Roughnecks Can’t Climb Over Rock in OT Thriller 1/28/23

Marcelo A. Sagüez, Correspondent Calgary Roughnecks
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Featured Image Photo Credit: Jenn Pierce

The Calgary Roughnecks (3-3) were coming off a bye week, riding a winning feeling decisively beating the San Diego Seals (5-1) at the Saddledome 14-10 on January 14 after having played a complete 60 minutes of relentless lacrosse. Within the first 30 seconds Calgary opened the scoring and continued the pressure for a five-goal run and forced former Roughnecks net-minder Frank Scigliano out of the net just under five minutes into the first quarter of the game, with two saves, and allowing four goals. opening the door for back-up target Christopher Origlieri who made 33 saves, allowed nine goals in 55 minutes between the pipes. Calgary fell into 13 minutes in penalties during the competition. Shots on goal were 50 – 49 for the Seals. Roughnecks were 12-28 on the draw. Christian Del Bianco, the Roughnecks net-minder although allowing 10 goals, turned away 40 shots in that victory.

Returning to the floor in Week Nine on Saturday January 28, 2023, the Roughnecks would host the Toronto Rock (5-2) at the Scotiabank Saddledome in the TSN Game of the Week for the only meeting of the two teams this season.

Prior to last nights contest, both teams were sitting in the middle of the pack in the standings in their respective East and West divisions, although Toronto having played one extra game. Having the time off can be a good or bad thing for any team as it allows players to recover from the physical demands of competition. But it also takes away that extra week of practice and keeping the legs fresh.

Calgary found themselves chasing the score early, being down what would seem to be a herculean effort for a win. However, the comeback was bittersweet as they would drop a nail bitter of a game 26 seconds in overtime 11-10.

Toronto came to play with the winning momentum from last week beating the Wings 14-5.

The Roughnecks were taken by surprise from a penalty called against Reece Callies for crosschecking 30 seconds into the game and Toronto would take advantage with Corey Small (4g, 2a) notching one early on. The pressure put forth by the visiting team took no time and set the pace. Winning the first quarter taking a commanding 4-1 lead after the first quarter. The lone goal for Calgary in the first came from Shane Simpson (1g, 2a).

Continuing the scoring momentum in the second, Toronto scored three straight, making the lead 7-1. Not counting out the younger less experienced, but determined Roughnecks, they rallied a four goal run. Calgary fans saw Tyler Pace (2g, 4a), Zach Currier (1g, 1a) and Haiden Dickson (1g, 1a) all notch tallies for their team. Ending the second quarter with a floor long breaking pass from Del Bianco (4a) to Jeff Cornwall (1g) it would bite into the Rock lead 7-5 with only .02 seconds on the clock.

At the end of the third quarter, Toronto had tallied two to Calgary’s one and was still up 9-6. It would come from Josh Currier (1g, 1a) giving him his 100^th career NLL goal. But whenever the Roughnecks got within a couple, the Rock would add another to stay on top.

It was all Roughnecks in the fourth, with a never quit attitude it won them the quarter outscoring the visitors 4-1 and tying the game at 10 with 19 seconds on the ticker. Tyler Pace would cause the turnover, Jesse King picked up the loosie and found the back of the net to give Calgary the chance to settle this in overtime.

It took 24 seconds for Stephen Keogh (3g) to end the competition. Final Score OT. Rock 11—Roughnecks 10.

The Roughnecks could not capitalize on their power play opportunities and went 0-3 on the night. On the draw it was a decisive Toronto win with 20-24. Del Bianco turned away 32 shots and registered four assists on the night.

STATS
Toronto Rock—SOG 43; FO 20-24; PP 2-5; Saves 35; Sv% .777%
Calgary Roughnecks—SOG 45; FO 4-24; PP 0-3; Saves 32; Sv% .744%

NEXT UP:

The Calgary Roughnecks (3-3) will head east to face the Halifax Thunderbirds (4-3) at Scotiabank Centre on Saturday February 4, 2023, game time 6:00 p.m. Fans in the USA can see the game on ESPN+. Fans in Canada can see the action on TSN.ca or the TSN app.

The Toronto Rock (5-2) will host the New York Riptide (1-5) at First Ontario Centre on Saturday February 4, 2023, game time 7:00 p.m. EST. Fans in the USA can see the game on ESPN+. This is the Game of the Week for fans in Canada and they can catch the game on TSN.