Arena Lacrosse League East Power Rankings - Week Five

The Arena Lacrosse League East Power Rankings after Week Five:

1. Brampton Express (4-1) ---

Another strong week had the Express keep their #1 position in the rankings .  Curtis Ward, Jake McNabb, Pent Eistrat, Zach Sunderland, and Jeremy Searle are leading a very talented group to another very successful year. 

2. Peterborough (3-2) ---

It is a big loss when Aaron Woods isn't in the lineup.  Once again the back end gave up too many goals for the offense to keep up with.  With no guarantee that Woods will be around the entire season (the NLL might come calling), the Timbermen are going to need to spread out the offense if they hope to contend. 

3. Toronto Monarchs (3-2) ⬆️1

Every week this group gets better, and are more cohesive.  Tanner Buck and Patrick Thomson led the way as the Monarchs led the RiverWolves wire to wire.  This was a statement game putting the league on notice that Toronto is ready to once again challenge for the championship. 

4. Ohsweken Bears (3-2) ⬇️1

While not the prettiest of victories, a win is a win.  I wanted to see how they would react after a big loss to Brampton, and this group showed it's character with a gritty victory over the Outlaws.  This team's work ethic will bring them a long way this season.

5. Paris RiverWolves (2-3) ---

Although it was a long afternoon against Toronto, a shortened bench didn't help matters.  No movement in the rankings, as anyone can have an off day.  I'm interested to see how the team reacts in next week's match-up with the Brampton Express.

6. Six Nations Snipers (2-3) ---

The Six Nations Snipers have made great strides recently.   This game looked eerily like the past.  A great start getting out to a 6-2 lead late into the first half.  The issues started late in the second quarter giving up two quick goals before the intermission.  While the third quarter started to get ugly, the fourth was a disaster.  Four shorthanded goals as well as three power-play goals in the last 15:29 would put this game in the loss column.  Special teams needs to tighten up if they hope to compete in the playoffs.

7. Whitby Steelhawks (2-3) ⬆️1

Although it wasn't the best of starts, the Steelhawks rode a strong special teams unit to victory in the second half.   Led by Jonah Kerr and Parker Pipher, Whitby rhymed off six fourth quarter goals for the come from behind victory. 

8. Oshawa Outlaws (1-4) ⬇️1

A much better effort this week had the Outlaws on the brink of getting out of this losing streak.  The addition of Cole Hanrahan to this offense will pay big dividends in the near future.   When this team fires on all cylinders it can compete with anyone in the league.  We haven't yet seen the best from this team this season.