Can Rock Take Important Series Win from Bandits?
March 24, 2005 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Toronto Rock News Release
Toronto, ON â On Saturday March 26, the Toronto Rock will travel to Buffalo for the second and final time this season, to take on border rivals - the Bandits. Toronto and Buffalo are currently in a battle for first place and the season series. A win this weekend will give Toronto the 2-1 series win over the Bandits, which could be pivotal come playoff time.
This weekend will be a tough fought battle between familiar rivals. In their long and torrid history, the Rock and Bandits have come face to face 14 times since 1999. The Rock have the better overall record at 10-4 and have bested the Bandits 7 out of 8 times on their own turf. Their last meeting took place at the ACC just 3 weeks ago on March 4. The Bandits took home the 14-12 win over the Rock, temporarily taking first place in the Eastern Division tug-of-war.
"The last game we played against this team was a classic lacrosse game. Buffalo played well and we threw everything we had at them and still came up short. Neither team has the element of surprise in this match up and this is going to be another tight game this weekend." Terry Sanderson, Toronto Rock Head Coach and GM.
Buffalo's offense provides a constant threat to the Rock with players like John Tavares, Jason Crosbie and rookie Delby Powless, who has recently found his place as one of the League's best set-up men. But they have also been nagged by injuries to back door players including Rich Kilgour, Kyle Couling and Kevin Hill which may make a difference against an offense like Toronto's.
The Rock's offensive production has been evenly spread this season. Their three top producers, Colin Doyle, Blaine Manning and Josh Sanderson, are separated by just mere points. Aaron Wilson, 4th overall in Rock standings, is also out there creating more scoring opportunities and often wreaking havoc on opposition defense. With these teams so evenly matched both offensively and defensively, the difference in this weekend's contest will be who will be able to play a more disciplined game.
For fans that can't make it to the game this weekend, they can catch all the action live on the Score Television Network at 7:30pm, or by radio broadcast on AM 640 Toronto. Pre-game coverage on 640 begins at 7:00pm with Joe Bowen and Blair Campbell.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from March 24, 2005
- K-Hawks acquire Steve Toll - Rochester Knighthawks
- Knighthawks at Minnesota Friday - Rochester Knighthawks
- Stealth Trade Ted Dowling Back To Calgary - San Jose Stealth
- Minnesota Swarm Obtains Arizona's First Round Pick in 2006 NLL Entry Draft In Exchange for Conn - Minnesota Swarm
- Mammoth GM takes citizenship oath - Colorado Mammoth
- Four Teams could clinch playoff berths this weekend - NLL
- Mammoth trades Panos; activates Daly - Colorado Mammoth
- Mammoth signs Paul Gait - Colorado Mammoth
- Bandits elevate White to active roster - Buffalo Bandits
- Can Rock Take Important Series Win from Bandits? - Toronto Rock
- Wilson Earns Weekly Honours - Toronto Rock
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