Saskatchewan Rush eliminated from playoff contention by Mark Matthews hat-trick [Video]

Three days after stating he’d love to end the Saskatchewan Rush’s season, Mark Matthews got his wish on Saturday night.

Matthews and the Toronto Rock delivered the final nail in Saskatchewan’s playoff hopes at SaskTel Centre. The Rush franchise leader in career points eliminated his former team from the NLL post-season.

On a night that marked his return to Saskatoon since he was dealt in a blockbuster trade to Toronto last summer.

“It was definitely weird,” said Matthews. “Never really being down this side or anything, it was a different experience for sure. Coming in, obviously I played a lot of lacrosse here, so it was kind of the only thing I ever knew.”

Matthews found the back of the net three times on Saturday night, including a sharp-angle goal with 5:28 remaining in the fourth quarter which would stand as the game-winner to hand the Rush a tight 12-11 …