Game Preview - Halifax @ Saskatchewan
Apr 13, 2023
SASKATOON, Sask (April 15, 2023) -- The Halifax Thunderbirds head back on the road this weekend for a Saturday night showdown with the Saskatchewan Rush at SaskTel Centre. Opening face-off is set for 10:30 p.m. AT.
Head to Head
Since the team’s move to Halifax, the Thunderbirds and Rush have matched up twice, with both games taking place at Scotiabank Centre.
The teams have split the games, with each going to overtime. Saskatchewan took the first meeting in the extra frame following a feverish comeback from the Thunderbirds that came up just short.
In the season opener last year, Halifax got its revenge in front of the home faithful, with Eric Fannell scoring from distance.
This will be the Thunderbirds' first trip to Saskatchewan, where they’ll be looking to distance themselves in the tight race for the fourth and final East Division playoff spot.
Scouting the Thunderbirds
The Thunderbirds will be looking for a big bounce back following a seven-goal outing against Georgia and a bye week.
Randy Staats (26G, 47A) and Clarke Petterson (22G, 47A) remain the team’s top two scorers for the year. Ryan Benesch (25G, 38A) continued to break records last time out, hitting the 700-assist mark with three helpers against Georgia.
Along with Staats, Chris Boushy (30G, 12A) and Eric Fannell (26G, 22A) are the team’s top goal scorers, with each providing crucial secondary scoring in key moments. Both will play a big role in this game.
The Thunderbirds will also be getting two big returns in the form of defenders Jake Withers and Luc Magnan. Withers continues to lead the NLL in face-offs won (287) and face-off percentage (77%). Magnan has been key to the Thunderbirds' back end as a communicator and leader on the floor.
Warren Hill will be back in the cage for Halifax this weekend. The starter holds a 6-7 record with an 11.45 goals-against average and a .770 save percentage.
Scouting the Rush
Saskatchewan comes into this game on a skid, dropping six of their last seven outings. They are in a fight for the final playoff spot in the West Division, so they’ll be looking to make a statement at home.
The Rush boast a solid offensive trio in Mark Matthews (21G, 59A), Robert Church (43G, 46A), and Ryan Keenan (18G, 42A). Matthews has been a dual threat for his entire NLL career, with the ability to rip the ball from distance or set up teammates with his passing ability. Church is having another big year as the top righty for the Rush, sitting third in the league in goals scored to this point.
The pair of Dan Lintner (19G, 10A) and Matthew Dinsdale (12G, 16A) work to help free up space on the right side of the floor while Austin Madronic (12G, 11A) and Clark Walter (8G, 5A) are both having solid showings as rookies.
The Rush also have a strong defensive unit, led by Kyle Rubisch, Ryan Dilks, Mike Messenger, and Matt Beers.
Messenger helps to push the ball in transition as well, making him one of the best two-way threats in the NLL. He, along with second-year man Bobby Kidd III and Jerrett Smith have given the Rush big production on both ends.
In net, Alex Buque has been up and down this year. He holds a 6-8 record for the year with an 11.11 GAA and a .770 SV%.
Milestone Watch
- Ryan Benesch needs nine assists to pass Shawn Williams for eighth all-time with 709
- Randy Staats needs three assists to reach 300 for his career
- David Brock needs one point to reach 100 for his career
- Graeme Hossack needs five points to reach 100 for his career…needs 10 loose ball recoveries to reach 900 for his career
Broadcast Info
Thunderbirds fans can tune into this matchup on the TSN App in Canada and on ESPN+ in the United States.