Ryan Benesch (MN Swarm file photo)
Ryan Benesch had seven points (three goals, four assists) as Minnesota earned its first win over Colorado in the 2012 season with a 16-13 victory at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn.
The Swarm also received scoring from Callum Crawford and Jordan MacIntosh who contributed six points -- each scoring two goals and contributed four assists. MacIntosh won eight out of 10 face-offs and registered 14 loose balls for a season-total 154; setting a Minnesota team record for most loose balls in a season previously held by Jay Thorimbert (152 set in 2010).
Minnesota rookie forward Joel Henry notched his first career hat trick scoring twice on the Swarm power play and also had an assist.
Swarm captain Andrew Suitor tallied a goal and an assist while scooping up 13 loose balls and winning six of nine face-offs.
Minnesota goaltender Tyler Carlson made 42 saves to collect his fifth win of the year as the Swarm finished the 2012 regular season with a 9-7-0 record.
John Grant Jr. (Colorado Mammoth file photo)
An announced attendance of 11,297 stood in applause during the fourth quarter as Colorado's John Grant Jr. broke the NLL single season points record. Grant Jr. scored his twice and along with his four assists finished the regular season with 116 points (50 goals, 66 assists) breaking John Tavares' previous record of 115 points.
Grant Jr. was presented with a plaque from NLL Commissioner George Daniel on-hand to witness the historical event. Grant Jr. also received a plaque from the Swarm that was presented by Suitor who encouraged the Minnesota crowd to applaud the impressive record telling the crowd, "you will never see it again."
Colorado (11-4-0) received its scoring from Grant Jr. and Jamie Lincoln (four points -- two goals, two assists) but struggled to contain the Minnesota offense throughout the night.
Both teams will meet in the opening round of the 2012 NLL playoffs on Saturday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m. (CST). As the No. 2-seed, Colorado will play host to the third-seeded Swarm on HealthONE Field at the Pepsi Center. The game will be broadcast by CBS Sports Network.
-- Michael Murakami, MN Lax Hub staff
1. Callum Crawford, Minnesota
A massive night offensively for the six-year veteran and the Swarm's scoring leader (83 points; 25 goals, 58 assists). Crawford -- nicknamed 'Showtime' -- scored two goals and had four assists in the Minnesota victory.
2. Joel Henry, Minnesota
Scoring his first career hat trick, Henry was a major contributor of the Swarm offense as well as the power play scoring two goals with the man advantage. The rookie forward also had an assist and four loose balls.
3. Ryan Benesch, Minnesota
Last season's NLL scoring leader (95 points; 46 goals, 49 assists), Benesch finished this season with 72 points (33 goals, 39 assists) including the seven points (three goals, four assists) he scored during the Minnesota victory.
HONORABLE MENTION
John Grant Jr., Colorado
Setting the NLL single season scoring record, Grant Jr. recorded his 116th point with a fourth-quarter goal and finished the evening with two goals and four assists breaking the previously held record of 115 points (owned by John Tavares). Grant Jr. finished with 50 goals and 66 assists during the 2012 season.
-- Michael Murakami, MN Lax Hub staff
Tag(s): Boys