Underdogs No More: Denver Outlaws Set the Standard in PLL Week 7

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The lights were bright, the energy was high, and the Premier Lacrosse League’s Week 7 stop in the Windy City delivered more than just highlight-reel plays. While the scoreboard may suggest a series of blowouts, the stories beneath the surface told of rising stars, playoff implications, and one team beginning to separate itself from the pack. At the center of it all? The Denver Outlaws. In a 13-6 dismantling of the Maryland Whipsnakes, the Outlaws proved that they don’t just win — they dominate. Despite losing the faceoff battle 16-6 to Maryland’s Joe Nardella, Denver controlled every other aspect of the game. Whether it was the electrifying play of Pat Kavanagh, the smooth stick of Jared Bernhardt, or the powerful shooting of Brennan O’Neill, Denver played like a championship team. Their secret weapon? Goalie Logan McNaney, whose 64.5% save percentage is not just leading the league — it’s redefining what elite goaltending looks like in the PLL.

“This team’s built different,” said one PLL analyst. “They’ve got the scorers, the stoppers, and the swagger.”

While Denver soared, the Utah Archers stumbled. Once considered a powerhouse, the Archers looked flat in a tough loss that exposed serious flaws. Despite a promising rookie campaign from Sam King, veterans like Tom Schreiber and Grant Ament failed to find the net, raising concerns about their playoff viability. Meanwhile, the Whipsnakes — who made the title game just last season — now find themselves on the brink. A sluggish offense and an inconsistent supporting cast have put Maryland in must-win territory with games against top teams looming. On the other side of the spectrum, a new MVP contender is heating up. New York Atlas attackman Connor Shellenberger dropped seven points in a thrilling win over Boston, placing him just behind MVP-favorite Michael Sowers in the season points race. With teammate Jeff Teat also surging, the Atlas may boast the most dangerous attack duo in the league.

As the PLL moves closer to playoff time, storylines are beginning to crystallize: Denver’s dominance, Utah’s unraveling, Maryland’s desperation, and the race for MVP. And with more high-stakes matchups ahead, the league’s next chapter is only just beginning.