With the National Hockey League lockout still intact, the National Lacrosse League has received increased coverage as sports fans look for an alternative to hockey. Sportsnet Magazine and ESPN are two of the media outlets that have jumped into the coverage ring. Recently, Javier Maymi of ESPN.com examined all nine teams, which began with the defending champion Rochester Knighthawks.

Rochester Knighthawks
The Knighthawks emerged holding the Champions Cup, but they were far from being the dominant team in 2012. They gave up more goals than they scored and finished the regular season with a losing record.

On the bright side of things is that former NLL MVP Casey Powell, acquired by the Knighthawks in the Boston Blazers dispersal draft last season, will return to action after sitting out in 2012. And on Friday, the Knighthawks pulled off a deal with the Philadelphia Wings that sent holdout Paul Rabil to Philly in exchange for veteran forward Dan Dawson, defensman Paul Dawson and a first-round draft pick for 2016.

In addition, the Knighthawks sent Jordan Hall, who was injured most of last season as he and Craig Point for this season. The two sat out a combined 13 games last season. One of the most interesting position battles brewing in camp is the one to decide who will be goalie Matt Vinc's backup. The Knighthawks had Ben Vanevery, a member of the team in 2009, competing with last year's backup, Jake Henhawk. (Since the publication of the article, Henhawk has emerged as the backup to Matt Vinc).

To learn about the other teams in the NLL, click here.