RUSH, Secure Home Playoff
March 22, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Edmonton Rush News Release
Edmonton, AB---The Edmonton Rush won their 11th straight game, stayed undefeated on the season, and clinched a home-turf playoff date for the first time in team history as they scored six power-play goals and used a seven-goal outburst in the second quarter to blow out the Buffalo Bandits 14-5.
With 11 straight wins, the Rush are just one victory away from tying the NLL record for longest regular-season winning streak set by the 2007 edition of the Rochester Knighthawks. With the win, coming before a crowd of 7,071 at Rexall Place, also gave the Rush their fourth straight win over Buffalo, and first on their home floor against the Bandits since the 2008 season.
Curtis Knight, Zack Greer, and rookie Adrian Sorichetti all notched hat trick for the Rush, while Cory Conway starred in the role of playmaker in racking up eight points on the night (1+7).
After a see-saw first frame that had Buffalo leading 3-2 at the break, the Rush exploded for seven goals in the second quarter starting with Mark Matthews' power-play marker. Edmonton took the lead on the Sorchetti's first career goal, and after a quick tally by Chad Culp put Buffalo briefly back in front, the Rush's onslaught began.
Following a goal from Jarrett Davis put Edmonton up 5-4, the Rush's Curtis Knight reeled off back-to-back goals coming just over one minute apart. Knight's first goal came off a brilliant setup by Robert Church who feed at the top of the crease and Knight twisted a shot behind Bandits goalie Anthony Cosmo. Knight completed a first-half trick and then watched Rush defender Jeff Cornwall put Edmonton up 8-4. Cornwall turned on the jets, blowing past the Bandits in the open floor, and cleanly beat Cosmo on the breakaway. Sorichetti topped off the barrage, adding his second of the night to make it 9-4 at halftime.
Greer notched the lone goal of the third quarter, and added his second of the night just over minutes into the fourth with a great effort. After a great fake, Greer fired a low shot behind Cosmo as he was falling to the turf. Just 2:25 later, Greer completed the natural hat trick whipping in the Rush's fifth power-play goal of the game. Sorichetti completed his own hat trick later in the fourth.
Robert Church rounded out the scoring for the Rush, while goaltender Aaron Bold registered XX saves to earn his league-leading 10th win.
With an assist on Aaron Wilson's first-quarter goal, Bandits legend and NLL all-time leading scorer John Tavares reached the 1,700-point plateau. Tavares added goal with the Bandits getting a shorthanded marker from Steve Priolo and an extra-attacker goal from Joe Resetarits.
The Bandits will look to bounce back from the loss Sunday when they visit Minnesota. The Rush, who have won 11 straight road games dating back to last season, trek to Rochester and Toronto next weekend.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from March 22, 2014
- Philadelphia Wings Crumble Rock at Wells Fargo Center - Philadelphia Wings
- Philadelphia Hangs on for 14-13 Win over Toronto - Toronto Rock
- Stealth Comeback Falls Short against Roughnecks - Vancouver Stealth
- Roughnecks Victorious in Langley - Calgary Roughnecks
- RUSH, Secure Home Playoff - Edmonton Rush
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