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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Knighthawks' Comeback Bid Falls Just Short

March 18, 2018 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


The Rochester Knighthawks' comeback bid fell one goal short Saturday night, as they were edged 14-13 by the Calgary Roughnecks at Scotiabank Saddledome.

"We spotted them too many goals early on. That's what hurt us in the end," said Knighthawks forward Kyle Jackson. "We had only 0.7 seconds left, and we just didn't have enough time left."

Jackson finished the game with a team-high seven points (3+3), while Austin Shanks posted four goals and two assists. Joe Resetarits also had a four-point night (2+2), while Cody Jamieson collected six assists.

Rochester fought back in the second half by outscoring the Roughnecks 8-4 over the final 30 minutes. The Knighthawks used four power-play goals to get back in the contest, going 4-for-5 on the man advantage.

"We struggled in the first half, but we answered in the second," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. "It took us a while, but the power play got going, and we made it closer."

The Knighthawks stormed back by scoring four goals over the final six minutes. Resetarits started the rally with a power-play tally at 8:31 to make it 14-10. Shanks followed with a power-play marker just 44 seconds later to bring Rochester within three. Jackson got the Knighthawks closer with two goals in the final three minutes.

Rochester's Cory Vitarelli opened the fourth quarter with a rebound goal, which was part of a 3-0 run to get Rochester back in the contest at 12-9. That goal, career No. 163, tied the Peterborough, Ontario native with Scott Evans for fifth on the team's all-time goal-scoring list.

Rookie Jake Withers also reached a milestone, winning a team rookie record 20 faceoffs. He passed Tyler Burton for seventh on the franchise's all-time faceoff wins list. Fellow rookie Adam Perroni made his professional debut and scooped up four loose balls.Shanks, however, had the most significant night for a Rochester rookie, as he scored a career-high four goals. Two of those goals came in the Knighthawks' big fourth quarter.

"It's an offense by committee," said Hasen. "He just put himself in a good spot. 'Jammer' (Cody Jamieson) and the boys on the left side were finding him, and he was doing those one-timers. He's an off-ball guy who, when he finds that soft spot, is going to make the most of his opportunities."

In goal, Angus Goodleaf made 22 saves in 33 minutes of work. It was just another example of what the veteran goalie can do when he enters a game.

"The best thing about 'Gussy' is when the call comes he's going to answer," said Hasen. "He gave us a chance to win."

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