Knighthawks Big Rally Falls Short In OT
By: knighthawks.net
Updated: January 8, 2009
The Rochester Knighthawks dropped an 18-17 decision to the Minnesota Swarm tonight at The Blue Cross Arena. Rochester lost its third straight game, despite rallying from eight goals down in the second half. The Knighthawks are now 1-3 for the first time in their teams history. Minnesota improved to 3-0 and set a franchise record with its fifth straight win, dating back to last season.
Minnesota was led by three goals and seven assists from Sean Pollock. He also scored the game-winner at 6:30 of overtime. Scott Evans (2+6) and John Grant (3+5) each had eight points for Rochester as the Knighthawks rallied from a 13-5 third-quarter deficit to pull even in the fourth quarter.
The scoring started for the Swarm with three unanswered goals and a 7-3 lead at the end of the first. Scott Evans had the first goal of the second, but the Swarm answered back outscoring the Hawks 2-1 the rest of the quarter. Looking to slow the Swarm down a bit the Hawks pulled Pat O’Toole (15 saves) for backup keeper Phil Whetherup (15 saves) after 25 minutes of action.
With the first half out of the way it seemed as though the Hawks were ready to take their home floor back as they rallied with nine goals in the third quarter. Scott Evans led the way with four goals and two assists as the Hawks deficit was cut to just one, 15-14.
Ryan Cousins (2g) started the scoring of the fourth quarter to put the Swarm back up by two. The rally continued for the Hawks though as they scored the next three goals to take the lead for the first time in the game, 17-16. Sean Pollock (3g, 6a) scored to tie it back up and the rest of the way it was a dogfight until the end.
In sudden death Pollock answered again for the Swarm with one second left on the shot clock. With the win the Swarm keep pace with the Philadelphia Wings for a tie for the East Division lead as the Wings defeated the Buffalo Bandits 15-14 in sudden death tonight.
Rochester remains home to face the Toronto Rock at 7:35 p.m. at The Blue Cross Arena. The game follows the Rochester Americans-San Antonio Rampage American Hockey League game at 2:05 p.m.
