With three big wins in a row, the Roughnecks are streaking and playing the best lacrosse of their season.
Here’s five things we took from the game:
1) WHAT’S HE GOT?
Nothing.
Well, in the first quarter of Saturday’s game, that’s what Frank Scigliano gave the Buffalo Bandits. By the time halftime rolled around, Scigliano had surrendered just two goals in what can only be described as a dominating performance.
In the second half, the Bandits managed to find the back of the net on a more consistent basis, scoring three goals in each quarter. Even so, they were held to a total of eight goals in the game — a very low number for a team averaging 12.85 goals per game this season.
If Scigliano and the Roughnecks defence continue to perform at this level, they will be in good shape as they move towards the playoffs.
2) SUPERMAN
Curtis Dickson showed off his superhuman scoring qualities against the Bandits.
He got off to a hot start, scoring the game’s first goal on a nice transition play that started with newcomer Creighton Reid. That set the tone for his night, where he scored four goals and six assists in the contest.
Not only did his four goals extend his league-leading total to 46, but the 10-point night also shot him into first place for scoring in the NLL.
3) COMPLETE EFFORT
From the initial draw to the final horn sounding, Saturday was easily one of the Roughnecks best efforts in all respects this season.
They received great goaltending, played stout defence in front of Scigliano, ran the ball well in transition, and moved the ball effectively on offence. Although they were outshot (by one shot) and won five less faceoffs, it was a very smooth operation all around for the Riggers on Saturday.
“We talk all the time about: Honest effort, honest result. We’ve gotten an honest effort the last three weeks,” said coach Curt Malawsky after the big win.
“Results have followed.”
4) DUNK CITY
Dickson wowed Roughnecks fans a couple of weeks ago with an incredible dunk over netminder Evan Kirk.
And it seems Jeff Shattler took note.
The lefty fought off two Bandits defenders in the corner, whilst scooping up the loose ball. He then darted behind the Buffalo net, jumped, and went across his body to dump the ball inside the net — DiRuscio never even saw it.
5) DISCIPLINE
For the second game in a row, the Roughnecks were able to keep their composure and avoid taking too many trips to the penalty box.
The Riggers were penalized just five times in the contest and with one being a coincidental minor given to both Tyson Bell and Buffalo’s David Brock, they only gave the league’s top powerplay four opportunities.
Even as the game was winding down and tempers began to flare, the Riggers were able to remain calm enough to step away and escape the game without any major incidents.
Keeping their cool and limiting powerplay chances will be very important moving forward for Calgary.
