Rock vs Edmonton

The Edmonton Rush invade the Air Canada Centre for a matchup tonight with the 4th place Toronto Rock. This game, despite a non-conference one, has big implications for both teams. The Rush need a win to keep pace with Portland, who won in what looked like a thriller last night against Colorado. The Rock need a win tonight, as they will have a tough game against Buffalo. With Rochester having Chicago this weekend too, it is imperative for the Rock to take the win tonight.

Having said that, it won't be quite as easy to beat the Rush as it was earlier in the season. Bob Hamley is a much better coach than Paul Day, having proven that in his time in Arizona. In addition to having Hamley behind the bench, he made some very, very astute trades to bring in Lindsay Plunkett, and Mike Hominuck: 2 30 goal and 60 point guys when they are both healthy.
Curtis Palidwor has also played much better in nets lately tonight, and will no doubt be excited to play against Bob Watson. The Rush also feature former Ontario Raider Mike Accursi, along with former Rock snipers and championship team members Chris Gill and Dan Stroup. I am hoping that the Rock front office will do something to acknowledge their past contributions to the team, similar to what they did for Pat Merrill and Kaleb Toth.


The Rock are coming off what I would call an embarrassing loss to New York last week, in a game in which nobody played particularly well. More finish and better shot selection is required tonight, otherwise Edmonton will take the win. Bob Watson is always the key for the Rock, and I am going to say there is a very good chance he will start tonight, although Mike Poulin is due soon too, perhaps in the April game against Chicago. Josh Sanderson has 6 points last week, but doesn't seem to make as many of those awe-inspired passes anymore, his production is also way down. Ryan Benesch and Aaron Wilson's shooting percentages have also been too low. Rob Marshall needs to capitalize on his transition chances a lot more now, and of course, captain Jimmy Veltman remains solid. I am surprised there is no effort, no production when one of the best in lacrosse history is winding down his career. I should hope that Veltman's efforts inspire at least something for the rest of the team.

I think the Rock will win, but it won't be a cake walk. Edmonton is not as bad as their record indicates, and Toronto is not as good.

Around the NLL:
-Brian Langtry had 9 goals on 20 shots last night, but the Mammoth still fell at the Rose Garden to the Portland Lumberjax. 9 goals is pretty damn amazing, but Langtry's lack of consistent production is obvious sometimes. Still one of the best Americans in the game.
-Rochester faces Chicago in a game they should win. Sounds very similar to last Saturday.
-San Jose will look to again move into a tie with the Mammoth for first place when they play at the Saddledome on Saturday vs Calgary.
-The New York Titans also have a home game in Trenton against the high octane Wings. I will say Wings in a romp.
-The Rock travel down the QEW for Veltman's last regular season game in Buffalo tomorrow. Hopefully I will have a game preview tomorrow.

Enjoy what should be an exciting weekend of lacrosse, and remember Rock fans: do whatever you can to get rid of Kloepfer.