Huge Second Half Powers Knighthawks
Published on March 15, 2015 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
The Rochester Knighthawks used a nine-goal second half to defeat the Calgary Roughnecks, 13-7, at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday night. With the win, Rochester improved to 7-3 and extended its winning streak to five games.
It was a night of milestones for the Knighthawks as four players reached career markers. Brad Self played in his 100th career game, while Joe Walters set a new single-season high in goals (16). Craig Point also recorded his 300th career point and Matt Vinc made his 5,000th career save in tonight's victory.
"That was a tough game," said Walters. "It was 4-4 at half. We came out and started getting on a roll, and the ball started to drop. It's special for me, but more special because we got the win."
Rochester received goals from an array of players, which included a seven-point effort from Walters (2+5), who tied his single-game high. Aaron Wilson, who the Knighthawks activated yesterday, scored two goals and added three helpers. Point added four points (2+2), while the defense chipped in on the offense as Paul Dawson, Brad Self, Ian Llord and Sid Smith all scored in the road win.
"It always feels good to contribute offensively. That's a bonus for me," said Smith. "We had a few guys (score). Pauly and Llordy both got one in transition."
Llord got the Knighthawks on the board first, scoring a transition goal. Calgary answered back with three straight goals, but 3:48 into the second quarter Wilson scored on the doorstep off of a feed from Point to bring the Knighthawks within one.
After a goal from former Knighthawk Shawn Evans, Paul Dawson answered back with his second goal of the season, putting it through the five-hole of Calgary goaltender Mike Poulin. With less than three minutes left in the half, Point tied the game at four to reach the 300-point plateau.
"It's always good to accomplish something like that, especially in a professional league," said Point. "It's just awesome to get that many points. The Rochester Knighthawks have been really good to me. I just love being here. It's a great team and a great family."
Rochester broke open the game in the third quarter, by outscoring the Roughnecks 9-3. Goalie Matt Vinc made 21 of his 41 saves over the final two quarters to become only the sixth player in NLL history to reach 5,000 saves. Combined with a stifling defense, Vinc held Calgary scoreless for 16:24. Getting the win on the same night he hit 5,000 saves made it extra special.
"It's great any time you can achieve something like that, especially with the guys that are on that list," said Vinc, who joined Pat O'Toole, Bob Watson, Dallas Eliuk, Anthony Cosmo and Steve Dietrich. "At the end of the day, you come into this game and you want to get a win against a strong Calgary team. I think our guys got a lot of saves out there and made my job a lot easier. It's great to get a win and get that milestone."
The second-half onslaught began early as Wilson got things going 27 seconds into the third. Hall followed with his first of three second-half goals to give Rochester a 6-4 advantage. Smith also got in on the scoring act, converting on the breakaway to stake the Knighthawks to a 7-5 lead. Walters closed out the third quarter with a diving goal to give Rochester a three-goal cushion.
Walters struck again to open up the final frame and set a new career high in goals with 16. Hall then put one more up before Calgary got two quick ones, but that's as close as Calgary would get to the defending champions. Hall notched a hat trick with 3:34 left in the quarter. Self and Point followed suite to help Rochester earn its second win over Calgary in three weeks.
Rochester will be back in action at Connor's and Ferris Field at the Blue Cross on Saturday, March 28th as they take on the Edmonton Rush. Tickets are available and can be purchased through any Ticketmaster outlet, online at ticketmaster.com or by calling the Knighthawks office at (585) 454-4295.
National Lacrosse League Stories from March 15, 2015
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- Huge Second Half Powers Knighthawks - Rochester Knighthawks
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