Black Wolves to Face Rush Friday
January 28, 2015 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB---Players don't tune in to listen to the National Lacrosse League's weekly coaches' conference call but evidently they got the message.
Prior to the Edmonton Rush meeting the Calgary Roughnecks last weekend, Rush assistant Jeff McComb made it clear on the media Q&A session that the team needed a more concerted effort from the offense in order to put a halt to the winless start to the season. A 16-8 whipping of the Roughnecks was the end result last Saturday and now with the ship seemingly on the correct course, the Rush return to Crystal Glass Field at Rexall Place for a first-ever clash with the New England Black Wolves on Friday night.
Seven different Rush shooters hit the back of the Calgary net including Riley Loewen and Jarrett Davis who both racked up five-points games (3 goals, 2 assists) that earned high praise from returning GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan.
"They were the biggest contributors," said Keenan. "They can create a lot of space for themselves and their teammates. We played a lot harder through the middle and we ran into sets a lot harder and with more passion so I'd say mission accomplished in that area for sure."
Not only did Keenan see the Rush playing harder against last weekend in Calgary, but they were executing smarter as well.
"I think we shot well. Some of the goals were from the outside but they were well-placed shots around screens," noted the NLL's reigning General Manager and Head Coach of the Year. "I think our power play can still be better but we put up 16 goals so that's a big improvement."
After managing just 18 goals through their first two games - both losses including a disappointing setback in their home opener to Minnesota - the Rush's stagnant offense found its rhythm.
"We finally got over 10 and we want to keep doing that moving forward," said the Rush's Mark Matthews, who leads the team with 18 points.
The Rush aren't expecting an easy time of it from the Black Wolves who will be playing away from their new den of Mohegan Sun Resort in Connecticut for the first time since moving from Philadelphia for the 2015 season. Like Edmonton's Aaron Bold, New England boasts a top-draw goalie in Evan Kirk plus dangerous scorers in Kevin Crowley, and Kevin and Kyle Buchanan.
"They've got tons of speed and size on offense, they're back end is big and Kirk is playing well so we've got to be prepared and be at our best," added Keenan."
Tickets are available by calling the Rush office today at 780 732-RUSH.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from January 28, 2015
- Black Wolves to Face Rush Friday - Edmonton Rush
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