Saskatchewan Rush, Calgary Roughnecks set to collide in NLL West Final

It’s no longer called the “Battle of Alberta”, but make no mistake, the Saskatchewan Rush and Calgary Roughnecks still aren’t friends.

“They flat out don’t like each other,” said Rush head coach Derek Keenan.

“It’s a great rivalry and it’s going to make for a great series.”

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READ MORE: Rally to be held for the Saskatchewan Rush

The two squads will rekindle their love affair for each other on Saturday night in Calgary in Game 1 of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) West Final.

Here’s a playoff primer:

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• the Rush and Roughnecks have squared off in the playoffs three times in the past four years;
• Saskatchewan has won two of its past three playoff series against Calgary; and
• the Rush posted a 3-0 record against the Roughnecks in the 2016 regular season

But these stats don’t matter. It’s the playoffs, and the slate has been wiped clean.

“They’ve had the better of us, in the regular season anyway,” said Roughnecks captain Mike Carnegie. “I’m really excited to actually get going against these guys. They’re the best team in the league right now other than Buffalo.”

WATCH: Calgary Roughnecks host Saskatchewan Rush in lacrosse west division final

3:43 Calgary Roughnecks host Saskatchewan Rush in lacrosse west division final

Game 1 of the NLL West Final is slated to start Saturday at 7:00 p.m. MT in Calgary. Game 2 goes May 21 at SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon followed by a 10-minute Game 3, if needed, immediately after the second game.