YORKTON - The Saskatchewan Rush have given themselves an early Christmas present, a 17-5 win over the Desert Dogs in Las Vegas.
The win was a big one as the Rush certainly did not want to start the NLL season on an extended losing streak -- they had been winless after a season opening loss to Halifax 17-12, and then dropping a 16-14 decision to Rochester.
The offence obviously rolled, led by newly minted Captain Ryan Keenan.
Keenan certainly led by example in Vegas finishing with a career high 10-point night – nine assists and a goal.
Keenan said the 10 points was nice, but quickly turned attention to the overall team win in an interview with Yorkton This Week Monday.
“I think for the whole team it’s a big win . . . This week we kind of erupted and were good in all aspects of the game,” he said.
Keenan did note the Rush went into the game in Las Vegas knowing it was a game they needed to win, adding the team was feeling some pressure.
“It’s early in the season but at least for me I saw it as a must win,” he said, adding a third straight loss would have put the Rush in a hole that they now don’t have to climb out of.
“We knew we had to get a win this weekend.”
Leading the way with 10 points is a good thing as captain too, a role Keenan said he is adapting to nicely.
“I am enjoying it (the captaincy). It’s been a great challenge for myself personally but it’s been fun (too),” he said, adding it helps he has “a great supporting group,” on the team.
In Vegas Patrick Dodds, acquired in the off season in a trade with Panther City had a seven assist night.
Keenan said Dodds is really beginning to show the NLL how good he can be.
Zack Manns acquired in the trade that sent Mark Matthews to Toronto led the team with four goals.
Manns also had a huge debut with the Rush scoring a hat trick in his first game, while tacking on three assists in the Halifax opener.
“He’s been fantastic for us. He’s bought completely into what we’re doing,” said Keenan.
Keenan said the offence has been a very balanced one so far this season, so while he is happy to be a facilitator and have nine assists one night, on another he might be scoring more goals, or another player may step up with big numbers.
In box lacrosse goals are a matter of course, so on a night where a team gives up only five goals you know the goaltender had a big night. In this case Frank Scigliano made 38 saves in the win.
“That was huge for the team and Frankie specifically,” said Keenan, adding as the goaltender Scigliano “had shouldered a lot of the blame for the first two games.” While adding the losses were a team thing, the win in Vegas was huge in terms of confidence.
“A lot of guys had good games but he (Scigliano) was our best player.”
Next up, the Saskatchewan Rush will host the Albany Firewolves on New Year's Eve. The Firewolves have started their season with three straight wins.
Keenan said the game will be a big test coming off the Rush’s best effort this season.
“They’re playing some great lacrosse right now, and they’re a team we’ve struggled with in recent years,” he said adding the message to his teammates heading into Christmas “is stay sharp,” and comeback ready for a tough game New Year’s Eve.
