Rush and Roughnecks Clash for NLL Playoff Position on Valentine’s Day

CALGARY, Alberta — Two Canadian teams seeking to solidify their playoff positions face off on Valentine’s Day as the Saskatchewan Rush visit the Calgary Roughnecks in a crucial National Lacrosse League (NLL) matchup.

The matchup is set for Friday, February 14, at 9:30 p.m. ET at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Both teams are striving to gain ground on the league-leading Buffalo Bandits, who remain undefeated and hold two games in hand.

The Rush (6-2) come into the game with a strong record, having won four of their first five games this season. Despite suffering a setback against the Toronto Rock last month, Saskatchewan showcased resilience with hard-fought victories over the Albany Wolves and San Diego Seals, keeping them close in the standings.

“We’ve shown we can bounce back and fight through adversity,” said Rush head coach Derek Keenan. “Our goal is to stay consistent and secure a playoff spot.”

On the other hand, the Calgary Roughnecks (5-3) have experienced a tumultuous start to their season. After beginning with two wins, they faced back-to-back losses, but have recently regained some momentum. The Roughnecks secured victories against fellow Canadian teams, the Ottawa Black Bears and Vancouver Warriors, and are looking to leverage that momentum against the Rush.

“Winning against tough opponents boosts our confidence,” said Roughnecks player Dan Taylor. “It’s a big game for us to prove ourselves.”

As the competition heats up, both teams are vying not only for victory but for positioning in the NLL playoff race. The Rush currently sit second in the league, while the Roughnecks follow closely in third.

The NLL season is approaching its final months, making every game increasingly critical as teams aim for a playoff berth and a shot at the championship.

Fans can catch the action on ESPNU, with streaming options available through various platforms.