Despite multiple comeback attempts from the visiting Colorado Mammoth, the Calgary Roughnecks grinded out a 12-8 win Saturday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alta., and move to 3-1 on the season.
A total of 11,280 fans were in attendance to witness the Roughnecks victory at home, their first home win of a young NLL season.
Roughnecks Head Coach Curt Malawsky said the team was solid, both offensively and defensively in the winning effort.
“The guys did a really good job of putting the ball in the right spots on the floor,” said Malawsky.
“Once we made a big stop on defence, we were able to keep possession, not turn it over, and get the ball up the floor.”
One aspect Malawsky said was an issue is the continued penalty trouble.
The Roughnecks racked up nine minor penalties, leading to four power play goals for the Mammoth.
“The penalties are obviously a concern, and we’ve had it all year long,” said Malawasky.
The Roughnecks got off to a roaring start, opening up a 3-0 lead less than four minutes into the contest, with the third goal coming courtesy of Dane Dobbie, fresh off reaching the 300-goal plateau last weekend.
“It’s always nice to get off to a good start,” said Dobbie.
“We were fortunate enough to swing and move the ball really well, and everybody had their feet moving, which gave us some good shots and looks.”
The Roughnecks win wasn’t the only reason fans and players were smiling tonight, as Jeff Shattler officially became the Roughnecks all-time leading point scorer with his assist on Curtis Dickson’s first quarter goal, while also adding a goal and another four assists.
Shattler said it felt good to finally get it off his chest, and there’s no team he’d rather be a part of to achieve this feat.
“I’m happy to be a part of this organization as long as I have, and being given the opportunity to play in this city is great,” said Shattler.
Shattler said beating the Mammoth back-to-back is no easy task, but the team is firing on all cylinders right now.
“I’m happy for the team and the way we’re playing right now. “Our offense, defense, and goaltenders are all playing well right now, and everything’s clicking.”
For the Mammoth, Joey Cupido said the loss eerily resembles both their other losses this season, where they’ve fallen victim to slow starts.
“We battled and competed, but we dug ourselves a four-goal hole that we couldn’t climb out of,” said Cupido.
“I don’t know whether it’s preparation or not, but we need to make some adjustments and come ready to play next week.”
Eli McLaughlin lead the Mammoth in scoring, notching four goals and one assist.
For the Roughnecks, it was Dane Dobbie’s seven point effort leading the way, closely followed by Curtis Dickson and Jeff Shattler, both with six points.
Roughnecks goaltender Frank Scigliano stopped 29 of 37 shots in the winning effort, while Mammoth netminder Dillon Ward was pulled from the game after allowing five goals on just 14 shots.
The Roughnecks were without the services of Greg Harnett, who was suspended for his hit on Mammoth Jeremy Noble in the previous meeting.
The Roughnecks will take to the field next on February 4, when they welcome the Saskatchewan Rush to the Scotiabank Saddledome.
Three Stars of the game:
- Dane Dobbie
- Jeff Shattler
- Eli McLaughlin
