The Rochester Knighthawks opened the 2017 NLL season on Thursday night; unfortunately it didn’t go as planned. The Knighthawks just couldn’t get things on track as the fell 12-5 to Toronto.
Knighthawks came into the game without Cody Jamieson (knee surgery), Cory Vitarelli, Stephen Keogh (flu), and Joe Walters (opted out the season to play with New York Lizards MLL). Those four alone accounted for 102 of the 200 goals they scored last season. No timetable is set for Jamieson, and Keogh should be in the lineup on Jan 7.
Rochester was outplayed on transition as the Rock scored five times on transition, pushing the ball up the floor, and having a number of odd man rushes on Matt Vinc. After falling behind early 3-1, Rochester fought back to tie the game after the first quarter. Rochester had a few chances in the early going of the second quarter, but Nick Rose stood tall. Rochester would allow six goals in the second quarter starting at the eight minute mark and ending at 13:29. Quinn Powless would score the lone goal for the Hawks in that time frame and the Hawks would trail 9-4 at the half.
After being relieved in net for the final 1:31 of the first half, Matt Vince returned between the pipes and started playing like the Vinc of old only allowing three goals in the second half. But the offense just couldn’t get themselves on track. Rochester was out shot 56-48, and beaten on the loose balls 79-62.
Is the Hawk offense in trouble? Maybe. Its only game one, so when Keogh and Vitarelli return to the lineup, it should give them more offense and free up players like Dan Dawson to get some room to get his shot off.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Knighthawks. January 7 the NewEngland Blackwolves come to town. They scored 229 goals last season. Shawn Evans (50), Kevin Crowley (33), Pat Saunders (44), Kevin Buchanan (24),and Kyle Buchanan (29) accounted for 180 goals.
So now is the time for Rochester to get their transition game back on track, if they don’t we could see another game like the opener, or worse.
