Three teams can clinch playoff spots

By Matt Scully |  7/21/11 11:15 AM

Entering Week 9 of the season, with four games to play, all six teams are still mathematically alive for playoff spots yet no team has officially clinched the all-important postseason berth. That will likely change this weekend as three teams have a chance to guarantee themselves reservations at Championship Weekend in Annapolis on August 27^th and 28^th.  

The league-leading Boston Cannons (6-2) can clinch a playoff berth with either a win over Hamilton or a loss by Long Island.  Either scenario will leave the Cannons with a three game lead on Long Island with three to play and the Cannons holding the tie-breaker by winning the season series.   

The second-place Chesapeake Bayhawks (5-3) can also guarantee themselves a spot in the post-season with a win over Long Island by four or more goals, thus giving them the season series advantage in goal differential over the Lizards.  

Currently sitting in third place with a 5-3 record, the Denver Outlaws can clinch their sixth straight playoff appearance with a win over Rochester and a Long Island loss against the Bayhawks.  With this result, Denver could finish no worse than 6-6 and Long Island could finish no better than 6-6.  As Denver holds a 2-0 head-to-head tiebreaker over Long Island, this guarantees them the playoff spot.

With a record of 4-4, Hamilton currently holds the fourth position in the standings with Long Island (3-5) only a game behind. While neither team can lock up a playoff berth this weekend, they both are battling for positioning heading down the final stretch of the season. Rochester (1-7) is coming off their first win of the season and while still officially eligible for the post-season, they would need to win out and receive some help from other teams in order to qualify. 

Championship Weekend Seats Now Available- The MLL will host the 2011 Sports Authority Major League Lacrosse Championship Weekend presented by Warrior on Saturday, August 27^th and Sunday, August 28^th at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, MD.  Lower Level Sideline Weekend Packages are just $30.  To purchase seats, please call the MLL directly at 617-787-6638.

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