With the group play now done for the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), I thought we’d have a quick look at the standings and what’s next.  Tonight there’s a TRIPLE header of games on the TV.  You need NBC Gold and NBCSN, but there’s at least a chance to watch it.  Here’s how the single elimination bracket looks after the group play.  The Whipsnakes have a first round bye and the others need to win to stay in the tournament.

Some quick thoughts on the season:

After the first game or 2, I’ve got to say that I’ve been impressed with the talent and the production of the games.  The commentators have good and add timely insight.  The camera work still needs a little work, but that happens in all sports where the camera looses the ball. And surprisingly to me, there haven’t been any Covid cases reported, so maybe the bubble thing can work.  One thing that I would like is a highlight video for the games.  I wasn’t able to watch all the games and would have liked to see more of the games instead of just quick clips.

Here’s my favoUrite play of the series so far.  This is insane.  This is also the overtime winner.

OH MY GOD THIS ANGLE 😳@ryan_ambler | @GrantAment | @PLLArchers pic.twitter.com/huwsPHbX7X

— Premier Lacrosse League (@PremierLacrosse) July 31, 2020

Whipsnakes:
That +24 goal differential is no joke.  The Whipsnakes have dominated at both ends of the field and are the team to beat.  Their faceoff guy is winning at at 75% rate.  That puts teams behind early and those extra possessions add  up.

Chrome:
They are playing as a team (for the greater good) and sharing the ball on offence. Their one loss came in OT against the Archers.

Archers:
Their one loss was against the Whipsnakes in a game that was close until the end of the 3rd period, where they just could not stop the Whipsnakes

Redwoods
A pretty balanced team, but they have been relying on the 2 point goal too much and stand around on offence way too much to create too many 1 on 6 with second left in the shot clock.

Waterdogs
Had trouble closing out games early on but seem to be coming together as a team.

Atlas
Another standing around team on offence that should be better on paper with the talent they have.

Chaos
Again more standing around and there’s no toughness on the defence.  That their goalie has the highest save percentages after group play but they have yet to win is very telling.

Points leaders:

Ground ball leaders:

Save leaders

If you’re interested in watching here’s the schedule:

All games on NBC, NBCSN or NBC Gold.  For those outside of the US, there is an international pass for these games, for $19.99(US) that gets you access to all the games, as well ask the ability to watch previous games and some behind the scenes content.

For those needing to bet or feeling lucky, all games can be bet on via Draft Kings.

And now the results of the Sterling Bracket pool after group play.  Yes, I should never be allowed to name things.

Congrats to SonOfSpam for the lead after group play .  It gets you nothing. Ha.

I’ll be back next week with a season wrap up.