The Montreal Quebecois seem to have taken a little of the steam out of the Maryland Arrows as the 1975 National Lacrosse League season heads for the halfway mark. During the first month of play, the Arrows owned exclusive rights to first place in the NLL. The Quebecois were never far behind and soon found themselves tied for the top spot after impressive road victories at Maryland and Long Island.
The Wings continued their win one, lose one pattern and hung on to third place while Long Island started to move up in the standings as Boston and Quebec settled into the fifth and sixth slots.
Like we did earlier in the year, here is an update on what’s going on around the NLL:
MONTREAL QUEBECOIS
Coach Jim Bishop’s fast-breaking bunch has replaced Maryland as the current team with the most momentum. . . . This team is in better condition than any other, but will Bishop be able to make the same claim in August and September? . . . Bishop squads have been known to run out of gas in late season. . . . Goalies Dave Evans and Ernie Mitchell have been outstanding. … So has their power play with John Davis, Ken Winzoski and Nick Delmonico supplying the fire power.
MARYLAND ARROWS
The early season zip appears to be gone. . . . Coach Cy Coombes is having internal problems because certain Arrows would rather shoot than pass off. … As expected, Paul Suggate has overcome his slow start and is crowding rookie Brian Tasker for the NLL scoring lead. . . . Goalie Greg Thomas continues to play well as does veteran Terry Davis, although “Spitzer” is beginning to get burned on defense. . . . But all of us expected that.
PHILADELPHIA WINGS
The Wings are playing much better than in the early going and coach Jim Hinkson is confident his team will peak in August and September when it really counts. . . . Terry Lloyd has been magnificent, but brother Larry hasn’t done as well as he can. . . . John Grant’s passing is best in NLL, but big guy hasn’t put ball in net like he can. . . . Ron Ryan, Jim Grady and goalie John Hamilton are all coming. . . . Watch this bunch down the stretch.
LONG ISLAND TOMAHAWKS
Morley Kells apparently has straightened out his team after woeful beginning. . . . Key players are still missing in Rick Dudley, Brian Keegan and Graeme Gair, but rookies Doug Hayes and Jim Johnston have picked up slack. . . . Len Powers is key defensive player and rookie goalie Tim Barrie has helped in absence of Merv Marshall. . . . Another group that will be there when the pennant chase gets hot in late season.
BOSTON BOLTS
Sputtering somewhat after a good opening. … Al Lewthwaite is good, but he’s a long way from super star status…. Ivan Thompson and Joe McCrea have been playing well, but this team is hurting because of lack of depth. . . . Unless help comes in form of trade, rookie coach Larry Ferguson may be in for long season.
QUEBEC CARIBOUS
A major disappointment. . . . The first six or seven players on this team are outstanding, but there’s not too much around after that. . . . Dave Durante is living up to his No. 1 selection in the draft. . . . And Pat Differ and Jim Higgs have played up to their reputations. . . . But Paul Cioci is injured and Gaylord Powless is off to a slow start.