Stealth's Playoff Hopes Take a Hit
April 12, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Vancouver Stealth News Release
Rochester, NY - The Vancouver Stealth (4-11) fall 10-7 to the Rochester Knighthawks (12-4) on Saturday night, as there bid for a playoff spot takes a big hit.
The Stealth now sit a game and a half back of Colorado for the final playoff spot in the Western Division with just three games left to play. However, the Stealth still hold a game in hand.
The Stealth got off to a perfect start with back to back goals from Captain Kyle Sorensen, and Cliff Smith. That lead wouldn't last long, as the Knighthawks responded with three unanswered goals of their own to take a 3-2 lead after the opening quarter.
The second quarter was all Stealth, as they came out firing, outshooting the Knighthawks 16-6 and scored the only two goals in the quarter. At the half, the Stealth held a 4-3 advantage and had outshot their opponents 29-13.
In the second half the Stealth continued to pepper Rochester's goaltender, Matt Vinc, but he just wouldn't crack. Vinc made a total of 40 saves in the game and was named the first star. Vinc also held the Stealth off the score sheet in the third quarter, as the Stealth's momentum began to fade.
The Stealth pushed back a little bit in the fourth but it seemed with each goal they scored the Knighthawks had an answer. Again the Stealth struggled to score goals in the second half, getting outscored 7-3 in the third and fourth quarters. The Stealth's offensive woes have plagued them for most of the season and tonight was a similar story. They also came up against a goalie in Vinc, who looked to be on the top of his game.
In the end, the Stealth's shot at redemption for last year's Champions Cup finals loss to the Knighthawks fell just short. The Stealth will now return home to fight for their playoff lives when they face the Philadelphia Wings on Saturday, April 19 at the Langley Events Centre.
Vancouver Stealth 2015 season tickets are on sale now, starting at just $99 plus fees. Buy or renew before April 19 and receive priority access to 2014 Grey Cup tickets. You'll also be entered into a draw for a chance to win a trip for 2 to a Stealth road game in a Canadian city next season.
• Discuss this story on the National Lacrosse League message board...
National Lacrosse League Stories from April 12, 2014
- Roughnecks Fall 15-11 to Rush - Calgary Roughnecks
- Swarm Hold off Bandits for 10-9 Victory on Hive Cares Night - Minnesota Swarm
- Knighthawks Ground Stealth, Clinch East Division - Rochester Knighthawks
- Stealth's Playoff Hopes Take a Hit - Vancouver Stealth
- Playoff Hopes Dashed, Philadelphia Wings Drop Nail-Biter in Toronto - Philadelphia Wings
- Playoff Hopes Dashed, Philadelphia Wings Drop Nail-Biter In Toronto - Philadelphia Wings
- Rock Clinch Playoff Spot with Win over Phildelphia - Toronto Rock
- Banister Makes NLL Debut at Saddledome in Black - Edmonton Rush
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.
