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NLL Rochester Knighthawks

Rochester Hosts Buffalo In Possible Playoff Preview

April 14, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Rochester Knighthawks News Release


(Rochester, NY)... The Rochester Knighthawks and Buffalo Bandits conclude their home-and-home series tonight at The Blue Cross Arena. Rochester's home finale will be carried live on WYSL 1040-AM and wysl1040.com. The contest will also be nationally televised tape delayed on VERSUS on Sunday, April 15th at 2:00 p.m.

Last night, the Knighthawks captured the East Division title with a 14-10 win over the Buffalo Bandits at HSBC Arena. The regular-season crown was only the second in the Knighthawks' 13-year history. Rochester (13-2) has now won a franchise-record 11 games. More importantly, Rochester learned soon after the game that it locked up home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, following San Jose's 11-10 win over Colorado.

The win Friday also night broke Rochester's five-game losing streak in Buffalo. The victory was the Knighthawks' 13th of the year, tying the team's single-season wins record. The old mark was set during the 2001-02 campaign as the 'Hawks went 13-3. The 13th win on Friday the 13th secured Rochester's first division crown since the team won the Central Division in 2002-03.

John Grant led the way with five goals and four assists to move three points ahead of John Tavares for the NLL scoring race. Tavares had one goal and five assists. Grant is bidding to become the first Rochester player to lead the league in points. His 106 points set a single-season franchise record and his 56 assists tied his team mark set during the 2005 season. He is also five goals away from setting a new team goal-scoring mark. Further, Grant needs 10 points to break the NLL single-season mark of 115 set in 2001 by Tavares. Tavares, coincidently, is chasing a record as well, as he trails Gary Gait by five goals for the NLL all-time goal-scoring mark. The Buffalo forward has 591 goals in his illustrious career.

Pat O'Toole earned his league-leading 13th victory in a 35-save effort. Michael Thompson took the loss in a 45-save performance. He replaced Steve Dietrich, who was injured in the first quarter at the 3:55 mark. He allowed two goals on six shots. Dietrich is the reigning NLL Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.

Rochester brings the league's top offense into the game. The Knighthawks have scored a league-best 235 goals and a league-high 63 power-play goals and 22 shorthanded goals. Rochester has five players with 60 or more points. Steve Toll also leads all defensemen with 37 points (14+23). In goal, Pat O'Toole leads the NLL in wins, saves (566) and minutes (838).

Rochester and Buffalo both made player moves today. The Knighthawks activated goalie Grant Crawley and placed defenseman Mike Hasen back on the injured reserve list. Buffalo activated goalie Daniel Sams after the injury to Steve Dietrich.

Before the game tonight, Rochester will hold its annual Awards Night prior to the game. The organization will name its Unsung Hero, Best Defenseman and Community Service award winners. The Knighthawks will also honor the IKON Office Solutions MVP and the Connors & Ferris Comeback Player of the Year. The team will also hand out team photos to the first 10,000 fans, courtesy of Connors & Ferris. After the game the Knighthawks will hold a full-team autograph session in the main atrium lobby.

PLAYOFF TICKETS: Knighthawk playoff tickets are now on sale for the East Division Semifinal. The contest will take place on Friday, April 20th at 8:05 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena against an opponent to be named later. Individual tickets range in price from $15 to $27, while group seats start as low as $12. Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.com, www.knighthawks.net, and at The Blue Cross Arena Box Office. Group tickets of 10 or more can also be purchased by phone at the Knighthawks Office or by calling (585) 454-5335. Season ticket holders have until Saturday, April 14th to purchase their playoff package.

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