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KNIGHTHAWKS EDGE ROCK, 10-6

Rochester to host Eastern Divisional Final next Friday night

04/20/2007

The Rochester Knighthawks edged the Toronto Rock 10-6 on Friday evening at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester and will host either Minnesota or Buffalo next Friday, April 27th at 8:05 PM Eastern in the Eastern Divisional Final. Despite a strong performance by Rock goaltender Bob Watson, the Knighthawks were able to jump out to an early lead and never trailed as Pat O'Toole was strong in net for Rochester. Mike Accursi scored three goals and Shawn Williams scored seven points on two goals and five assists to lead the Knighthawks to the victory.

The Knighthawks wasted little time getting on the board as Shawn Evans scored the first goal of the post season at 1:50 into the first quarter and Shawn Williams added another score less than a minute later. From there the defenses buckled down as neither team scored again until Shawn Evans added another goal at 13:35 into the opening period. Toronto was held without a score in the first period and Rochester lead 3-0 heading into the first break.

Pat Merrill netted Toronto's first goal of the game nearly seven minutes in the second quarter and Ryan Benesch added a pair of scores as the Rock closed the gap in the second. Rochester led 5-4 at halftime.

Pat O'Toole and the Knighthawks again held the Rock scoreless for an entire quarter, blanking Toronto in the third. Mike Accursi scored twice for the Knighthawks to extend Rochester's lead to 7-4 heading into the final quarter.

The Rock quickly closed the gap in the fourth, scoring two goals to pull within one (7-6), however John Grant answered with a score of his own to give the Knighthawks an 8-6 lead. Trailing by two late, Toronto pulled Watson from net for the extra attacker. However Rochester was able to hold off the Rock attack and added a pair of empty net scores late to secure the 10-6 victory.

Mike Accursi scored three goals and Shawn Williams scored seven points on two goals and five assists to lead the Rochester offense. Rochester goaltender Pat O'Toole recorded 46 saves and allowed only six goals in net to secure the win.

Rookie Ryan Benesch led the Rock with three goals while Toronto goaltender Bob Watson recorded 50 saves and allowed eight goals in the loss.