GAME PREVIEW: Rock @ Stealth

Rob Hellyer and The Rock posted 17 Goals at the ACC on January 31st en route to a 17-12 win over the Vancouver Stealth.

Game Preview: Rock @ Stealth
Saturday, April 3^rd, 2014
Langley Events Centre, Vancouver, BC 10 PM ET

ROCK REPORT:

The Rock faced the undefeated Edmonton Rush at the Air Canada Centre last Sunday attempting to hand them their first loss of the season. Toronto carried a 7-6 lead into the dressing room at halftime, which they forfeited, only scoring a total of 3 goals in the second half. It was a goaltending battle from the beginning as the Rock’s new acquisition, Brandon Miller, got the start and stopped 40 of the 53 shots he faced. The Rush rode a strong second half en route to a 13-10 win, their 13^th in a row, setting a new NLL record for consecutive wins. Josh Sanderson led the Rock with 2G-3A-5PTS. Garrett Billings leads the NLL with 95 points and needs only 5 more to post back-to-back-to back 100 Point seasons. If there was one place he would love to accomplish this feat other than Toronto, it would be in front of his friends and Family in his hometown of Langley, BC. He would be the first player in NLL history to record 3 straight 100-point seasons.

The last time the two teams met, Toronto got off to a very slow start falling behind 6-3 in the first quarter. They dominated the last three quarters however, beating Vancouver 17-12.

Heading into Saturday’s game, the Rock sit third in the East Division, four and a half games back of the Rochester Knighthawks and three and a half back of the Buffalo Bandits and are tied in the standings with the Philadelphia Wings for the 3^rd and final East Division playoff spot.

Vancouver Stealth:

So far in 2014, the Stealth have a record of 4-9. Vancouver is coming off of a home win over Buffalo where they topped the Bandits 12-8 at the Langley Events Centre. Previous to that game, the Stealth had dropped 3 in a row.

Offence:

Rhys Duch 30G-34A-64PTS leads the Stealth in all offensive categories. Rookie Tyler Digby has posted 18G-28A-46PTS and veteran Lewis Ratcliff has 17G-27A-44PTS through 12 games this season.

Defence:

Tyler Garrison leads the team with 71 loose balls and 29 forced turnovers and is also their go to man in the faceoff circle. Other players coming out the back door include Jeff Moleski, Mike Grimes and Illija Gajic is an important key to their transition game.

Between The Pipes:

Tyler Richards has started al13 games for the Stealth this season posting a record of 4-7. His GAA is 11.60 and his save percentage is .769 which is good enough for 5^th among league leaders in both categories.

The Toronto Rock will return home for Toronto Sun autograph night on Saturday, April 12th at 7PM as they host the Philadelphia Wings at Air Canada Centre. The game could have major playoff implicaions as the two teams head into this weekend tied for 3rd in the East Division and have split their two meetings this season. For tickets visit toronntrock.com