 0.0005
Current Win Total Projection: 9.51
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: 0.0
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 7th
Last Week’s Ranking: 8th

As discussed last week, the Warriors are a team with few weaknesses. They have arguably one of the best defenses in the league, Aden Walsh has appeared to be a capable starter and the offense is getting production from several different players. Curt Malawasky will continue to keep this team competitive and they should be in the mix for a playoff spot once again.

8. Ottawa Black Bears (2-2)

Power Rating: -0.0497
Current Win Total Projection: 8.81
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: -10.3
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 8th
Last Week’s Ranking: 9th

The Black Bears are still a bit of enigma, but both of their losses came against two top teams, so they deserve to still be considered a potential playoff team. Despite the loss and poor performance from the offense, Ottawa deserves some credit for their game against San Diego. Holding the Seals to six goals is impressive and should get you a win. Even with Riley O’Connor expected to miss some time, we know what this Jeff Teat-led offense is capable of and the fact the defense is doing its part is a great sign.

9. Calgary Roughnecks (2-1)

Power Rating: -0.0696
Current Win Total Projection: 8.68
Latest Projected Final Point Differential: -14.4
Latest Projected Finish in Standings: 9th
Last Week’s Ranking: 10th

As discussed last week, Calgary’s depth will ultimately determine how far they go this season. Curtis Dickson, Dane Dobbie and Jesse King will continue to keep them in games, but the defense is still a big question mark. They’re allowing an average of more than 14 goals per game and need their offense to be exceptional to hang with balanced teams. If Cam MacLeod can improve and exceed expectations like other goaltenders Walsh and Riley Hutchcraft have, then the Roughnecks can make some noise and steal some wins. If not, they’re likely doomed to lose a lot of high-scoring games.

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Hutton Jackson is a Northern Virginia native and co-founder of Bet On Lacrosse who currently serves as the lead betting analyst on the platform. He is also an Emmy-winning producer whose work has appeared on MLB Network, NHL Network and The Action Network. Hutton played four years of college lacrosse at DeSales University where his highest lacrosse accolade was being named to Inside Lacrosse’s 2014 All-Name Team, an honor that didn’t require stepping on the field. When he’s not producing new video content, editing podcasts or writing about lacrosse, he can usually be found diving around the crease in your local men’s league and ranting about Baltimore and D.C. sports.

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