GAME RECAP: FIREWOLVES FALL TO CALGARY IN OVERTIME

Calgary, AB – In a game where both teams went blow for blow all the way to overtime, it was the Calgary Roughnecks (6-8) who landed the last punch with Tanner Cook scoring the game winning goal for the Roughnecks to defeat the Albany FireWolves (10-5) with a final score of 10-9 at the Scotiabank Saddledome. It was a classic late season National Lacrosse League (NLL) battle as the playoff race continues to get more intense.  

Doug Jamieson was outstanding in net for Albany as he made huge saves on the doorstep in regulation and in overtime. Jamieson would finish with 45 saves on 55 shots on goal. Tye Kurtz led the offense with 5 pts (3g, 2a) and scoring was rounded out by Travis Longboat (3pts – 2g, 1a), Sam Firth (3pts – 1g, 2a), Alex Simmons (3pts – 1g, 2a), John Piatelli (1g) and Jackson Nishimura with 1 goal. Joe Nardella won 19 of 23 faceoffs and scooped up 12 loose balls on the night.  

Calgary’s power play scored on 3 out of 5 chances and they capitalized on their transition scoring opportunities early on. The FireWolves were able to respond with a fourth quarter comeback that tied the game but could not seal the deal in overtime despite great chances.  

Full stats can be found here: https://www.nll.com/game/686533634/albany-firewolves-vs-calgary-roughnecks/2024-03-22/

Highlights can be watched below:

To start the game, the Roughnecks went up early with two goals less than a minute apart to make it 2-0. Albany was able to answer a few minutes later as Firth launched a bouncer from up top that would make it 2-1. This was the start of a big FireWolves run as Nishimura scored in transition, Kurtz scored on a beautiful no look shovel shot, and Piatelli buried in tight to give Albany a 4-2 lead at the end of the first quarter.  

The second quarter was controlled by Calgary as they would continue to work against the FireWolves defense until they started to find seams. The Roughnecks would score in transition, get one at even strength, and then another on the power play to take back the lead at 5-4 going into halftime.  

The second half would provide plenty of dramatics as it started with the two teams trading goals once again. Calgary started the scoring early in the third quarter to make it 6-4. Kurtz would answer on the power play to score the FireWolves first goal since the first quarter bringing it to 6-5. The FireWolves penalty troubles would sting them all game as they took another, which the Roughnecks then converted to extend their lead to 7-5. Simmons made a great play to get the ball back and then scored on the ensuing possession to keep it close at 7-6. Penalties would again cause Albany trouble as Calgary scored again on the power play and just as the FireWolves were ready to answer with their own extra man goal the Roughnecks were able to score shorthanded. The third quarter would end with Calgary leading 6-9.  

In the fourth quarter, the FireWolves regained their rhythm as they rode the tremendous play of Jamieson in net and their defense to get back into the game. Kurtz would score less than a minute into the quarter to make it 9-7. It was then Longboat’s time to shine as he scored two straight goals on deceptive shots that beat Roughnecks’ goalie Christian Del Bianco and tied the game at 9-9. Both teams had great scoring chances for the next six minutes, but two of the NLL’s best goalies put on a show with save after save. Time expired and this game was headed to overtime.  

Joe Nardella won the faceoff in overtime to set up the FireWolves offense, but they could not get the look they wanted. Each team would get a few chances at winning as they hit pipes and Jamieson made an incredible one on one save to keep the game alive. After several possessions, Tanner Cook stepped into a shot that beat Jamieson and gave Calgary the 10-9 win at the Saddledome.  

The Roughnecks were led by Tyler Pace who scored 4 goals and added 2 assists and Del Bianco made 46 saves on 55 shots.  

The FireWolves would have clinched a playoff spot with a win, but now they must wait for their next opportunity to secure a postseason berth.  

They will be on a bye week before returning to action back at MVP Arena for a showdown with the first place Toronto Rock on Saturday, April 6. A win against the Rock would clinch their playoff spot. There may also be potential scenarios during the bye week of other NLL teams losing that could land them in the postseason, but those will not be known until the rest of this weekend’s games are played.  

Join the FireWolves at their last regular season home game at MVP Arena for Retro Night on Saturday, April 6! For more information regarding tickets, visit www.albanyfirewolves.com or call/text the FireWolves ticket hotline 518-612-4196.     

About Albany FireWolves 

The Albany FireWolves is the Capital Region’s very own Professional Box Lacrosse team, playing in the National Lacrosse League out of the MVP Arena in downtown Albany, NY. For more information, contact the Albany FireWolves Front Office at (518) 362-4900 or visit AlbanyFireWolves.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/AlbFireWolves, Twitter @AlbFireWolves, and Instagram @AlbFireWolves. 

About the National Lacrosse League 

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 15 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, Las Vegas Desert Dogs, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (TX), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors. For more information, visit NLL.com and find @NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

About MVP Arena 

MVP Arena is a full-service entertainment and sports facility featuring a wide variety of family shows, sporting events, trade shows and concerts. Owned by Albany County and managed by ASM Global, MVP Arena opened in 1990 and is home to the Albany FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League, the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football League and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit https://www.mvparena.com/