Another week, another chance for the Toronto Rock to move into first place in the Eastern Conference standings. This time, against historic rivals the Buffalo Bandits, the Rock were not going to let the opportunity slip away. Opening the game on a 7-0 run, Toronto scored early and often putting the league on notice with an 18-7 win.
“I don’t think we really care what statement it makes to anyone else,” posted Rock netminder Nick Rose on social media. “It’s a big statement to us in this room.” Rose won his league-leading 12th game, stopping 39 of 46 shots faced.
Josh Jubenville, who scored twice in transition, credited his goaltender saying, “Rosey’s been a huge part of our back end this season.” As good as the offense was, he said the game was a complete effort. “Defensively, everyone was doing their job individually. When that happens, the unit plays well altogether.”
Toronto led 7-1 after the first quarter and 11-5 at halftime. Jubenville said, “We were really hungry going into this game.”
Corey Small scored four of his five goals and six of his eventual 10 points in the first half. Tom Schreiber had just one goal, but four assists in the first half putting him over the 100 point mark for the second straight season. He’d finish with nine points (four goals, five assists).
Jubenville, captain Challen Rogers, Brandon Slade and Latrell Harris combined for six goals from the Rock’s back end. “We were very dialed on putting pressure on them coming off their end,” said Jubenville. “It’s something we do well, and something we take pride in because we’re very athletic.”
Toronto are accelerating into the playoffs with their offense firing on all cylinders (seven different goal scorers), a solid defense, athletic transition and Rose playing a career season. It’s fitting that their tenacious muscles were shown on ‘Bill Hostrawser Bobble-fist night’ as well. With the outcome no long in doubt, 56 combined penalty minutes were handed out, along with three game misconducts in the final five minutes (yes, Hostrawser was one of those).
Jubenville knows that’s just Buffalo and Toronto lacrosse, and it will only get more heated when the playoffs come. “As intense as tonight was,” he said, “I think it’s going to be ramped up another notch.”
A record Hamilton crowd of 13,127 helped add to the playoff atmosphere. “It’s fun, it’s entertaining, it’s motivating,” said Jubenville of the environment. “The crowd was into it from start to finish, and that’s why we had so much energy here tonight.”
Toronto will have a bye in Week 19, but will be intently watching Saturday night’s matchup between Albany and Rochester. If the Knighthawks lose at home, the Rock will clinch a first round playoff matchup in front of their Hamilton fans.
