NLL Week 19: Playoff Race Heats Up

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) enters a pivotal weekend with the Buffalo Bandits and Saskatchewan Rush deadlocked for the top seed, having already clinched playoff berths. Seven games will shape the postseason landscape—here’s what to watch.

Weekend Schedule (All games on ESPN+)

• Friday, April 4
  • Calgary Roughnecks at Saskatchewan Rush | 9 p.m. ET
  • Albany FireWolves at Vancouver Warriors | 10 p.m. ET
• Saturday, April 5
  • San Diego Seals at Halifax Thunderbirds | 6 p.m. ET
  • Ottawa Black Bears at Rochester Knighthawks | 7 p.m. ET
  • Philadelphia Wings at Georgia Swarm | 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Buffalo Bandits at Colorado Mammoth | 9 p.m. ET
• Sunday, April 6
  • Toronto Rock at Las Vegas Desert Dogs | TBD

Key Storylines

1. Saskatchewan Rush vs. Calgary Roughnecks

   • The Rush aim to pressure Buffalo with a home win. Calgary, 5-2 on the road, must rebound after losing 4 of 5 to stay in playoff contention.

2. Vancouver’s Surge with Del Bianco

   • The Warriors are 3-0 since goalie Christian Del Bianco joined, vaulting into playoff position. Albany, despite a rocky start, rides a 3-game streak.

3. Halifax’s Final Home Game

   • The Thunderbirds (9-6) host San Diego (8-7) in a tight battle for seeding. The Seals’ offense has scored 10+ goals in 7 straight games.

4. Rochester’s Red-Hot Streak

   • The Knighthawks, led by 40-goal duo Ryan Smith and Connor Fields, face Ottawa’s Jeff Teat (43 goals) in a critical matchup.

5. Buffalo’s Road Dominance Tested

   • The Bandits (6-1 away) face Colorado’s Mammoth (8-7). Star Dhane Smith (133-point pace) eyes his own single-season record (137 points).

Week 18 Highlights Recap

• Top plays included clutch goals, defensive stands, and overtime thrillers—setting the stage for Week 19’s drama.

Follow every clash live on ESPN+ as the NLL playoff picture crystallizes!