DULUTH, Ga. (April 21, 2023) – The Georgia Swarm are on the verge of history as they started off the season in a seven-game drought and they now have the chance to improve their record to 9-8. The Swarm embark on their final road trip of the regular season this Saturday, April 22, to Rochester, N.Y.
The Georgia Swarm (8-8) are coming off their sixth-straight win, not losing since they last faced the Rochester Knighthawks (9-7) on March 12. However, Rochester is in search of a win as they are riding a four-game losing streak, not winning since topping the Swarm a few weeks back.
Rochester downed Georgia twice already this season, taking its first win on Dec. 3, 16-11. The Swarm hold a slim advantage over the Knighthawks in the all-time series, winning three of the five matchups. However, Georgia is undefeated in Blue Cross Arena last downing Rochester, 12-8 on the road (Jan. 21, 2022).
It was a slug fest the last time two franchises went head-to-head as both teams combined for 37 goals. After falling behind 5-0, the Swarm nearly edged the Knighthawks in comeback fashion, falling 19-18. Lyle Thompson (3G, 7A) and Rochester’s Connor Fields (5G, 5A) led the way that night both recording 10 points.
Andrew Kew sees himself ranking top-5 in multiple NLL categories as he ranks fifth in points (106) and goals (43) while ranking first in power play points (30) and goals (13). Kew is coming off a nine-point affair as he helped the team achieve a 15-6 victory over his former team, the Albany FireWolves. Lyle Thompson ranks eighth in NLL points, notching 98 (42G, 56A). Shayne Jackson is the final Swarm member on the NLL top-15 points leaderboard, as he sits in 15th with 86 points (30G, 56A).
Rochester’s top threat is Fields who ranks sixth in NLL points, recording 103 (48G, 55A). Holden Cattoni follows Fields on the team in points (78), goals (36), and assists (42), notching three goals and five assists the last time the teams met in Duluth, Ga. Thomas Hoggarth also gave the Swarm a hard time a few weeks ago as he posted four goals and four assists.
Georgia continues to lead the league in power play record, sinking 37-of-66 (56 percent) of opportunities. However, last week against the FireWolves, the Swarm struggled only landing 1-of-5 (20 percent) power plays. The top power play offense and top power play defense met this week as Rochester averages a .63 penalty killing record this season (31-of-49).
Starting goaltender Brett Dobson has played a huge role in the team’s success lately as he posts a .79 save percentages, 489 saves, a 10.17 goals against average, and eight wins. Dobson combines for 121 saves across the last three games, producing a .90 save percentage against Albany last week.
Georgia’s defense has held opponents to 10 goals for less in the last five games. TJ Comizio tallies three caused turnovers in the last three affairs, totaling 28 on the season, ranking him sixth in the NLL. Adam Wiedemann posts 16 blocked shots on the year with Mike Manley leading the league in blocked shots in a single game, stopping five against Toronto Rock on Feb. 10.
Georgia looks to continue its hot streak this weekend as they have won eight of the last nine games. After they faces the Knighthawks, the Swarm come home on April 29 to close out the regular season in Gas South Arena.
Georgia hosts Halifax during Week 22 in a do or die situation as a playoff spot for both teams come down to next week. As of right now, the Swarm hold the fourth slot in the Eastern Division standings set to face the Toronto Rock on May 5 in FirstOntario Centre.
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