Mammoth clash looms for Rush in Colorado with battle of unbeaten

The National Lacrosse League season is still walking on baby legs, but Saskatchewan Rush head coach Derek Keenan was quick to answer the question Thursday.

Is it too early to consider a game big?

“We’re both undefeated and both teams are looking to prove a point. It’s pretty big,” Keenan said while preparing for Saturday’s road game against the Colorado Mammoth, who — like the Rush — are a perfect 3-0.

The Mammoth and Rush, who share space in the Western Conference, are the NLL’s only unbeaten teams.

Colorado beat Vancouver 15-8, defending-champion Georgia 1411 and Calgary 11-7.

The Rush beat Toronto 17-9, New England 24-11 and Georgia 13-9.

“It’s an important game,” Keenan said. “Last year at this time, we had an important game for a different reason, because we were in a hole (at 1-2). This is a chance to make a statement to the entire league. But it’s not going to be easy, that’s for sure.”

Colorado’s Ryan Benesch and Saskatchewan’s Mark Matthews are the top point-getters on those two teams heading into Saturday. Benesch has 22 points through three games and Matthews has 21. Rush forward Robert Church is one point off that pace with 20.

Saskatchewan’s start has been convincing — that rout of New England was particularly noteworthy — and Keenan says he fully expected the team’s uncharacteristically strong opening salvo.

“I saw a renewed focus right from the very beginning of training camp with our entire group — a renewed sense of urgency,” said Keenan, whose Rush lost last year’s NLL final to Georgia after winning the two previous championships. “It’s been there since Day 1, the start of training camp, and we’ve shown it in our games so far. I’m not surprised.

“I really like how we’ve played. I’d rather have played more games by now (instead of having two early season byes), but we talked a lot in pre-season about having a good start and we’ve done that. We’re not in a hole like the last couple of years.”

The Rush, who have played just one regular-season home game, return to SaskTel Centre Jan. 19 for a clash with the Buffalo Bandits.