Rush gearing up for series against Rochester
Rochester claimed both regular-season meetings, but best-of-3 series clears slate
The glass was half-empty for the Saskatchewan Rush in games against the Rochester Knighthawks during the regular season.
In fact, half of the Rush’s four losses this season in the National Lacrosse League were to the Knighthawks.
As a result, an undeniable playoff thirst will help drive the Rush to reverse their fortunes against Rochester when the two teams set out to battle in the best-of-three Champions Cup.
Game 1 goes Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at SaskTel Centre.
Game 2 will be played June 2 in Rochester. A third game, if needed, would go June 9 in Saskatoon.
This season, the Rush lost twice to the Knighthawks by dropping a 16-11 decision in Rochester on Feb. 17 and then falling 13-10 in Saskatoon on March 24.
“We obviously need to be much better than we were,” said Rush head coach and general manager Derek Keenan.
“They played really well and they earned the wins, but I just felt that, in both of those games, we kind of lacked energy for some reason. I don’t know whether it’s because we had kind of dominated them for a number of years — we hadn’t lost to them since the 2012 championship game.
“Even in the game down there (on Feb. 17), we weren’t that good and they played extremely well. Then we got back home and thought, ‘We’re back home so it’s just going to turn around again’ and they played well again and we just didn’t have a lot of energy.”
Keenan hopes to kick-start his squad in the Champions Cup after an impressive showing in the NLL’s Western Division final.
“I said all season, even before playoffs, that I felt we had another gear and I think we showed it against Calgary and I think we need to raise it up to yet another new level against these guys because they’re a very good team,” Keenan said.
Like the Rush, the Knighthawks boast some top-end players up front in what Keenan sees as a balanced offensive attack. Former league MVP Cody Jamieson leads the way, his experience coupled with 89 points. Throw in Joe Resetarits, who racked up his first 100-point season, Kyle Jackson, Austin Shanks, Cory Vitarelli, Josh Currier and Eric Fannell as weapons up front.
“There are some of the premium players in the league,” said Keenan.
“Rochester’s offence is very balanced now. They’ve got Cody really starting to get back into form (after missing nearly the entire 2017 season). With their younger guys, they’ve got a lot of balance. And they’ve added a little more to their transition game from past years. So they’re a little faster and they have opportunities that they haven’t necessarily had in the past.
“We have to be good in all facets to win.”
Defensively, Graeme Hossack anchors the Knighthawks as one of the league’s premium defenders.
In goal, future hall of famer Matt Vinc is a solid veteran presence for Rochester.
“Vinc is probably the best of all time,” offered Keenan. “He’s got a lot of experience.
“We’ve had great games. I thought last week, at really key times of the game, Kirky (Rush goalie Evan Kirk) made some great saves for us. They’re both veteran guys. It’s really about how you play in front of them.
“We have to limit quality shots (on defence). On the offensive side, we need to get to areas where we need to make him ( Vinc) work.”
Rochester head coach Mike Hasen believes his team has its work cut out. The Knighthawks are looking to return to past NLL glory after winning league titles in 2007, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
“On our side of the ball, it’s going to be tough,” Hasen said.
“They (Rush) are the model franchise in this league. We’re going to have our hands full. Both teams have great goalies. Both teams’ defence play their role and systems very well. And, offensively, they have a great group up front and, any five guys they put on the floor, we’ve got our hands full. We’ve got a young group that battled all year to find that consistency and they ’re playing well right now. It’s going to be a great series, I think.”
Rochester will face a potent Rush attack led by Mark Matthews, Robert Church, Ben McIntosh, Ryan Keenan, Jeff Shattler, Matt Dinsdale, Curtis Knight and Dan Dawson.
Vinc will be tested, but he’s a battle-tested guy.
“He has given us a chance,” Hasen said. “Any time he steps on the floor, he gives his team a chance a win. He’s a student of the game. He does everything to help us win.
“I know Kirky well and I know he’s not that far (from Vinc). He’s not playing in the shadows. They are two good goalies who will battle for their teams.”
Defensively, Saskatchewan is solid, and deep, with the likes of Brett Mydske, Kyle Rubisch, Mike Messenger, Nick Bilic and Matt Hossack to go with transition players Chris Corbeil, Jeff Cornwall, Adrian Sorichetti and Jeremy Thompson.
Hasen said there were no secrets to their success against the Rush during the regular season. Part of it was pure timing, playing them at the right time.
“In truth, we were in a stretch where we had our backs against the wall and there was really no tomorrow,” said Hasen.
“Sometimes regular-season games don’t mean much, especially at their end.
“The regular-season matchup has no bearing on what happens this weekend. They’re much better and I think we’re improved, but yesterday don’t mean a thing.”