Tip of the Tower
Fansided

Toronto Rock looking for fifth straight win against Calgary Roughnecks

By Austin Owens

391776 02: (FILE PHOTO) The CN Tower and the Skydome highlight the Toronto skyline in his undated file photo. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) meets in Moscow July 13, 2001 to decide between front runners Beijing, Paris and Toronto for the site of the 2008 summer Olympics. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
391776 02: (FILE PHOTO) The CN Tower and the Skydome highlight the Toronto skyline in his undated file photo. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) meets in Moscow July 13, 2001 to decide between front runners Beijing, Paris and Toronto for the site of the 2008 summer Olympics. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Rock will welcome the Calgary Roughnecks to town as the two Canadian rivals will play in the first of two games this season.

While it’s still early in the season for the Toronto Rock, they’ve already matched up with two Canadian opponents, and on Saturday, they’ll meet up with a third in the Calgary Roughnecks.

Considered the biggest rivalry on the Canadian side of the NLL, these two teams always play each other tightly and have no love lost for one another.

Last season’s series between the two was one-sided, with the Rock taking both games by a combined score of 27-17.

It’s been a tough season for the Roughnecks. After being in the thick of the playoffs for much of their history, they missed the playoffs last season

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That’s been followed by losing one of the best players – Jeff Shattler – to Saskatchewan in the offseason, and a 1-5 start to the campaign.

Calgary matched up with Saskatchewan in their last game, but could not take down the West’s best. They fell in overtime, 13-12.

Whereas Calgary is coming in struggling to find wins, there has been no such trouble for the East Division-leading Rock.

Four straight wins and three top-ten league scorers, Toronto has had a dream stretch since starting the season 0-2.

You can never count out Calgary though. Curt Malawsky’s side is always a tough matchup and will give the Rock everything they’ve got to avoid dropping their fifth straight game.

Key Players

Toronto Rock

Tom Schreiber – I reckon Schreiber will feature in this section for the remainder of the season.

12 point night against New England solidified his status as one of the best players in the league.

He will be a focal point tonight. Rock fans will be hoping to hear a fair share of “Party in the U.S.A” on Saturday.

Adam Jones – Jones has been exactly what the Rock needed to solidify the left-side of their attack.

Behind Schreiber’s performance against New England, Jones had a modest nine-point performance of his own.

Jones is tops in scoring in the NLL. The Roughnecks will have to clamp down on Jones to avoid another big game offensively.

Rob Hellyer – The third head of this Rock three-headed monster has had a great season.

He’s finding his stride after missing last season with a torn ACL. Hellyer has also found a rhythm with Schreiber and Jones, which makes for a defensive nightmare any time the Rock has the ball.

Sheldon Burns – Since joining the Rock, Burns has been on a tear.

He finished with two goals and an assist in the Rock’s last game. Although his perfect shooting streak was snapped last game, he’s got six goals in the last four contests.

https://twitter.com/TorontoRockLax/status/959536710853038080

He’s been pivotal to the Rock’s success over their four-game winning streak. He’ll be flying in transition all night long.

Calgary Roughnecks

Curtis Dickson – One of the most dynamic players the NLL has to offer.

There’s no way to contain Dickson. He always finds a way to slip free and finish plays.

Dickson is an absolute treat to watch out there, regardless of who you cheer for. Expect uber athleticism and maybe a crease-dive or two from #17.

Dane Dobbie – Dobbie has always caused the Rock big problems during his career.

He is one of the all-time greats for the Roughnecks and will carry the load for the offence on the left-side of the floor.

Wes Berg – Jamie Dawick and the Rock players know Berg well. He plays for Oakville, who play in the Rock practice facility.

A top draft pick, Berg provides an excellent one-two punch with Dickson for the Roughnecks.

Zach Currier – The Rock will get their first look at the third overall pick from the 2017 NLL Draft.

Currier is a dynamic player in transition and is a threat whenever he’s pushing the ball up the floor.

Next: Justin Holl’s long road to his NHL debut

The points have piled up for him. Regardless, he’s someone to watch out for off any turnover the Rock make.

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