Feature image credit: Colorado Mammoth
On a night when Callum Crawford and John Grant, Jr. set individual records, the Colorado Mammoth won its eighth home game of the season to set a new benchmark for Pepsi Center dominance. The Mammoth scored four straight in the fourth quarter to turn a 9-7 deficit into an 11-9 advantage – one it wouldn’t relinquish – as Colorado defeated Vancouver, 11-10, to knock the Stealth out of playoff contention.
John Grant Jr.’s second-quarter goal was the 231st of his Mammoth career, moving him past Brian Langtry for the most in team history. He added two more in the final frame.
Callum Crawford had four assists in the first half, then strung together four straight assists in the fourth quarter to tie the NLL single-season record with 83.
“It’s all about building momentum going into the playoffs, and I think we’ve done that the last two weeks – two wins,” said coach Dan Stroup.
Dillon Ward registered 43 saves on 53 shots on goal to inch his save percentage on the season from .799 to .800, tops in the league and a new career-best.
Ilija Gajic picked off a pass and scored on the ensuing breakaway early in the third to take the NLL lead in goals by a defender with eight. Later, teammate Jordan Gilles matched his total on one of Crawford’s eight helpers.
Colorado hosts the West Division Semifinal presented by Honey Smoked Salmon next Saturday, May 7 at 7:00pm MDT against the Calgary Roughnecks on HealthONE Field at Pepsi Center. Tickets are on sale now.