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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks and Bandits Meet in Battle for First Place

January 22, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The Rochester Knighthawks will hit the road for the first time this season when they battle the Buffalo Bandits on Saturday, January 25th at 7:30 p.m. The contest will be broadcast on Sportsradio 950 ESPN and online at www.sportsradio950espn.com. The game will also be carried live on YouTube via The Lacrosse Network.

Head-to-Head: Rochester will take on its thruway rivals, the Buffalo Bandits, at the First Niagara Center in a battle first place in the East Division. The Knighthawks (3-0) own a half-game lead over Buffalo (3-1) for the top spot in the division. In their 49 meetings, the Knighthawks are 28-21 all-time against the Bandits, with a 12-11 record on the road. The last time they met, the Knighthawks edged the Bandits 10-9 on April 20, 2013, to clinch a playoff spot en route to repeating as National Lacrosse League Champions.

Knighthawks News: Rochester has a chance to set a franchise record for the most wins to start a season with a victory Saturday. The Knighthawks made it three-in-a-row with a 12-8 win over the Toronto Rock last Saturday. Cody Jamieson netted four goals and an assist, while Dan Dawson notched seven assists for the Knighthawks. Stephen Keogh registered his best game of the season, collecting two goals, two assists and seven loose balls. Defenseman Paul Dawson reached a career milestone in the win, playing in his 100th NLL game. Defenseman Mac Allen also scored his first goal since the 2011 season, notching an empty-netter late in the contest. Matt Vinc made 38 saves out of 46 shots on goal and held the Rock scoreless for 21:42 between the second and third quarters. The three-time NLL Goalie of the Year leads the NLL with a 7.67 goals-against average.

Winning at the X: Dylan Evans ranks third in the NLL in faceoff winning percentage, trailing only Bob and Geoff Snider. This season, Evans has won .576 of his draws.

The 'Dog' is back: Cory Vitarelli made his 2014 debut last Saturday and made an instant impact, scoring twice in his first game since the 2013 NLL Championship Game.

Milestone Watch:

- Cody Jamieson is one goal shy of 100 in his career.

- Joel McCready is riding a nine-game goal-scoring streak.

- Johnny Powless needs two points to reach 100.

- Joe Walters needs two points to reach 100.

Buffalo notes: The Bandits (3-1) enter Saturday's contest a half a game behind the Knighthawks for first place in the East Division. After losing on opening night, Buffalo has won three straight games. Last Saturday, the Bandits downed the Colorado Mammoth 16-9 in Denver. Buffalo raced out to a 6-1 lead in the second quarter and never trailed. Ryan Benesch led the way with eight points (1+7), while Dhane Smith (4+2) and Shawn Williams (0+6) each chipped in six points. Goalie Anthony Cosmo turned aside 34 shots.

Next Game: Rochester will fly to Edmonton to battle the top team in the West Division on Saturday, February 1st. The 9:00 p.m. game against the Rush will be broadcast on Sportsradio 950 ESPN and online at www.sportsradio950espn.com. The game will be also carried live on YouTube via The Lacrosse Network.

Next Home Game: After two straight road games, the Knighthawks return will home on Saturday, February 8th to host the Buffalo Bandits at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are currently available by calling the Rochester Knighthawks' office at (585) 454-4295.

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