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Saskatchewan Rush Advances in NLL Playoffs with Victory Over Georgia Swarm
As the final buzzer echoed through SaskTel Centre on Saturday night, Saskatchewan Rush goaltender Frank Scigliano celebrated with a familiar gesture for the fans: a proud thumping of his chest. This moment marked not just a victory, but a culmination of hard work and anticipation for both the team and its supporters.
“When I’m at home feeding my baby, I often say, ‘Pound your chest Saskatchewan,’” Scigliano shared with a smile. “My daughter and I do the gesture, and my wife gives me a good-natured ribbing about it.”
On Saturday, the Rush delivered a performance worthy of that chant, defeating the Georgia Swarm 13-9 and securing a spot in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) semi-finals. This victory represented more than just progress; it was the team’s first post-season win since clinching the NLL championship in 2018, and their first playoff appearance since 2019.
“It’s been a long six years without a playoff presence,” remarked Scigliano. “While I wasn’t part of the entire span, witnessing the setbacks last year and our growth since then has been rewarding. We’re feeling confident heading into the next stage.”
Despite a slow start with the Swarm taking an early 2-0 lead, the Rush bounced back with impressive momentum, securing six goals from six different scorers in the first half, leaving them ahead at 6-3 at halftime.
In the second half, Saskatchewan demonstrated resilience, successfully managing pressure from Georgia and preventing the Swarm from equalizing. Transition player Jake Boudreau shone offensively, registering four goals and five points while creating additional opportunities.
“It would have been incredibly disappointing to work hard all year and lose today,” Boudreau stated. “We played with everything we had; we want to reap the rewards of our effort, although there’s still more work ahead.”
Scigliano played a pivotal role in the victory, making 39 saves, including a remarkable stick save on a rebound chance from Swarm forward Shayne Jackson. “It felt like someone was watching over me,” he reflected on the save. “I tracked the ball well, and by instinct, I lifted my stick just in time.”
This pivotal moment occurred shortly after the Rush faced a five-minute major penalty due to an illegal cross-check by teammate Clark Walter, which Georgia capitalized on immediately. Nevertheless, the Rush showcased strong defensive capabilities throughout the penalty kill, even scoring a shorthanded goal courtesy of Austin Shanks, which revitalized their momentum.
“We were blocking shots, disrupting passes, and Frank came up big with some crucial saves,” noted Rush co-head coach and general manager Derek Keenan. “The team put their bodies on the line to secure this win.”
The victory places Saskatchewan into a best-of-three semi-final matchup against the Halifax Thunderbirds, with the first game set for next Saturday on the East Coast. Given the geographical distance, the Rush plan to arrive early to acclimate before the series kicks off.
“We’re anticipating an early arrival,” Keenan indicated. “This approach allows us to prepare thoroughly and ensures we’re in good shape for the game.”
The Thunderbirds have presented challenges for the Rush in recent years, including a decisive 17-9 defeat on March 14. However, with one of the most potent offenses in the NLL, Boudreau sees this as an opportunity for the Rush to elevate their performance. “Defeating Halifax would not only help our championship aspirations but also validate our belief in our ability to compete with top-tier teams,” he emphasized.
Game 1 of the semi-final series between the Rush and Thunderbirds will take place on May 3 at 4:30 p.m., with the following games transitioning back to Saskatchewan should they be necessary.
Source
globalnews.ca