For the Stealth to win Saturday night in Rochester they would need a big night from their star forward, and leading scorer Rhys Duch. Instead they got a strong dose of offense from Lewis Ratcliff, but it was not enough. They fell 10-7 to the East Division leading Knighthawks; leaving the Stealth to ponder what they need to do with their talented roster to make the playoffs. The Stealth are trailing the Colorado Mammoth for the third and final spot in the West standings.
The Stealth got on the scoreboard early from captain Kyle Sorenson and shortly thereafter from Cliff Smith. The Champs quickly answered with back-to-back goals from Johnny Powless and then one more from Cody Jamieson to end the first quarter 3-2 Knighthawks.
Since being a health scratch earlier in the season, some questioned how Lewis Ratcliff would respond, and it has been exciting. Lewis has shown that he is still a force to be reckoned with. He was the only player to score in the second quarter for either team. His two goals gave the Stealth the 4-3 lead heading in to the half on the road.
Much like the second quarter, one team took the helm. This time it would be Craig Point and Dan Dawson for the Knighthawks. Both players giving Rochester the boost it needed to start the second half in front of the home crowd. The Knighthawks would take the lead by one entering the fourth quarter.
The fourth quarter would start out to be just as exciting as the back forth action of the first three quarters; keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats. Point would give Rochester a two-goal lead igniting the crowd. The visiting Stealth showing their heart they have had all season long answered back with goals from Digby and Smith tying the game at 6-6. Dawson and Bucktooth would exchange goals for a 7-7 tie. Then Rochester would go on a game-winning run; in the final two minutes and 47 seconds Rochester went on to score three goals from Cory Vitarelli, Craig Point, and Vitarelli again.
The loss brings Vancouver’s playoff run to a regrouping for players and staff, as they will face a tough Wings team this week. Rochester goes back home to face the rival Buffalo Bandits on lengthy losing streak.
