Rush Protect Crystal Field at Northlands on Friday Night
February 26, 2015 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB---Time's gone by since the Edmonton Rush couldn't protect their home turf.
But with Derek Keenan at the helm and the Rush GM/Head Coach putting together a consistently impressive roster, the Rush haven't been the pushovers they once were in trying to maintain home-field advantage. The Rush are 2-1 at home so far this season, and are coming off a masterful 2014 home-floor campaign that saw them go 8-1, including an 11-10 victory over the Toronto Rock who are the opposition this Friday night on Crystal Glass Field at Rexall Place.
Through nine seasons, the Rush have had three losing home records, otherwise they've finished at least at .500. In fact, they've finished 4-4 at home four times in nine years.
Overall, the Rush are currently 36-40 at Rexall Place. Imagine if the Rush had at least broke even in their inaugural season instead of going 0-8 at home. And just two seasons ago, a decent Rush team couldn't get it done at all at home and were a miserable 2-6.
The Rush are 4-4 all-time at home against the Rock, with last season's victory helping to propel them to a record-setting 14-0 start. It won't be an easy task taking down the league-leaders from Toronto, but it's one the Rush are certainly more suited for than they used to be.
"I think our record last year showed we've made it a difficult place for teams to play," said Rush utility man Jarrett Davis. "Two years ago, we went through a lot of transition, but now we have the same guys on the team, the same practice time, the same routines."
That familiarity has bred a lot of comfort inside in the Rush dressing room. There's no questioning who's in charge, who might be coming or going off or on the roster, or how the team is going to approach any given game. Well, save for Davis that is, who from game to game this season might find himself attacking the opposition net or helping defending his own. He has notched 13 points in six games which puts him on pace for his lowest offensive production in three season. However, he's already collected 23 loose balls and racked up nine caused turnovers - far and away putting him on pace for career-highs in both defensive-minded categories.
"It's something you have to be prepared for," said the fifth-year pro. "I've been used a little more offensively of late but with all the injuries we've had I have to be ready to go out the back door (on defense). The good thing is this team is so well equipped that we have a lot of guys who can fill in both offensive and defensive roles."
The Rush will have to have their "A' defensive game going against the dangerous Rock attack and its NLL-leading 107 goals. Edmonton will match wits with the league's stingiest defense which has yielded only a mere 54 goals. While both teams have their obvious strengths, the respective division leaders have also improved their weaknesses from past seasons.
Toronto went after defensive help in the off-season and captured former Rush captain and all-star defender Brodie Merrill. The Rush continued to bolster its offense through the draft via first overall pick Ben McIntosh, while former No. 1 pick Mark Matthews and fellow sniper Zack Greer are on their way to career years.
"This is a big test for us," said Keenan. "Toronto is much improved especially their back end and they're scoring as well as they always have. We're both very good teams. We've looked to improve after a slow start and things are going well of late."
Tickets for Friday's game for first overall in the NLL are available by call a Rush sales representative at 780 732-RUSH and or www.edmontonrush.com.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from February 26, 2015
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- Minnesota Swarm Return to Action against Vancouver this Saturday - Minnesota Swarm
- Rush Protect Crystal Field at Northlands on Friday Night - Edmonton Rush
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