NLL Insider

First year Swarm forward Kevin Buchanan kicked off another weekend of National Lacrosse League action last night with a massive five goals and one assist to lead his team to a 13-10 win in just his third game of the season. Minnesota’s win coupled with Edmonton’s loss last night has boosted the Swarm out of the West division basement, for the time being. The Toronto Rock are currently sitting in last place in the East.

Though not nearly as dramatic as last week’s overtime loss to the Buffalo Bandits, last night was another case of the Rock going into the half with a lead and coming out of the fourth with a loss. A 5-1 third quarter that included two from Buchanan and one each from Dan Marohl, Kevin Ross and former Rock forward Aaron Wilson propelled the Swarm into a three-goal lead that they held on to in the fourth when Andrew Watt found the back of the net and Wilson scored his second to minimize the damage done by the two fourth quarter markers from Kasey Beirnes.

In addition to Wilson’s final goal extinguishing all hope of a late Rock comeback, another figment of Rock headlines past came back to haunt them as Sean Pollock scored one and assisted on four in the win. Ryan Ward also notched one and four, and Kevin Croswell made good on Duane Jacobs‘ decision to give him the start as he stopped 44 of 54, including 17 in the first quarter.

For the Rock, Beirnes and Luke Wiles each scored two. Bob Watson made 40 saves in the losing effort. Both the Rock and Swarm are back in action tonight, with Toronto having the chance to claw their way in front of the fifth place Rochester Knighthawks, 8:00 EST. Minnesota takes on the first place Buffalo Bandits, 7:30 EST at HSBC.

• Rock roll into cellar: Toronto Sun
• But good neeeeeews everyone: they’re looking to invest in a new practice arena. Toronto Star

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