Outlaws' winning streak snapped after 13-12 loss to Carolina
The Denver Outlaws (6-2) had hopes of clinching the first seed in the PLL playoffs on Friday, facing the Carolina Chaos (4-4). Instead, aspirations were spoiled in a 12-11 loss, also snapping Denver’s six game winning streak.
The Outlaws struck first in their homecoming game, with this series of PLL games played at Peter Barton Stadium in Denver, Colorado. They’d dominate the remainder of the first quarter, scoring four unanswered goals from Brennan O’Neil (2), Jared Bernhardt and Dalton Young.
The Outlaws piled onto their lead in the second quarter, with a two-point goal from Mike Manley just 47 seconds in. Young followed with a power play score when the Chaos answered back, scoring three consecutive goals and took control for the rest of the match. Although a Pat Kavanagh score took Denver up 9-5 into the second half, the Outlaws were outscored 10-3 after Young’s power play goal with nine minutes left in the second quarter.
The Chaos opened the third quarter with back-to-back two-point goals to knot it up 9-9. Kavanagh countered, but Carolina unfortunately tied it back up and took the lead for good with three straight goals going into the fourth quarter. The Outlaws tried to mount a comeback but fell one score shy, losing their first game since June 6, 12-11.
Denver’s offense started hot but stalled, only finding the back of the net twice in the second half. The unit was led by Kavanagh, O'Neil, Bernhardt and Young who each scored twice, while Logan Wisnauskas acted as a facilitator, contributing with four assists. The Outlaws had 19 shots on goal, with nine of those being saved by Carolina’s goalie Blaze Riorden. They also struggled winning faceoffs as Luke Wierman only took 10 out of 22, having a 45.5% faceoff win rate.
JT Giles-Harris and Jake Piseno led the defensive front, combining for three caused turnovers and five ground balls. Goalkeeper Logan McNaney helped the Outlaws stay in the game with 13 saves with a 56.5% save rate.
Although the Chaos snapped Denver’s win streak, the Outlaws were able to clinch the PLL playoffs a day later against the New York Atlas 13-12.
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