The Toronto Rock secured their spot in the NLL Finals with a decisive victory over the San Diego Seals. In the third game of their best-of-three semifinals series, the Rock emerged victorious with a score of 14-8 at TD Coliseum in Hamilton on Saturday night. This win allowed them to take the series two games to one.
Path to the NLL Finals
This marks a significant achievement for the Rock, as they haven’t reached the NLL Cup championship series since 2015. Furthermore, the last time the team won the NLL title was back in 2011, with notable players such as Colin Doyle and Bob Watson championing the squad.
Game Highlights
- The Rock started strong, leading 4-0 early in the game.
- They held a 4-1 advantage after the first quarter.
- A scoreless second quarter for the Rock allowed the Seals to surge ahead, ending the half at 5-4.
In the third quarter, rookie Hugh Kelleher tied the game early. A power play goal from the Seals briefly regained the lead for them at 6-5. However, the Rock responded aggressively, with CJ Kirst and Chris Boushy scoring two goals each in a rapid succession. By the end of the third quarter, the Rock had established a 9-6 lead.
Sam English and Mark Matthews increased the lead to 10-6 for the Rock. Although Trevor Baptiste of the Seals broke the Rock’s scoring streak, Owen Hiltz scored two quick goals, effectively solidifying the Rock’s victory. Josh Jackson added an empty-net goal to conclude the game.
Player Performances
Nick Rose, the veteran goalkeeper for the Rock, delivered an impressive performance, making 53 saves on 61 shots. His skill was crucial in this high-stakes game. Rookie Sam English also shone, contributing two goals and three assists, which helped him set a new postseason record for loose balls by a rookie.
Looking Ahead
The NLL Cup Finals are set to begin next weekend. The first game will occur on May 15, followed by the second game on May 17. The specific locations for these matches will be determined by the results of the final game of the semifinals between Halifax and Georgia.
- Game 1: Friday, May 15
- Game 2: Sunday, May 17
Tickets for the final games will be available for purchase starting Sunday at 10 AM ET. Fans can obtain more information or purchase tickets by contacting the Toronto Rock’s account executive.
