Rock rested and ready to roll against Roughnecks

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The more compact second half of the National Lacrosse League season is upon the Toronto Rock.

Coming off a 13-day break after playing its first nine games in a span of 65 days, the Rock will play its next eight games in a 34-day span starting with Saturday’s trip to Calgary to face the Roughnecks (9 p.m.).

Despite taking a 13-11 loss to the New England Black Wolves in its most recent outing on Feb. 24, the Rock have a lot to build on with a 7-2 record, tied for fewest losses in the NLL East with the Buffalo Bandits, who have played two more games. Tied with the San Diego Seals for the fewest goals allowed, the Rock have also enjoyed a balanced scoring attack and good special teams play.

Toronto will want to continue that balanced play in preparation for the playoffs.

“We’re happy with the first half of our season,” Rock head coach Matt Sawyer said. “But it’s just that, only half of a season.”

“We really don’t focus on what we’ve done. We’re looking forward,” he added.

The first step is Saturday’s game at Scotiabank Saddledome and a Roughnecks team that sits at 5-6, third in a competitive West division. Curtis Dickson, who joined the team late following a contract holdout, has 34 points in seven games. Dane Dobbie is currently sixth in NLL scoring with 65 points. Christian Del Bianco is currently third among goaltenders with a 11.09 goals-against average. And the team is averaging nearly 12,000 fans a game.

“It’s a tough place to play,” Sawyer said. “From the goaltender out they’re a well-coached team. We’ll have our hands full but that’s what we want. We want to see how we stack up.”

Tom Schreiber continues to lead the Rock with 53 points with Rob Hellyer close behind at 51.