The defeat puts a barrier in Rochester’s playoff hopes.
By CRAIG POTTER / C&C Worldwide Sports Director
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Knighthawks dropped a 16-9 game to the Buffalo Bandits on Friday night before 6,672 fans at the Connors & Ferris Field at the Blue Cross Arena.
The loss put a damper on the team’s playoff hopes for this season as Rochester dropped to 2-7 on the season.
A year ago the Knighthawks were 2-6 after 8 games and went on to qualify for the playoffs with a 10-8 mark, and just one game behind Eastern Division winner Georgia Swarm.
However, this season the victory improved the Bandits to 9-2 while the Toronto Rock is 7-1. The Swarm won Friday to post a 7-4 record as the New England Black Wolves hold down the fourth and final playoff spot with a 5-4 mark.
The Knighthawks travel to Georgia next weekend to take on the Swarm, then face Georgia again on March 15 at home.
Rochester also has 2 games remaining against New England.
“We’ve got a chance to catch one,” said Knighthawks coach Mike Hasen. “We’ve got to continue to worry about ourselves and that we are better moving forward.”
The first half was close, thanks to Knighthawks goalie Angus Goodleaf who stopped several breakaways, including a 2-on-0, to keep the Hawks in the game.
Rochester’s only lead in the contest was the first goal of the match by Austin Shanks. The Hawks trailed 5-1 in the second quarter, but battled back to tie it 5-5 on Scott Campbell’s goal.
However, Buffalo scored the next goal and took a 6-5 lead into intermission.
The Bandits outscored the Hawks, 6-2, in the third quarter to take control of the game.
Former Rochester Rattler Dhane Smith paced the Bandits with 9 points on 2 goals and 7 assists. Chase Fraser (4g, 2a) and Shawn Evans (3g, 3a) each contributed 6 points for Buffalo.
Cody Jamieson led the Knighthawks with 5 points (1g, 4a).
Goodleaf finished with 42 saves for Rochester as former Knighthawk goalie Matt Vinc avenged his previous game at the BCA when he was pulled as he recorded 45 saves to improve his record to 9-0.
Videos
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The Rochester Knighthawks defender Scott Campbell (37) scores the tying goal in the second period against the Buffalo Bandits Friday night (2/22/19) before 6,672 fans at the Blue Cross Arena. The Knighthawks lost 16-9.
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Brought to you by C&C Worldwide, supporting greecenylive.com, irondequoitlive.com, penfieldlive.com, websterlive.com and rochesternylive.com. Video by Craig Potter.
The Rochester Knighthawks forward Austin Shanks (11) scores in the second period against the Buffalo Bandits Friday night (2/22/19) before 6,672 fans at the Blue Cross Arena. The Knighthawks lost 16-9.
Discover the Healthy Living Mall where you will find the Healthy Living Resources for you to attain your health goals. Check it out at: http://digijunction.com/health/potter10