Toronto Rock: Playoff chances take big blow in loss to Rochester

With another loss, the Toronto Rock have left themselves desperate for wins  and hoping for some help to close out their season.

It was a tale of two halves for the Toronto Rock in their home finale.

Facing off against the East Division-leading Rochester Knighthawks, the Rock took it to them in the early stages, carrying a 8-3 lead at one point in the first half.

However, it’s not how you start but how you finish. Rochester would eventually vanquish that five-goal deficit, scoring 11 of the final 14 goals of the game, to grab a 14-11 victory in enemy territory.

Toronto got a great piece of news prior to the game as Tom Schreiber — who partially tore his PCL seven games earlier against Rochester — was cleared to play.

“Captain America” wasted no time getting re-acquainted with the score sheet, scoring a first-half hat-trick and finishing with five points on the evening.

Following the game, Schreiber said he’s not worried about his knee giving him issues going forward:

"“I’ve never had any knee injuries. It felt real good in the beginning. Felt it a bit as the game went on. I’m not doctor, but I think it’s just a result of where I’m at and not a setback or anything. It’s a little sore, but back to work and back to physical therapy this week and come back stronger next game. It’s not even a speed bump.”"

Apart from Schreiber, the Rock offence had trouble finding its stride throughout the game.

They had their share of chances and man-up opportunities, but were stymied by Matt Vinc.

The Knighthawks starter was chased from the net initially, after allowing seven goals on 18 shots in the first half. But he bounced back in the second half to help his team pull out the win.

With the 41-save performance, Vinc surpassed 7,000 saves for his career.

With the loss, the Rock now sits in the basement of the East Division with a 7-9 record. They need to win their remaining two contests and get some help in order to make it to the postseason.

Rock Head Coach Matt Sawyer didn’t mince words, when talking about the spot his team is in going down the stretch:

"“It’s frustrating and disappointing. You compete hard, and everybody wants to come out on the right side of things. But we’re not getting the job done and we need to get better in a lot of areas. We’ve put ourselves in the position we’re in.”"

Depending on how games pan out Saturday, the Rock still have a shot at the postseason if they win out. They have to take it one game at a time, however. That game comes next Saturday, when the Rock travel to Buffalo for a showdown with the Bandits.

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Regardless of how the East shakes out, the Toronto Rock will be looking to close out the season on a strong note. Fans can only hope it includes a playoff berth.