After falling to the Carolina Chaos in their season opener on Friday, the Boston Cannons went on a tear on both sides of the ball Saturday. The Cannons completely dominated the Philadelphia Waterdogs, taking a 10-1 lead at halftime and ultimately winning 19-5. Marcus Holman put up 6 points on 4 goals and 2 assists, and Brian Kelly had a 5 point night, with 3 goals and 2 assists playing in place of Asher Nolting. For me, the play of the game was when Kelly ran from behind the Waterdogs net and made a behind-the-back pass to Holman alone in front of the crease for an easy goal.
Boston showed good ball movement, being creative in the offensive zone and picking their shots. They also got a 2-point goal from faceoff man Zac Tucci, and a goal from LSM Ethan Rall. We shall see if the Cannons can keep things going, facing the homecoming Maryland Whipsnakes in Baltimore in two weeks.
Waterdogs get the reality check
The Philadelphia Waterdogs got a reality check against this Boston Cannons team. The Waterdogs offense had a difficult time finding the back of the net, even on high-quality opportunities. Connor Kelly had a 2-point goal, and Jake Taylor, Kieran McArdle, and Thomas McConvey had a goal each for Philly. Michael Sowers was held to just two assists. On the back end, the Waterdogs were without short stick defensive midfielders Dylan Hess and Matt Whitcher, but welcomed back Zach Currier to their midfield. Currier won both faceoffs he took, picked up 6 ground balls and caused 2 turnovers in his 2026 debut. Matt Deluca made only 7 saves in net, getting pulled in favor of rookie Sean Byrne late in the game.
Credit to the Cannons’ physical defense, punishing Philly throughout the game. Adding to their misery, the Waterdogs were unable to convert on six power play opportunities. Cannons goalie Colin Kirst made 16 saves in this game. Philly also went scoreless in the first quarter for the second consecutive game. We shall see if Philly can manufacture their own rout in two weeks against Carolina, as attackman CJ Kirst may return to the team after clinching an NLL Cup with the Toronto Rock this weekend.
