In 2012
In their first meeting after the Cannons won the team's first Major League Lacrosse championship in 2011, the Cannons entertained their home crowd in Boston on May 12 with a convincing victory over the Hamilton Nationals. Ryan Boyle began the Cannons' scoring spree just four minutes into the game on an assist from Paul Rabil. The first quarter came to an end on another goal from Boyle, with Chris Eck, Matt Poskay and Kevin Buchanan each adding to the tally. Entering the second quarter, the Hamilton Nationals scored two quick goals to reach within one. Boyle then regained the momentum for the Cannons by completing his hat trick, with Mike Stone and Buchanan each adding a goal as well. Rabil assisted Stone on another goal coming out of the half, before scoring himself. In the fourth quarter, the Cannons dominated play, scoring seven goals from seven players to complete the 18-9 victory at home.

The Cannons and the Nationals met again on July 7 in Hamilton. The Nationals opened the scoring in the first quarter, but the Cannons quickly answered back as Chrick Eck beat the goalie on a bounce shot. Matt Poskay scored two goals in the quarter and Ari Sussman, named Bud Light Player of the Game, playing in his first game since May 5, notched his first on a crease dive and the Cannons ended the quarter ahead, 4-3. The second quarter was controlled by the Nationals as they scored four to take a 7-6 lead into the break. Ultimitely, Paul Rabil contributed two assists and a diving goal in the third, and opened a Cannons fourth quarter scoring spree. Five Cannons, including Martin Cahill's first goal of the season, sealed the 15-13 victory.