Game Preview: New York Riptide vs Toronto Rock
February 15, 2024 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
New York Riptide News Release
The NLL will return to Montreal for the first time in 20 years when the New York Riptide and Toronto Rock play at Place Bell Arena, home of the Laval Rocket, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. This game will occur on Friday, February 16th at 7:00 PM in the first-ever NLL Unboxed Series. The Riptide are currently 5-4, after starting the year 0-3, and are in seventh place in the NLL. The Rock are still in first place despite losing their last game to the Roughnecks. This game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and TSN+ for anyone unable to make the first game back in Montreal since 2002.
History of The NLL in Montreal:
Montreal had an NLL team for just one season in 2002 when the Montreal Express competed as one of the most high-powered offenses in the history of the NLL. The inaugural game in the team's history still holds the record for most goals scored in a single game, as the Express beat the Calgary Roughnecks 32-17; a record that remains today. Both teams have Express Alumni on the sidelines in this matchup, as Rock coaches Bruce Codd and Matt Sawyer were both in Montreal for that season in 2022. For the Riptide, Jason Crosbie was another member of the team and even credits that season as "Top 2 of my favorite times that I've ever played." Both teams will have motivation stemming from the 2002 Montreal Express season, as well as being two of the top teams in the NLL.
Riptide's Hot Start to 2024:
The Riptide have one of the best records in the NLL in 2024 at 5-1, beating the Rock and Bandits who have a combined 12-3 record this season outside of their games against New York. Jeff Teat has been on a tear in this stretch, as the only player in the NLL to reach the 30-goal mark as well as to break 60 points in the 2023-2024 season. Teat had a hand in every goal during the Riptide's 6-goal comeback against the Seals last weekend, finishing the game with a game-high seven points.
Cameron Dunkerley is coming off his best performance of the season against the Seals, making 52 saves and limiting the high-powered San Diego offense to just one goal in the second half. The 24-year-old is tied for second place in the NLL with 345 saves on the season. The defense in front of Dunkerley, featuring rookies Callum Jones and Zach Deaken, has been sensational during the 5-1 stretch that has seen the Riptide fly up the playoff standings.
Toronto's Recent Slide:
The Toronto Rock started the season hotter than any team in the NLL. The Rock were the last remaining undefeated team in the NLL, after winning each of their first five games comfortably. Since then, the Rock are just 1-2 in their last three games and are coming off a surprising loss to the Calgary Roughnecks. The Rock never had a lead in that game and were blitzed after halftime, with the Roughnecks shutting them out in the third quarter, while the Rock fell behind 10-5, ultimately losing the game 11-10. Corey Small was the catalyst for the Rock offense in that matchup, scoring 5 goals on the night.
The Riptide and Rock will make the NLL's return to Montreal incredibly special in this matchup. Tickets are still available to purchase for any fans in the area. Friday's matchup will also be available to watch on ESPN+ and TSN+ for any fans who cannot attend in person. Follow along live for in-game updates on available at the Riptide's X account @newyorkriptide.
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