Knighthawks Set Sights on East Division Finals
Published on May 12, 2015 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release
The Rochester Knighthawks' "Sea of Teal" will continue Saturday night when the three-time defending National Lacrosse League champions host the Toronto Rock. The first game of the East Division Finals will face off at 7:30 p.m. at Connors & Ferris Field at The Blue Cross Arena.
"We have been in this situation before and we know what's at stake," said Rochester forward Dan Dawson. "We will do everything in our power to prepare and give them our best effort."
Rochester will battle the Toronto Rock for the right to represent the East Division in the Champion's Cup Finals. The best-of-two series will shift to Toronto for Game Two on Saturday, May 23rd at 7:30 p.m. If the series is tied after two games, the series will be decided by a 10-minute mini-game. The winner of the East will take on the winner of the West Division Finals between Edmonton-Calgary. The best-of-three Champion's Cup Finals will begin the weekend of May 29-31.
Rochester and Toronto are meeting for the fourth time this season. The Knighthawks won the last two contests, which included an 11-7 victory at the Air Canada Centre on April 3rd.
"We know it's going to be a tough series," said Joe Resetarits, who had two goals in his Knighthawks debut that night. "It's playoff lacrosse so they are going to be as hungry as us. We have to be ready for anything."
The Knighthawks earned a fourth straight trip back to the East Division Finals, following a 14-11 win over the Buffalo Bandits last Friday. Cody Jamieson led the way with two goals and seven assists to finish with a playoff-best nine points. He also passed Shawn Williams for first on the team's all-time playoff assist list with 41.
"When the chips are down, we rely on him to do a lot of things," said Knighthawks head coach Mike Hasen. "He scored two big goals for us and did a lot of little things that showed up on the score sheet, but a lot of things that didn't show up on the score sheet."
Resetarits also scored a career-high four goals, with three of those coming in succession in the third quarter. Resetarits, who was playing in his eighth game with Rochester since being acquired from the Bandits, now has 17 goals and 14 assists as a Knighthawk.
"Joey Rez has been good ever since he stepped into this lineup for us," said Hasen. "He is quick, he's dynamic, he can finish and he does all the little things for the guy beside him. He has been a welcome addition and it seems like he has been here for years."
Rochester also received six points (1+5) from stalwart Dan Dawson and four points (3+1) from Jordan Hall, who was making his return to the postseason with the Knighthawks. Hall, who was acquired in the offseason, made trips to the playoffs with Rochester in 2011 and 2012. Cory Vitarelli also chipped in three goals and one, and provided a highlight-reel goal in the fourth. His "Air Dogger" diving goal from behind the net staked Rochester to a 13-10 lead in the final quarter.
"I saw him behind the net and it was a little bit of a lob so I thought (Anthony) Cosmo was actually going to intercept it, but Vit made magic happen from behind the net," said Dawson.
The Rochester defense was backstopped by a 44-save effort from goalie Matt Vinc. During the regular season, Rochester finished with a league-best 177 goals against. On Friday, 'Vno" got more support from his defense, who clogged up the shooting lanes and stopped a dozen shots.
"That's playoff lacrosse. You have to put it all on the line," said Knighthawks captain Sid Smith. "It's win or go home, so you don't want to regret not doing everything you could to help the team win."
"I don't think they get enough credit. They are getting in lanes and taking shots off their backs and off their chests, and Matt Vinc (is back there) doing what he does every single night," added Dawson. "They are the cornerstone of our franchise. The sacrifice that they do, pumps us up upfront."
Fans can support the team's "Sea of Teal" by purchasing a 7th Man Playoff Pack, which includes a 7th Man teal T-shirt and a ticket for just $25. The Knighthawks are encouraging fans to wear teal during the 2015 Champion's Cup Playoffs. Season Ticket Holders, who have already purchased their playoff tickets, can order a 7th Man shirt for just $5 by calling (585) 454-4295. Fans can pick up their Playoff Packs at the Knighthawks Office, which is located at 144 Exchange Blvd, Suite 102.
National Lacrosse League Stories from May 12, 2015
- Rush Fans: Playoff Report - Edmonton Rush
- Knighthawks Set Sights on East Division Finals - Rochester Knighthawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
