Rush Can’t Climb Over the Rock 1/15/17

Photo Credit: Graig and Dave Abel

JJ Seaward, Beat Writer Saskatchewan Rush
Lacrosse is Awesome

The defending National Lacrosse League champions Saskatchewan Rush (0-2) would play their second consecutive away game on Saturday January 14, 2017, where this time they would visit the Toronto Rock (2-0).

The Rush would look to rebound after falling to the Georgia Swarm 18-10 in their season debut last weekend. However, things would not go the right way for the Rush as they would fall to the Toronto Rock by a final score of 13-11.

The Rush would fall behind quickly to start off the first quarter, as the Toronto Rock would jump to an early 5-0 lead, and then another 10-2 lead early in the third quarter.

This is when the Rush would try to kick things into the next level, as they would storm back with six goals in the third quarter, four of them being on the power-play.

Despite the late rally, the Rush would fall short as the Rock would cool off the Rush with two quick goals of their own at the end of the fourth quarter to close out the game.

Even with the loss, the Rush had their top players performing well enough to give the team a chance to win the game. Adam Jones contributed to the comeback with a three-point night of his own; Rush Rookie Mike Messenger would record his first career NLL goal and assist; and Robert Church would record a hat-trick in the loss.

The Rush will unveil their 2016 Champion’s Cup banner prior to their home game debut against the Rochester Knighthawks next Saturday January 21, 2017, where the team will hope to gain their first victory of the season.

Game Stats:

Rush: 11 G; 45 SOG; 36 Saves; .736 SV%; 8-28 Face-offs; .287 FO%; 4-6 PPG; 32 PIM
Rock:  13 G; 49 SOG; 34 Saves; .755 SV%; 20-28 Face-offs; .714 FO%; 1-5 PPG; 21 PIM

The two obvious issues with the Rush include needing to find a way to win at “X”; and they have to reduce their penalty minutes.

JJ Seaward, Beat Writer Saskatchewan Rush
Lacrosse is Awesome