Nick Patterson understands how to plug holes, whether he does it with colorful piercings on his face or with his glove and pads in the lacrosse net. The 25-year-old goalie phenom leads National Lacrosse League goaltenders in minutes played and saves. He was given NLL co-player of the week honors in the third week of the season when he hung tough in a grueling, 41-save overtime win against the Toronto Rock. He came back the next day and allowed only four goals, which was a franchise low for Toronto and only one more than the all-time NLL record for fewest goals allowed in a game. Midway through the season, it's clear that Patterson is not merely riding a hot streak. He is one of the top goalies in the league. Behind Patterson, and in front of crowds at Xcel Energy Center averaging more than 10,000, the Swarm are poised to make a serious run at their first NLL Champion's Cup.