If there's one thing that's vital over a five-month long National Lacrosse League season, it's consistency.

“You really are compartmentalizing each weekend and what's in front of you,” New England Black Wolves coach Glenn Clark was saying in his weekly conference call. “As soon as you have things figured out, they spiral on you. There's no days off.

“We talk about creating an identity and a style of play and be predictable. You can't guarantee wins and losses, but we can be predictable in what we do and that's all over the floor. You need to roll out a consistent effort.”

If there's one complaint Clark had from the Black Wolves' 18-13 loss to Buffalo last Friday, it was their lack of predictability.

New England (4-3) will try to regain that Sunday in a game against the Colorado Mammoth at 2 p.m. at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Mammoth (4-3) are coming off a 13-9 loss to Calgary last Saturday and have lost two in a row.

With four goals against Buffalo, Kevin Crowley has now scored in 26 straight games for the Black Wolves and leads the way with 19 goals. Shawn Evans has 16 goals and leads New England in assists (26) and points (42), scoring a season-high five goals last week and pulling within 16 career goals of 400. Stephan Leblanc has eight goals and 17 assists.

The offense will be tested against Colorado, which has allowed the fewest goals in the league this season (82) and is third in goals-against average at 11.71. The Mammoth are led by Ryan Benesch with 18 goals and 22 assists and Jeremy Noble with 12 goals and 27 assists.

“Obviously, we're a little disappointed in last weekend's results,” Clark said. “I thought we had some pretty definable mistakes that, in our minds, are not acceptable. … Colorado is a team that plays a very honest game, so if you're going to take shortcuts and you're not going to be disciplined in all areas of the floor, they're a team that will take advantage of it."

In addition, the Black Wolves will be hold a food drive at Sunday's game. Fans are encouraged to bring along a non-perishable food item. All donations will be forwarded to three local organizations: the Gemma Moran United Way Food Pantry, the Montville Food Pantry and UCFS in Norwich. Bins will be set up on the Mohegan Sun Arena concourse and anyone who donates will be entered to win prizes throughout the game. A list of items that are needed can be found on blackwolves.com.

v.fulkerson@theday.com