Quinlan's Waited For Post-Season Action
Published on April 28, 2010 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB--The wait is over. Now the hard work begins as the Edmonton Rush, who enter post-season play for the first time in franchise history, face the defending champion and provincial rival Calgary Roughnecks in the National Lacrosse League divisional semi-finals this Saturday. Having been on the outside of the playoff picture for the past four seasons, the Rush organization and its fans have more than just 16 games to enjoy this year and long-serving Edmonton players Jimmy Quinlan, Rory Glaves and Chris McElroy can relish a spot in the post-season dance.
It's been 79 games played and five seasons between playoff appearances for assistant captain Quinlan -- one of three original Rush members and the team leader for all-time games played (he's missed one) and points scored. For Quinlan -- named the team's unsung hero award winner this year -- this is his first playoff game since 2005 when he played for the Champion's Cup winning Toronto Rock.
"It's exciting back in the playoffs," he said. "Being a rookie in the league then, I thought every year was going to be as successful as the first one I had."
After four disappointing seasons Edmonton, the Rush rolled to a 10-6 record this year to tie rival Calgary for second place in the NLL's West Division and the provincial adversaries meet Saturday in a first-round single-game elimination matchup.
"This has been a long time coming," Quinlan said. "There's lots of excitement and jubilation that it's finally here. We made it our goal at the beginning of the year to make the playoffs, though.
"For the guys that haven't been in the playoffs for a while, like myself and Rory Glaves, were just going to go out there and take care of our jobs, enjoy ourselves and make the best of it," added the six-foot, 180-pound product of Sherwood Park.
Making the best of a situation is natural for Quinlan as he's suffered through the previously difficult seasons with Edmonton and this year his role changed under Rush bench boss and GM Derek Keenan as the versatile Quinlan has gone from his top marksmen days in earlier seasons for the Rush to now part of the transition game and covering on defense. That change and many more made for a tremendous turnaround for Edmonton as Keenan's new-look Rush squad emerged as a legitimate contender in the division this year, brought new life to Edmonton's lacrosse community and provided an environment for players like Quinlan, to enjoy the game again.
"It's been a tremendous amount of fun out there," said the 28-year-old left-handed shot. "You get to come to the rink and you're excited about the opportunities presented and the challenges that lay ahead.
"In the past it was sometimes not fun to come to the rink, but this year, every week has been exciting. It's continued right from training camp to all the way here."
As Edmonton grabbed the third spot in the West's final seeding, the Battle of Alberta is revisited for a fourth time this season -- this time in the playoff edition and first time the Rush and the defending champions Roughnecks meet in playoffs -- in the 1 p.m. MT matinee at the Saddledome May 1.
"You have to tip your hat to Calgary. After winning the championship last season and having such a strong season this year, we know they're full value," said Quinlan. "They're very capable both offensively and defensively, so we have our work cut out for us."
The Rush lost the season series 2-1 against Calgary this season, including an 15-14 overtime heartbreaker to the Roughnecks April 16 at Rexall Place. Edmonton, who defeated Calgary 14-11 Jan. 30, also lost 13-8 on the road at Pengrowth Saddledome Feb. 5. Despite Calgary's recent play, that includes a four-game win streak and that Edmonton hasn't won a road contest in Calgary since 2007, Quinlan does not feel outmatched this weekend.
"Maybe on paper we're the underdogs, but we like our chances and matchups against them," he said. "Having played them three times this year, we know what it takes to be successful against them.
"We're going to have our hands full this weekend. Calgary is a tremendous team with a lot of offensive firepower and that high-pressure that can put you on tilt sometimes.
"They'll be swings and runs just like a few weeks back and we know that it'll go back and forth," he added. "I think it's going to be a great game and we're going to have to be at our best to win in Calgary."
Though being victorious away from home was not an issue for the Rush this season as Edmonton compiled a 5-3 road mark and finished the year with four wins in a row away from Rexall Place, while the Roughnecks went with an identical 5-3 on home carpet.
"Although, we'd like to be playing at home, we're just as comfortable on the road," Quinlan commented. "A good start will be crucial to our success though and we'll have to stick to our game plan."
And after the playoff lull the franchise has endured over the season, Quinlan is reminded not to get caught up in the drama of the event this weekend.
"We have to stay grounded and keep our emotions in check," he said. "When you have a long spell like that, we have to remember to enjoy the moment and remember why we play the game.
"It's a game where winner takes all, so we have to be focused and at the same time enjoy the moment."
It should be worth the wait.
National Lacrosse League Stories from April 28, 2010
- Washington Stealth Host Minnesota In West Division Semifinal May 1 - Washington Stealth
- Casey Powell Lacrosse Camp Scheduled For June - Orlando Titans
- Minnesota Swarm Searching For First Postseason Victory - Minnesota Swarm
- Steve Toll To Debut His 'Legit Blog' Playoff Edition - Rochester Knighthawks
- Quinlan's Waited For Post-Season Action - Edmonton Rush
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.
