The Major League Lacrosse season starts Saturday, April 21. These team-by-team previews — in order of finish as projected by US Lacrosse Magazine contributor Phil Shore — were written before the MLL collegiate draft.

Find those results here.

1. Ohio Machine
2. New York Lizards 
3. Dallas Rattlers
4. Denver Outlaws
5. Chesapeake Bayhawks
6. Florida Launch 
7. Atlanta Blaze
8. Boston Cannons 
9. Charlotte Hounds

Boston Cannons

2017 Record: 3-11
Coach: Sean Quirk (3rd season)

Power Rankings (Scale of 1-5)

Offense: ⭐⭐⭐
Defense: ⭐⭐
Faceoffs: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goalie:⭐⭐⭐

Key Losses: Luke Goldstock, M; Josh Hawkins, M; Matt Landis, D
Top Returners: Davey Emala, A; Brodie Merrill, D; Max Seibald, M
New Arrivals: Kyle Denhoff, M; James Pannell, A; Benny Pugh, G

MVP Watch

Sergio Perkovic, M

Commonly referred to as the “Motor City Hitman” during his college career at Notre Dame, Boston selected Perkovic as the second pick in the collegiate draft. In 2017, he played in only four games for the Cannons, scoring four goals, but head coach Sean Quirk is excited for what a full season of Perkovic forebodes. “At the end of the season, we literally shut him down the last couple games. He’s been getting healthy, working hard, constantly in communication with myself and the guys on the team,” Quirk said. “He’s been very receptive to coaching. He’s a big guy. He’s going to shoot the heck out of the ball.”

Under-the-Radar Star

Kylor Bellistri, A

The second-year attackman led the Cannons with 39 points on 25 goals and 14 assists. Overshadowed for most of his collegiate career at Brown by 2017 No. 1 pick Dylan Molloy, Bellistri actually holds the Brown record for goals in a season (62), set the same year he tallied 92 points. In 2017, he earned a point in 11 of the team’s 12 games, including four in which he had four or more points. “Being in the league now,” Quirk said, “he’s going to be prepared.”

Scouting Report

Three things you need to know about the Cannons

1. Max Seibald is back for one more.

There were rumors he would retire, but Seibald signed a one-year contract to return to Boston for the 2018 season. Quirk views him as a coach on the field, mentoring the young midfielders such as Perkovic. Seibald will play for the Israeli men’s national Team in the 2018 FIL World Championship, which will be played in Netanya, Israel.

2. They’re looking for a fast start.

When MLL season starts, every team faces roster issues due to an overlap with the NLL and NCAA seasons. Quirk said one aspect of the acquisitions the team made in the offseason, however, was made to get players who would be ready to contribute from the very beginning. Fresh faces Kyle Denhoff, James Pannell, Ryan Walsh and Scott Firmin all will be available for Week 1. Additionally, veteran defender Mitch Belisle retired from the NLL and will also be active for the season opener.

3. Strength in the midfield.

The defense needs a strong comeback after last season’s struggles. The attack is mostly unproven and could change after the draft. What opposing coaches agree on, however, is the midfield is one of the best in the league. Seibald (15 goals, five 2-point goals, 22 points), Perkovic (four goals) and Justin Turri (nine goals, eight assists, 17 points) return. The team acquired Kyle Denhoff (11 goals, three assists) in player movement. Add in Cal Dearth, Sean Lawton, Challen Rogers and newly acquired Ryan Walsh, and the team is deep in the midfield and has a lot of size and strength as well.

Biggest Question Mark

Who will be in goal?​

Veteran goaltender Tyler Fiorito has been an all-star each of the past three seasons. Of those three seasons, which are also the three seasons he has played in 10 or more games, he totaled the most losses of his career as well as the worst goals against average and save percentage of his career. With the first pick in the supplemental draft, the Cannons took second-year goalie Benny Pugh, who did not appear in any games for the Launch in 2017. The selection left many wondering what would happen with Fiorito, but according to Quirk, Fiorito remains the No. 1 with the hope Pugh can learn from him. “We thought bringing in someone like Benny Pugh, he’s young, a super-talented goalie, he’s athletic,” Quirk said. “Tyler knows how to be a professional. Hopefully he can mentor Benny.”

Enemy Lines

What the opposition has to say about Boston

“They need to shore up defensively. They’re trying to improve their attack. … They have some really good players. … What happens with Tyler Fiorito will be a big thing for them. … They’re in a bit of a rebuilding. … With [assistant coach] Dom [Starsia] taking the lead like he has, players will enjoy playing for him. … Their weakness is at the attack. Strong midfielders. Always play good defense. They’re probably going to have a rookie in goal with Benny Pugh. … Question marks in goal. Excellent midfield. Before the draft, they’re weak in the attack. After the draft, I think they’ll address that.”

Number of Significance

212

In 2017, Quirk was confident in the ability of his defense. Boston gave up the most goals in the league, however, allowing 212 goals, six more than Chesapeake, and was one of only three teams to allow more than 200 goals.

Bottom Line

The Boston Cannons won the first game of the 2017 season, but that was probably the highlight of the season. The Cannons lost their next three games as well as their final six games and traded away all-star attackman Will Manny. Quirk and company hope the fresh faces – both players and coaches – quickly mesh with the veterans to turn the team around. Uncertainty at several positions, however, still clouds the team and could force them to spend the season finding what pieces fit the puzzle for the future.