On a night when the Colorado Mammoth reasserted its dominance in a 16-7 rout of the Edmonton Rush, the most compelling story line was Nick Carlson’s return to near-fullspeed following a grueling rehabilitation.
Before 17,804 at the Pepsi Center, Carlson scored Colorado’s ninth goal on a breakaway, a goal months in the making.
“Months and months and months,” said Carlson of his comeback from knee surgery, beginning with 60 days on crutches, followed by 5:30 a.m. physical therapy sessions three days a week with trainer Craig Magri.
“It was hard work and real painful,” said Carlson, who came back earlier this season and moved not quite at National Lacrosse League speed, particularly laterally.
After sitting out the past two games, he showed an agility reminiscent of last season.
“I was physically limited before,” Carlson said. “The time off helped.”
Carlson, one of eight goal-scorers for Colorado, helped the Mammoth stay in first place at 6-1. Goaltender Gee Nash’s reactions were cat-quick in a 39-save performance, and the defense killed 7-of-8 penalties to send Edmonton home with a 1-3 record.
“When you’re facing a team at the bottom of the division, this is where you’ve got to be mentally sharp and focused,” Mammoth coach Gary Gait said. “Gee was, the defense was, and the offense got it done, too, so I’m very happy. A lot of teams, mentally, would have a breakdown; our team is still focused.”
Shortly after the Rush scored three goals in a 37-second span to tie it 3-3, team assist leader Gavin Prout scored a season-high three goals, in succession, to give Colorado the lead for good.
“It’s nice to get a couple of goals,” Prout said. “I’ve been struggling on the goal-scoring this year. I was setting up some guys, and at that point, it was time to give myself a shot.”
Edmonton – McElroy 2 goals-0 assists-2 points, Quinlan 0-2-2, Gill 1-1-2, Williams 1-0-1, Stroup 1-0-1, Glaves 1-0-1, Hillier 1-0-1, Campbell 0-1-1, Allen 0-1-1, Daly 0-1-1.
Colorado – Sims 3-3-6, Carey 2-3-5, Gajic 0-5-5, Prout 3-0-3, Shewchuk 3-0-3, Prepchuk 1-3-4, Cornfield 2-0-2, Carlson 1-1-2, Langtry 1-2-3, Law 0-2-2, Catton 0-1-1, Stilley 0-1-1.
Goalies – Edmonton, Campbell 27 saves-12 goals, Wagar 15-4; Colorado, Nash 39-7. A – 17,804.
