1998 NLL season


Before the 1998 season, the Major Indoor Lacrosse League was renamed to be the National Lacrosse League, in the process increasing the length of the regular season from ten to twelve games. The first season as the NLL and the 12th season overall, began on January 3, 1998, and concluded with the second championship game on April 28. The championship was decided by a best-two-of-three series, with the Philadelphia Wings defeating the Baltimore Thunder 16-12 in the first game and 17-12 in the second.

Team movement

The 1998 season featured the debut of two new teams, and the removal of one. The Boston Blazers folded after nine seasons in Boston and New England, while the Ontario Raiders and Syracuse Smash began play.

Regular season

All Star Game

No All-Star Game was played in 1998.

Playoffs

Game 2: Philadelphia 17 @ Baltimore 12

Awards

AwardWinnerTeam
MVP AwardGary GaitBaltimore
Rookie of the Year AwardColin DoyleOntario
Championship Game MVP Dallas EliukPhiladelphia
Championship Game MVP Dallas EliukPhiladelphia
Championship Game MVP Bill MillerPhiladelphia

Weekly awards

Each week, a player is awarded "Player of the Week" honours.
WeekPlayer of the Week
1Gary Gait
2Andy Piazza
3Derek Collins
4Chris Gill
5Eric Seremet
6Tom Marechek
7Gary Gait
8Darris Kilgour
9Derek General
10Russ Heard
11Colin Doyle
12Steve Sombrotto
13Mark Millon
14John Tavares
15Bob Watson

Monthly awards

Awards are also given out monthly for the best overall player and best rookie. The 1998 season was the first season that the Rookie of the Month award was given out.
MonthOverallRookie
JanGary GaitCurt Malawsky
FebDarris KilgourJake Bergey
MarMark MillonColin Doyle

Statistics leaders

Bold numbers indicate new single-season records. Italics indicate tied single-season records.
StatPlayerTeamNumber
GoalsGary GaitBaltimore57
AssistsJim VeltmanOntario40
PointsGary GaitBaltimore85
Penalty MinutesPat CoyleOntario48
Shots on GoalGary GaitBaltimore156
Loose BallsJim VeltmanOntario194
Save PctSteve DietrichRochester77.9