Following a decisive 15-9 win over the Toronto Rock in Game 1 of the Champion’s Cup, the Edmonton Rush return home to host the second contest of the best-of-three series.
The Rock took a quick 2-0 in Game 1, but the Rush responded by scoring the next six goals and they never looked back, holding at least a two-goal lead the rest of the way.
The net result is that Edmonton is just one win away from their first-ever Champion’s Cup, which they could earn in front of a hometown crowd.
Robert Church, Mark Matthews and Ben McIntosh picked up six points each in the first game to lead the offense. But the story for the Rush as usual, was their defense: they gave up six fewer shots on goal (54-48), collected more loose balls (80-69) and caused more turnovers (8-6). Between the pipes, Aaron Bold stopped 39 shots and continues to look comfortable and confident every time out.
On the Toronto side, Kevin Crowley and Rob Hellyer contributed four points apiece. They’ll need bigger games from both Josh Sanderson and Brett Hickey in Game 2 if they have any hope of matching Edmonton’s offensive output.
In goal, Brandon Miller was chased from the game twice, surrendering 12 goals on 35 shots, while Nick Rose gave up just three goals on 19 shots in relief. Regardless of who gets the start on Friday night, the Rock are going to need a big game from that position.
The Rush were 6-3 at home this year but one of those three losses was to Toronto. On the other hand, they’ve won seven of their last eight games, compared to a 5-3 record for the Rock in their last eight.
Action gets underway at Rexall Place in Edmonton at 7:30 MT on Friday, June 5.
