Washington Stealth

Face-offs and loose balls are two extremely important statistical categories in the National Lacrosse League. They provide extra possessions on offense and shift momentum in games. They are also underrated stats.

The Washington Stealth is fortunate enough to have one of the best in the league in both categories, and he's a bit underrated too. Defenseman Bobby Snider has established himself as one of the best face-off men in the game, and the statistics back him up. In 2012, Snider has won 141 of the 210 face-offs he’s taken, good for second in the NLL. Only twice has he lost double-digit face-offs in one game. He’s also third in the NLL with 83 loose balls this season, leading the Stealth.

Snider joined the Stealth prior to the start of the 2011 season in a trade from the Philadelphia Wings. He patiently waited for his chance to play, spending the first five games of the season on the Stealth practice squad. When his number was called, he instantly made an impact. He went on to lead the NLL in face-off win percentage (71.1%) and finished second in face-off wins (261). He also finished with 102 loose balls in just eleven games.

He’s been the one constant this season as the Stealth has gotten off to a 2-6 record this season. That second win came last weekend against Toronto in the most complete performance by the team so far this season.

On the Stealth All-Access Podcast, Snider talks about that big win in Toronto, his development into one of the game’s most dominant at the face-off circle and carrying the Stealth’s momentum into a back-to-back with Colorado this weekend.