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Last week, I was jumping on the Titans and their fan pretty hard and I now humbly accept that they fought through and deserve their playoff berth.  I’ve heard so many people pointing at that save by Matt Vinc with 2.4 seconds to go to give New York the shot at the playoffs.

This National Lacrosse League season was way more than just 2.4 seconds. Kudos to Hoar for taking that shot, though. The party we were hosting in Rochester was on its feet when he won that faceoff.  This season was ups and downs, and expectations that Rochester could duplicate last season’s feat when in reality, with the distribution of Arizona and Boston players, this league probably was the most balanced it’s been in the modern era. 

So, for the first time in their history, the Rochester Knighthawks and their fans will be watching the NLL playoffs instead of participating.  Now, does missing the playoffs make Rochester that much hungrier next season?  Signs are pointing to Arizona folding and their players going into a dispersal draft. Who does Rochester need?  Well, unfortunately we have the entire off season to think about it now. 

Two things are certain in my opinion. A roster shakeup is in order and some tough decisions need to be made on some key components to get us younger and hungrier than we were this season.  Five one-goal losses is one hell of a championship hangover.  Hopefully, when training camp opens in November, the Knighthawks are still in Rochester (we’ll find out by June 1st) and they’ve found the fire and chemistry that they had in 2007.

If there is anything positive that can be taken out of the Knighthawks not making the playoffs, at least the players that also play for the Rattlers have a little break between seasons for the first time in 8 years.  As for the fans, well, last night was the home opener for the revived Rochester Greywolves in the Can-Am Box League, it might not be Grant passing to Williams, but Marvin to Jemison just drips Rochester lacrosse tradition.

As far as my predictions for who meets in the NLL Champion’s Cup Final later this month, my heart is seeing a San Jose at Buffalo final at the HSBC Arena.  Buffalo doesn’t have to play its nemesis Rochester or Toronto this year and that could make all the difference for carrying that Cup around the HSBC floor.

Knabber from da ROC

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