Swarm hunt for fourth consecutive win

Redemption in hand, the Georgia Swarm (5-3) turn their attention toward the defending champion Calgary Roughnecks (3-4) for the lone meeting between the two teams this Saturday, Feb. 22 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Field at Infinite Energy Arena. Face-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Hosting Ladies Night, the Swarm have teamed up with Tara Fine Jewelry for their third annual Diamond Drop. At halftime, women who have registered at GeorgiaSwarm.com/DD-RSVP-NSTM will try and grab the falling parachutes for the winning one, which has a diamond necklace valued at $30,000 courtesy of Tara Fine Jewelry.

Fans can grab their tickets by visiting GeorgiaSwarm.com/LadiesNight or by calling 844-4-GASWARM.

Saturday’s game will air in the Metro Atlanta area on Atlanta’s CW69 and over the radio on Atlanta Sports X 1230AM/106.3FM.

The Swarm and Roughnecks share a recent common trait – both bested the Riptide in their last game. Last Saturday, the Swarm won their rematch against their division rival with a 14-9 win. The Roughnecks handled the Riptide at Scotiabank Saddledome two weeks ago, a 13-9 home victory on Feb. 8.

Coming off of their bye week, the Roughnecks offense receives valuable reinforcements, as team captain and 2019 NLL MVP Dane Dobbie makes his return to the lineup after serving a six-game suspension.

His addition bolsters the offense significantly, another weapon the Swarm will have to deal with. In addition to him, the Swarm will be busy trying to shut down both Curtis Dickson (13G, 14A), Dan Taylor (11G, 133A), and Rhys Duch (2G, 9A).

Between the pipes stands Christian Del Bianco. The 22-year-old netminder has been impressive over 427:11 min. of action, evidenced by his 9.97 GAA and .822 SV%.

The Swarm will answer with their dynamic offense, which is ranked third in the NLL. Shayne Jackson leads the team in points with 50 (21G, 29A), followed by Randy Staats with 40 (11G, 29A), Lyle Thompson with 39 (19G, 20A), and Jordan Hall with 37 (8G, 29A).

Mike Poulin made franchise and NLL history last Saturday, becoming the winningest Swarm goalie in franchise history and taking sole possession of sixth most saves in NLL history. Over 476:53 min. between the pipes this season, he has a 10.07 GAA and .786 SV%.

The Swarm are 2-4 since 2016 against the Roughnecks. Calgary does not visit Sting City often; their last trip here was on March 17, 2017, when the Swarm won 17-8. With this being a rare visit to the Swarm’s home, the Swarm hope to welcome the Roughnecks politely enough before sending them home with the loss.