The Rochester Knighthawks will be hosting their arch-rival Buffalo Bandits this Saturday at the Blue Cross Arena in downtown Rochester at 8:00 p.m. in National Lacrosse League play.
Rochester will be looking to get back on track after dropping three straight games. Rochester has been out scored 37 goals to 21 in those three games, with the streak starting by only scoring four goals against, you guessed it, the Bandits in Buffalo.
The Knighthawks then traveled to San Diego and were beaten by the Seals by two goals and lost the following weekend in a Champions Cup rematch against the Rush by five goals.
Rochester looked stellar during their first game but have struggled since. The offense seems to be clicking but the woes on the defensive end are beginning to take a toll.
So who is stepping up and has been shining in spite of the struggle?
Faceoff ace Jake Withers is absolutely dominating at the dot. Withers has won 62 of 96 faceoffs; that’s 62 chances for his offense to put the ball in the net. He also has a team high of 41 loose balls.
Angus Goodleaf is living up to his potential and has earned his starting position with the squad, holding down a .777 save percentage. The team may be 1-3 but it’s not because of the keeper! At 160 saves in four games, Angy is doing his thing and is doing a phenomenal job at it!
Cody Jamieson, Joe Resetarits, Kyle Jackson and Austin Shanks are the Hawks main players on offense and the numbers don’t lie. Jamieson is leading the team in total points at 18 with seven goals (tied with Jackson) and 11 assists (leads the team). Resetarits is second in points with five goals, 10 assists. Jackson and Shanks are tied with 10 points each throughout the four games, Jackson with seven goals, three assists and Shanks with three goals and seven assists. Jamieson is also leading the pack on Power Play Goals with four.
On the defensive end, Graeme Hossack is really holding it down. Hossack is the only defensive guy to have scored (one goal, three assists), and have picked up 32 loosies. If the defensive unit had four more players of Graeme’s caliber this team would be 4-0. Unfortunately, this unit is lacking and having an issue with pressuring opposing offenses.
The Knighthawks have hurt themselves with 62 minutes in the sin bin, which is seventh in the league. The minutes may not be terrible but when you are on the road and trying to get back in the win column avoiding the box is a must.
Rochester is now going back to the drawing board before their match up Saturday. Luckily, Rochester is 1-0 at home and it is military night. That means the barn down by the river is going to be rocking, They will be giving away free tickets for military members, and both clubs will be rocking special uniforms for the game. Each jersey for both clubs is being auctioned off with proceeds going to the Veterans Outreach Center.
This is going to be a great game as it always is and it marks Bandits starting goalie Matt Vinc’s return to Rochester. If you can’t get to the game make sure you check it out on Bleacher Report Live!
