Roughencks Punch Playoff ticket
Published on April 14, 2007 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Calgary Roughnecks News Release
The Calgary Roughnecks much maligned defense held the Arizona Sting without a goal for over 23 minutes on Friday night and the offense potted five unanswered goals to take a 12-11 victory in Arizona. Coupled with Portland's 14-10 win over the Edmonton Rush, the Roughnecks officially clinch a spot in the 2007 National Lacrosse League playoffs.
Arizona drew first blood with a goal just 1:28 into the first quarter. The Roughnecks battled back with four goals in the first frame, three from the stick of Scott Ranger, and took a 4-3 lead into the second quarter.
After Ranger netted his fourth goal of the game to kick off the second stanza Arizona went on five goal tear that saw the Sting take an 8-6 lead into halftime.
Lewis Ratcliff, who had seven goals in last week's game against Edmonton, broke onto the stat sheet just over one minute into the third quarter. Arizona answered back with three straight goals to hold an 11-8 lead with just over eight minutes to play in the third.
Back-up goalie, Ryan Avery entered the game after the Sting notched their 11th goal and shut down Arizona's potent attack to claim his third win of the year. Avery stopped all 10 shots he faced in 23 minutes of action and energized the Roughnecks transition game.
"The defense stepped up big time," said Roughnecks Vice President and General Manager, Kurt Silcott. "Avery came in and battled hard and the offense did just enough for us to get the win tonight."
The Roughnecks head to Edmonton Saturday night with a chance to host an opening round playoff game should they be victorious against the Rush and Arizona loses away to Minnesota.
"Now we need to make sure to get the win in Edmonton tomorrow night," said Silcott. "If the opportunity to host a playoff game presents itself, we'll take it."
Scott Ranger (5G, 1A), Lewis Ratcliff (3G, 3A) and Kaleb Toth (1G, 5A) paced the Roughnecks attack Friday night. Also scoring for the Riggers were Tracey Kelusky (1G, 3A), Jeff Shattler (1G, 2A) and Nolan Heavenor (1G, 1A).
National Lacrosse League Stories from April 14, 2007
- Chicago Ends Wings' Season With 17-11 Win - Philadelphia Wings
- Calgary to host playoff game - Calgary Roughnecks
- Mammoth to host Stealth next Saturday in NLL Playoffs - Colorado Mammoth
- Arizona Finishes the Season 9-7, Will Open the Playoffs in Calgary Next Weekend - Arizona Sting
- New York win over Toronto not enough to eliminate Rock from playoffs as Philly falls too - Toronto Rock
- New York Titans End Inaugural Season With 12-11 Win in Toronto - Orlando Titans
- Rochester Hosts Buffalo In Possible Playoff Preview - Rochester Knighthawks
- Jax Season Finale Ends In 14-10 Victory Over Rush - Portland Lumberjax
- Roughnecks Shock Sting With Late Rally - Arizona Sting
- Roughencks Punch Playoff ticket - Calgary Roughnecks
- Playoff Bound Stealth Defeat Mammoth, 11-10 - San Jose Stealth
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.
