Rush Defense to Face Powerful Toronto
February 27, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB--- Premium-fueled offense versus brick-wall defense.
It's quite possible that Friday night's matchup between the Toronto Rock and the Edmonton Rush boils down to a very simple equation. The Rush have an imposing defense, the best in the NLL right now with the fewest goals surrendered (54) and boasting Aaron Bold's league-leading goals-against average (7.97). It's a defense anchored by team captain Chris Corbeil, two-time NLL Defender of the Year and turnover machine Kyle Rubisch, blossoming stalwart Brett Mydske, and the ever-hustling Jeremy Thompson.
On the flip side, there's the Rock's potent offense led by 500 career-goal man Colin Doyle plus the dynamic duo of Stephan Leblanc and Garrett Billings.
If the Rush road block the Rock at every turn, it could make for a long night for the visitors to Crystal Glass Field at Rexall Place. If the Rock are able to crank up the octane, they could spoil the Rush's shot at equaling the NLL record for best start to a season at a perfect 8-0.
So does this whole game come down to the Rush defense against the Rock offense?
"It could but I still think you have to play a good overall game," said Rush GM/Head Coach Derek Keenan. "Toronto obviously has a high-end offense. They move the ball extremely well and their special teams are really good so it's going to be a challenge for our defensive group. But we need to play a complete game. We need to play well everywhere on the floor to have success."
While it's quite likely the Rush defense and goaltending will do its part in the team's bid for a 8-0 record, the offense will have to make a major contribution as well particularly if the Rock are able to rack up some goals. Edmonton's attack has been a little bit up and down this season, but definitely has the ability to strike when hot. At home, the Rush have put offensive outbreaks on Colorado (17-9) and Calgary (15-8), and in their last outing, found the back of the net 14 times in Minnesota.
With their unbeaten start, a visit from a heated Canadian rival, and a nationally televised audience on TSN all rolled into Friday's game, the Rush can't help but feel a little extra jolt of enthusiasm.
"It definitely adds to it," said the Rush's Riley Loewen, who is third in league rookie scoring with 19 points. "I think you get pumped for every game in this league, but with everyone watching on TV it's going to make for a great game.
"We're off to a good start but we're trying not to think about the streak. We're worried about getting better each game and this is going to be a big test against the Rock."
Keenan, who was a key member of the record-setting 1993 edition of the Buffalo Bandits, has diverted talk away from streak with a good sense of humor.
"I think most of our players were still in or just getting out of diapers in '93," laughed Keenan. "We just want to continue to improve. I think we got away from a few things in a couple games but got our groove back against Minnesota. We're looking at this as the next big game."
Tickets are available by calling the Rush office at 780 732-RUSH.
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