K-Hawks Reclaim Control Of Playoff Destiny With Win In Minnesota

The Rochester Knighthawks defeated the Minnesota Swarm, 11-8, at Xcel Energy Center on Saturday. Pat OToole and the Knighthawks defense held the Swarm to just two second-half goals, while the offense took charge to break a 6-6 halftime tie. The win ensures the Knighthawks (8-7) are still alive in the 2008 Champions Cup Playoff race. Rochester meets the New York Titans next Saturday at Madison Square Garden. With a win, the Knighthawks would be assured of an Eastern Conference playoff spot. There is still the possibility that the top six teams in the East could all finish tied at 9-7. Scott Evans and John Grant led the charge offensively on Saturday, scoring four and three goals, respectively. Shawn Evans also chipped in with three goals. OToole finished with 32 saves in the win. Minnesota (9-5), who finishes the season with a home-and-home series with the last-place Chicago Shamrox, was led by Andy Secore and Dan Marohl, who scored two goals apiece. Nick Patterson reorded 44 saves in the loss.