Lizards No. 1 for second straight week
After a convincing 13-9 win over Washington, the Long Island Lizards have turned their season around. With three wins in four games, the Lizards maintain their hold atop the Inside Lacrosse Power Rankings, while widening the gap in the East over struggling Philadelphia. Story
1. Long Island Lizards
After avenging their only loss of the season against the Bayhawks last Saturday, the Lizards are staking their claim as the team to beat in the East. The addition of Frank Resetarits looks like it will be a useful one (2g, 2a in debut). Last week: 1.
2. Rochester Rattlers
No one should want to square off against B.J. O'Hara's bunch right now. That's three in a row and counting after another quality win over Philadelphia. This weekend it's 'Watch out Washington.' Last week: 5.
3. L.A. Riptide
Los Angeles has officially taken over the reigns from suddenly slumping Denver as the top dog in the West. A win over San Francisco this weekend would give them some breathing room heading into All-Star break. Last week: 7.
4. Philadelphia Barrage
That's two 11-goal outputs in a row for the Barrage, who have suddenly faded back into the Eastern pack. Despite the skid, Ryan Boyle continues to be outstanding on offense. Last week: 2.
5. Washington Bayhawks
A promising start is beginning to slip away for the Baltimore transplants. The offense has struggled mightily in back-to-back losses, with just 20 goals to their name. Things don't get any easier this week with Rochester visiting Georgetown. Last week: 3.
6. Boston Cannons
Boston didn't disappoint in maintaining their position as the toughest team in the league to figure out. Followed up a huge win over Washington with a headscratching loss to New Jersey. Will the real Cannons please stand up? Last week: 4.
7. San Francisco Dragons
Grabbed a nice win over Denver last weekend, but the true test of the West comes this Saturday when they square off against conference-leading Los Angeles. A 3-3 record heading into the break would look really nice after an 0-2 start to the season. Last week: 8.
8. Denver Outlaws
What is happening with the Outlaws? The defense hasn't been able to stop anyone over the past two weeks, as Denver surrendered 20+ goals for the second week in a row. They should be hungry to get back in the win column and avenge an earlier loss to Chicago this weekend. Last week: 6.
9. New Jersey Pride
The Pride didn't move up the rankings this week, but a second straight win has them on the cusp of making some real noise in the East. They get Boston again this week, who they silenced on the road last weekend. Another win and the Jersey glass is most definitely half full. Last week: 9.
10. Chicago Machine
After losing by identical 21-13 scores in the last two weeks, Chicago appears to have reverted back to its 2006 form. With a weak West this season, they are down, but at this point in the season, not out. Last week: 10.
