The PLL stars still competing in the NLL playoffs

The NLL playoffs are underway, and have already delivered unforgettable moments. 

Halifax completed a comeback for the ages, erasing a seven goal deficit while holding Vancouver scoreless for the second half, sending the one seed home early. It was one of the most remarkable comebacks in pro lacrosse playoff history. 

San Diego scored a OT game winner that actually might not have been a game winner. Commissioner Brett Frood made a statement after the game that, after the league reviewed the play, they found that the goal should actually not have counted. The refs who worked the game won’t be working future playoff games. It’s a brutal way for the second seeded Colorado Mammoth to see their season end, especially given just how hot they’d be coming into the postseason. 

Toronto, a team that leans on rookies in multiple key spots, took down third seeded Saskatchewan 16-13. The vets led the way in playoffs, but Owen Hiltz had four assists and CJ Kirst had a hat trick. The Rush had looked vulnerable, as after a a red hot first 10 games, the offense had seriously stalled over the last few weeks. They were better against Toronto, but the Rock shot as well as they had all year and were opportunistic in odd man situations and unsettled play to pull ahead.

Finally, and maybe most notably, is the result that assured will have a new NLL champion for the first time since 2022. Georgia jumped all over Buffalo early, and continued to pour it on, routing the three time defending champions 17-10. Brett Dobson’s MVP case gets louder every week.

All told, the eight, seven, six, and four advanced.  The top three seeds are done. 

For some lacrosse fans, particularly those who are more excited about the outdoor season than indoor season, this means some of the stars who play in both leagues may be available earlier than expected. Many players from eliminated teams wasted no time in getting to camp. Desert Dogs star Jon Donville was part of some highlight goals for the Denver Outlaws at camp. Others are taking some time to get their body right. Connor Fields was placed on the Holdout List, which Chris Bates has said is just giving him time to heal up. Ottawa Black Bears star Jeff Teat wasn't yet on the Atlas camp roster as he heals up from NLL season, while Brennan O'Neill hit the PUP list as he recovers from a lower body injury.

There are a number of outdoor stars still competing indoors. Here’s an NLL team by team breakdown of the four remaining teams and the PLL stars on those teams. 

GEORGIA SWARM

Brett Dobson (Utah Archers)

Michael Grace (New York Atlas) Grace is now on the PUP List and IL’s Adam Levi has reported Grace tore his ACL and will miss the summer.

Mike Manley (Denver Outlaws)

HALIFAX THUNDERBIRDS

Ryan Terefenko (Denver Outlaws)

Casey Wilson (Philadelphia Waterdogs)

SAN DIEGO SEALS

Wes Berg (California Redwoods)

Tre Leclaire (Utah Archers)

Zach Currier (Philadelphia Waterdogs)

Pat Kavanagh (Denver Outlaws)

Eli Gobrecht (New York Atlas)

Trevor Baptiste (New York Atlas)

Chris Kavanagh (California Redwoods)

Danny Logan (New York Atlas)

Matt Wright (California Redwoods)

TORONTO ROCK

CJ Kirst (Philadelphia Waterdogs)

Owen Hiltz (Carolina Chaos)

Sam English (California Redwoods)

Hugh Kelleher (New York Atlas)

Presented differently, this is the list by PLL team of who is still competing in the NLL playoffs and now will miss opening weekend. 

UTAH ARCHERS

Brett Dobson, G

Tre Leclaire, M

NEW YORK ATLAS

Michael Grace, D Grace will reportedly miss the summer with a knee injury

Trevor Baptiste, FO

Danny Logan, SSDM

Hugh Kelleher, M

Eli Gobrecht, D

BOSTON CANNONS

None

CAROLINA CHAOS

Owen Hiltz, A

DENVER OUTLAWS

Mike Manley, D

Ryan Terefenko, SSDM

Pat Kavanagh, A

CALIFORNIA REDWOODS

Sam English, M

Wes Berg, A

Chris Kavanagh, A

Matt Wright, D/LSM

PHILADELPHIA WATERDOGS

Casey Wilson, SSDM

Zach Currier, M

CJ Kirst, A

NLL Playoffs continue this weekend and have been electric so far. Tune in to see the PLL stars that you’re missing on the field dominate indoors.