Minnesota Swarm (2-5 H 1-3 A 1-2)

at
Toronto Rock (2-5 H 1-3 A 1-2)

Friday, February 27, 2009 - 6:30 pm CST
Air Canada Centre
Toronto, Ontario

Live Statistics

Minnesota Swarm Game Center

TV/Internet/Radio Coverage:

More Coverage of this game at:

Regular Season History:

Last year, the Swarm swept the season series against the Rock for the first time in their history. The two games against the Rock in 2008, were the Swarm's first two game of the season. They won their home opener in Toronto on a Ryan Cousins overtime goal to comeback for a 17-16 victory. The following night, they had the rematch at the X, where Nick Patterson shut down the Rock offense, giving up only four goals, on the way to an 11-4 win.

Rosters:

Regular Season Statistics:

2009 NLL Standings

Former Rock With The Swarm:

• Kevin Fines
• Eric Pacey
• Aaron Wilson

Former Swarm With The Rock:

• Mike Attwood
• Kasey Beirnes
• Scott Campbell
• Craig Conn

The Minnesota Swarm enter this road doubleheader this weekend against the Toronto Rock and the Buffalo Bandits on a five game losing streak. Last weekend, the Swarm found some spark on offense after some wheeling and dealing, the problem was the defense did not step up in losses to the Boston Blazers at the X by a 16-12 score and a loss in Philadelphia to the Wings by a 13-12 score. With those losses, the Swarm now reside in last place by themselves in the West Division.

The Toronto Rock also have two games this weekend but only one on the road in Rochester on Saturday. They have lost two straight including last weekend's 17-16 loss at home to the Bandits in overtime. In that game, the Rock led the Bandits 11-5 at halftime before John Tavares and Mark Steenhuis led a dramatic comeback. The Rock along with the Knighthawks now share last place in the East Division.

The Swarm made a huge deal last weekend by trading Craig Point and Dean Hill to Rochester for Aaron Wilson (9g 9a) and a conditional draft pick. Wilson played against the Blazers last weekend notching three assists but did not dress against the Wings. During the offseason, Wilson was traded to Rochester from Toronto, where he played from 2003 - 2008. This Friday, Wilson will make his first visit to Air Canada since that trade. If Wilson gets a goal on Friday, it will be his 200th regular season goal in his career.

Nick Patterson (1-2 12.42 GAA .729 Save%) has won his last three games against the Rock. If Patterson is to start this weekend, the Rock game would be the game for him because he just struggles constantly against Buffalo.

Keep an eye on who takes face offs this weekend. Darren Halls (0g 4a) was injured in the Blazers game and did not play the following night in Philadelphia. Kevin Fines (5g 4a) took over from Halls on Friday and took a majority against the Wings along with Travis Hill (1g 1a). So will Halls be healthy enough this weekend to take face offs or will Fines have to pick up those face offs which may limit his chances on transition.

The Rock have a potent offense that is led by Blaine Manning (12g 15a), who is the last offensive link to the Rock glory days. Former Swarm Kasey Beirnes (13g 6a) has five power play goals this year and leads the Rock in goals. The Rock have brought in a lot of new guns this year including Luke Wiles (12g 16a), Jason Crosbie (10g 24a) and Craig Conn (2g 3a) to bolster a weakness in 2008. Stephen Hoar (4g 7a), who was traded for Wilson in the offseason, has added some transition skills to the Rock and solidfied the face off circle. Bob Watson (2-5 13.79 GAA .731 Save %) is struggling this year behind a porous defense but has proved that he in one game he can shut down the best of opponents on a given night.

The hope is that the Swarm will be able to get in a competent, full team and floor equipment practice this week in Six Nations this week before the game. Getting work with the goaltenders, integrating Wilson into the offense and developing a solid plan of attack for this last weekend before the All-Star Game is key. If players like Fines, Andrew Watt (4g 6a) and Ryan Sharp (3g 2a) can grab three or four goals against an overall weak Rock transition game, the Swarm should be able to run away and have a win in hand before going to Buffalo.

Prediction: Minnesota Swarm 14 Toronto Rock 11

Next Games After This Match Up

• Minnesota (2-5) at Buffalo (7-1) - Saturday, February 28 6:30 pm CST
• Toronto (2-5) at Rochester (2-5) - Saturday, February 28 6:35 pm CST