Sask. Rush win home playoff spot

The Saskatchewan Rush will have a home playoff game, thanks to their Saturday night 11-9 win over long-time rival Calgary Roughnecks.

This is the first time in the Rush’s history with the National Lacrosse League they have beat their rivals in all four meetings of the season. The win puts the Rush in a tie with the Colorado Mammoth for first place in the league’s west division.

All of this went down in front of a franchise-record, sell-out crowd of 14,941 at SaskTel Centre.

Special teams were the difference-maker for the Rush with five power-play goals. The Rush got off to a quick start and found themselves up 9-5 at halftime.

They were able to hold onto the lead despite a goal-less third quarter, scoring two goals in the fourth quarter, goals that proved to be the difference.

The win improves the Rush record to 10-3.

Mark Matthews led the way offensively with six points (3 goals, 3 assists) while Robert Church racked up five points (2 goals, 3 assists) and Ben McIntosh scored two points. Goalie Aaron Bold totaled 36 saves for Saskatchewan with many of his best coming during Rush penalty kills.

Next up for the Rush is a trip out to New England for a clash with the Black Wolves on Friday, Apr. 8.

With files from CKOM’s Adam Greuel