ROCHESTER’S LATE SURGE STILL NOT ENOUGH 2/19/16
By: Chris Crane, Beat Writer Rochester Knighthawks
On Friday February 19, 2016 the Rochester Knighthawks (3-3) began their four game road trip series with the first stop in Saskatchewan taking on the Rush (4-2) at the Sasktel Centre in front of a crowd of 11,042 fans. Final Score: Rush over the Knighthawks 11-8.
Rochester’s own Joe Walters got the Knighthawks on the board first just over two minutes into the game with Jamieson and Keogh on the assist. However the Rush would put the Knighthawks on lock down and go on a seven goal run coming from Cornwall; Matthews; B. McIntosh (2g); Greer; and Church. Score at the end of the first Rush up 7-1.
At the beginning of the second period the Saskatchewan would then make it an eight goal run by striking first from Chris Corbeil (Rubisch) adding insult to injury as the Rush were shorthanded. The Knighthawks would then capitalize on three power play goals coming from D. Dawson (2g); and Cody Jamieson. But the Rush would end the quarter just as it started by getting another goal from Matthews; giving the Rush a 9-4 lead heading into half time.
The third quarter would have both teams being on a defensive stand still, but somehow Rochester was able to sneak a couple in from Sid Smith and Joe Resetarits pulling the Knighthawks to within three at the end of the third. The Rush were still up 9-6.
Both teams would see much of the same action in fourth quarter; but would break even scoring two goals apiece. It would be the Rush striking first on a goal from Zack Greer (Church, Knight) only 24 seconds into the period. High Flying Dan Dawson would then get two of his own at the 8:22 and 10:29 marks putting Rochester within two 10-8. However Rochester’s efforts would come up short and the Rush would add one more goal at the 14:51 mark from Kyle Rubisch ending the game with an 11-8 victory over Rochester.
Rochester now 3-3 still sits in third place in the division. They’re one game out of first place held by New England and only half a game back from the second place Buffalo Bandits. Rochester will see the Bandits at the end of their road trip series March 11th before returning home on March 12th.
Until then, Rochester travels to Toronto next on February 27th. Hopefully Rochester can get things turned around and finish the rest of the season strong and make a great playoff run.
Chris Crane, Beat Writer Rochester Knighthawks
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