Stealth Wrap Up Regular Season This Weekend Versus Rochester

Published on April 23, 2010 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Washington Stealth News Release


Everett, Wash. - The Washington Stealth will play their final regular season game on April 24 against the Rochester Knighthawks at the Comcast Arena at Everett. The Stealth clinched a playoff berth a month ago, and this weekend they will have their second opportunity of the season to lock up their second West Division regular season title in three years and home-floor advantage throughout the National Lacrosse League playoffs.

The Stealth (10-5) had a chance last week to earn the Division crown and home-floor in the playoffs, but the visiting Edmonton Rush spoiled that opportunity with a 14-13 victory. It was the second time in three weeks the Rush topped the Stealth. Despite having a first-round playoff game locked up, Stealth Head Coach Chris Hall isn't planning on resting players this week.

"We are still trying to find our playoff roster," said Hall. "We aren't totally focused on the playoffs, but we are preparing. To do that we need to continue to go out and play hard."

One player who seems to be ready for the playoffs is Lewis Ratcliff. Ratcliff has been one of the league's best over the last five games of the season, recording 24 goals and 14 assists in that span. He has catapulted himself into a contender for the NLL MVP award, leading the league with 45 goals and second with 89 points. Ratcliff has paced the Stealth offense in the absence of Jeff Zywicki, who was among the league leaders with 68 points before missing the last three games with a lower body injury. Zywicki is expected to play this weekend.

In the National Lacrosse League, special teams play a major role in winning games. The Stealth has excelled on special teams all season, especially on the penalty kill. The Stealth penalty kill unit has been the best in the league all season, allowing just 22 goals in 69 opponent's power plays (.681). The Stealth power play ranks third in the league, converting on over 50% of their extra-man opportunities. Another specialist, face-off man Jamison Koesterer, is second in the league with 246 face-off wins in 420 chances.

This week, the Stealth plays a Rochester team that currently holds the fourth and final playoff spot in the East with a 7-8 record. A win for the Knighthawks guarantees a spot in the postseason. Rochester bench boss Paul Gait hopes playing for their playoff lives will provide ample motivation.

"This week is going to be about preparation and getting the guys motivated to play," said Gait. "It is going to take the players really spending the time to be mentally prepared and ready to play. At this point coaches can't affect a whole lot, it is going to be about effort and execution. All we can do is help set them up for success, it's going to come down to how hard they work and how smart they play."

Rochester has won two of their last three games, the loss coming last week to the Toronto Rock, 15-7. They have the lowest scoring offense in the league, but not because of the lack of marquee names. John Grant is having yet another stellar season, leading the team with 77 points (33g, 44a) in 14 games played. Shawn Williams is next with 67 points (23g, 44a). The Knighthawks also have one of the sport's all-time greats on their roster, Gary Gait, who is expected to play this weekend. The 43-year old Victoria, BC native has 31 points in ten games played this season.

The Rochester defense is allowing just over eleven goals per game. Their goaltender is the NLL's all-time saves leader, Pat O'Toole, whose 10.95 goals against average is good for eighth in the league.

The Washington Stealth host the Rochester Knighthawks on Saturday, April 24 at 7:30pm at the Comcast Arena. It's also "Fan Appreciation Night", with a number of opportunities for fans to walk away with special Stealth gift packs, including 2011 Stealth season tickets. Tickets for the game start at just $13 and are available by calling 877-MY-75-TIX or at www.stealthlax.com.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from April 23, 2010


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