Edmonton Rush Looking Ahead To Rematch
Published on February 3, 2010 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB-- Round two goes Friday in Calgary at 7:30 p.m. With little time to relish their 14-11 home victory over the Calgary Roughnecks last Saturday night in round one of the Battle of Alberta, the Rush and Riggers meet Feb. 5 in Calgary in the back-half of the home-and-away series between the two teams.
The Rush, riding a three-game win streak for the first time in club history, carry a 3-1 mark into the game, while the defending Champion's Cup-winning Roughnecks enter at 1-3. And if Friday's game matches the intensity and physicality of the previous battle, it should be a doozy as the two club's matched well throughout the Jan. 30 contest, with the Rush pulling away in the third quarter on some clutch scoring and key saves from goaltender Matt Disher.
"I think it was a huge challenge for us," said Rush transition star Brodie Merrill, of the victory. "We got really good goaltending from Disher. He came up with some huge saves and we got some timely goals, as well."
Merrill, was an absolute monster on the floor against the Riggers, collecting 18 loose balls, winning five of seven draws in face-offs and adding a highlight reel goal and two assists in the win. Merrill, who leads the NLL with 53 loosies, was also in the heart of the physical battles with the Roughnecks.
"We really wanted to try to get the transition going and be really aggressive defensively and I think we did a real good job in those areas," he said. "Their offensive group is not only highly skilled, they're really gritty, too. So they're not going to back down or be intimidated in the play."
The physical play between the two teams Saturday produced two fights, a game ejection and 61 minutes in penalties, setting the table for the return match at Pengrowth Saddledome this weekend.
"These divisional games are so important and we realize the challenge ahead of us," Merrill added.
Even with the recent success against Calgary and Edmonton's spot in the standings, the Rush won't be taking the Roughnecks lightly.
"We're at the quarter point and 3-1 is nice for us, but you know they'll (Calgary) be loaded for bear," said Rush head coach/GM Derek Keenan, on the return engagement. "We've got to be ready and be ramped up and be able to withstand an early onslaught.
"If we play again (like last Saturday), we'll have a good opportunity once again."
What a way to begin your National Lacrosse League career. With Ryan Powell out of action last weekend because of his commitment to Team USA's field squad, Rush rookie forward Scott Tinning admirably filled the offensive void against Calgary. Making his debut in the Battle of Alberta was exhilarating for Tinning, Edmonton's second selection of the first round (12th overall) at the 2009 entry draft.
"It was pretty intimidating for me," said the 21-year-old forward. "I knew earlier in the week I was drawing in and worked my butt off to be ready.
"Overall, it was physical and it got chippy," he said. "Obviously, everyone was ready to go. I didn't want to stand down to that, it actually got me a little more pumped up."
Tinning appeared to be a target of Roughneck roughhousing in the contest, however, the Kitchener, Ont. product stood his ground, producing a key third quarter assist on an Andy Secore goal and minutes later sniped his first-ever NLL tally.
"I just kind of ripped it," Tinning said. "Overall, it came out of the stick really well and obviously I was real pumped up about it. I was happy to get that one under my belt and hopefully there's more to come.
"When I get into the lineup, I'm going to have to prove that I can play in this league," added the young marksmen, one of three Rush freshmen to see NLL action early in the season, along with fellow forward Corey Small and defender Brett Mydske.
With the Rush entering Calgary in second place in the West Division behind the Washington Stealth, another game against the rival Roughnecks won't be hard to get fired up for, according to Tinning.
"We've got to be mentally prepared for Calgary," he said. "They're going to come out flying in their own barn and we're going to have to match their intensity and will to win as they're going to want to get back at us.
"All the boys will be ready for this one because it's the Battle of Alberta, so guys are extra passionate about this one.
"We have to keep this winning streak going, so we're going to have to come to play," he added, sounding like a veteran. "We want that to continue that."
The following weekend, Edmonton travels to Toronto for a Feb. 12 matchup against the Rock before returning home Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Rexall Place in the back-half of the club's home-and-home series against Toronto.
National Lacrosse League Stories from February 3, 2010
- Merrill, Mydske earn NLL weekly awards - Edmonton Rush
- Peyser Named Named Defensive Player Of Week - Orlando Titans
- Orlando Titans To Assist Wounded Veterans - Orlando Titans
- Washington Stealth's Jeff Zywicki Wins NLL Weekly Award - Washington Stealth
- Mammoth Adds Veterans Levis And Gill - Colorado Mammoth
- Knighthawks Aaron Bold Wins Weekly NLL Award - Rochester Knighthawks
- Bold Named Overall Player Of The Week - NLL
- Roughnecks Acquire Goalie Mike Poulin, Trade Chris Levis - Calgary Roughnecks
- Edmonton Rush Looking Ahead To Rematch - Edmonton Rush
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