IL Indoor

Garrett Billings is the NLL's Rookie of the Month. (Photo: Toronto Rock)

Sure the Toronto Rock have Colin Doyle back in town, but that’s not the only reason they’re 5-1 and near the top of the National Lacrosse League heap. As good as he is, he can’t do it alone and a pair of rookies in Garrett Billings and Stephan Leblanc are as big a reason as any for the resurgence of the Rock. Billings and Leblanc not only are the top two scoring NLL rooks this season, but their 38 and 36 points, respectively, give the Rock 3 of the league’s top 6 scorers and that’s why Billing and Leblanc are at the top of our NLLInsider.com Rookie Rankings.

Billings

1. Garrett Billings, F, Toronto Rock: The right-hander is proving not only to be a great player, but a smart player, even after he was named NLL Rookie of the Month for January. He scored a total of 4 goals in the 2 games he played last weekend, but he also had 12 assists in those games, meaning he knows he’s starting to draw attention and instead of forcing his shots, he’s finding the open man. In 6 total games, he’s got 17 goals and 21 assists for 38 points which is tops among NLL rooks and No. 2 overall in the NLL. He’s on pace to finish with 101 points, which would shatter the NLL record set by Washington’s Rhys Duch, last year’s NLL Rookie of the Year.

2. Stephan Leblanc, F, Toronto Rock: The left-hander had 3 goals and 6 assists against Philly and 2-3 against Buffalo, giving him a 14-point weekend and a boost up to No. 2 overall in our rankings. He was credited with the second assist on the winning goal against Philadelphia and his 36 overall points (11-25) are No. 2 overall among NLL rooks.

3. Ilija Gajic, F, Colorado Mammoth: The lefty got himself back in the scoring column after being shut out last week, but he has cooled off a bit after his hot start. He’s got just 1 goal in his last 2 games after scoring 10 in his first 4 games, but his 61 shots on goal are a team high, showing he’s still got the confidence to unload.

4. Alex Gajic, F, Colorado Mammoth: The right-hander had just 3 loose balls and 7 shots on goal in Colorado’s loss to Orlando, but he wasn’t the only offensive guy with an off-night. The Mammoth scored 2 of their 5 goals in the final 3 minutes.

5. Matt Beers, D, Washington Stealth: More and more, he’s proving to be a vital part of the defensive machine in Washington. He scooped a team-high 12 loosies in the win over Minnesota as the Stealth ran their record to 6-0. Zero penalty minutes in his third straight game means he’s keeping himself on the floor, too.

6. Chris Corbeil, D, Buffalo Bandits: He was credited with the second assist on Buffalo’s second goal as the Bandits raced to a 3-0 against Toronto before eventuall losing. Scooped 4 loosies and stayed out of the box as Buffalo hung tough before Toronto pulled away.

7. Sid Smith, D, Rochester Knighthawks: The No. 1 overall draft pick isn’t necessarily struggling one-on-one, but another weak team effort on defense is affecting his stock. He scooped 3 loosies in the road loss to Boston and as fine a defender as he is, he can’t guard everyone.

8. Zack Greer, F, Minnesota Swarm: Back in the lineup after being a healthy scratch the week before, the lefty scored a goal, scooped 5 loosies and even took a roughing penalty. His power-play goal late in the 3rd tied the game, 7-7, before Washington pulled away.

9. Curtis Manning, D, Calgary Roughnecks: He scored his second goal of the season, his first since the opener, but more importantly was part of a defensive effort that helped the Riggers snap their 3-game losing streak. Scooped 6 loosies.

10. Kyle Clancy, F, Buffalo Bandits: The left-hander rode the pine in Buffalo’s first 4 games but has made the most of finally getting the call and moves into our Top 10 list for the first time this season. He’s got 3 goals and 6 assists in his 2 games, including a 2-5 performance in last week’s loss to Toronto.

Honorable mention and rookie notes: Boston T Ryan Hotaling continues to impress. He scored his second goal of the season and won 15 of 25 faceoffs to become Boston’s leader in that category, and also scooped a team-high 11 loose balls in the win over Rochester … Boston D Matt Abbott scored his first NLL goal against Rochester … Philadelphia T Max Seibald made his debut and scooped 3 loosies while looking very sharp on defense … Billings and Leblanc combined to take 19 of Toronto’s 58 shots on goal against Buffalo … Toronto D Drew Petkoff introduced himself to the NLL in a big way with an up-close meeting with Buffalo G Ken Montour, followed by a welcoming party of other Bandits … After scoring 4 goals in his first 4 games, Colorado T Cliff Smith hasn’t scored in his last 2 … Edmonton F Corey Small was scoreless against Calgary and D Brett Mydske was assessed 9 penalty minutes on 3 penalties, which led to 2 power play goals for Calgary … Philadelphia D Bob Snider won 2 of 3 faceoffs against Toronto and is 7 of 13 for the season.

Rate This Story:

(+3 rating, 5 votes)

 Loading ...