In the chaotic joy of the Toronto Rock dressing room, moments after popping corks and filling the team's record-tying sixth Champion's Cup with champagne, the players burst into a spontaneous chant that captures the sentiment of everyone who cheers for them.

“One more year,” they yelled again and again to 41-year-old goaltender, Bob Watson.

In the final game of a brilliant 15-year career that will take him to the National Lacrosse League Hall of Fame, Watson did what he's always done — made big saves when it mattered most — as the Rock held off the Washington Stealth 8-7 at the Air Canada Centre.

“The best big game player I've ever been around,” Rock head coach Troy Cordingley said in describing Watson's 46-save performance. “He's just unbelievable.

“We're hoping he turns into Brett Favre,” Cordingley said in reference to the former Green Bay Packers quarterback who retired from the NFL on three separate occasions.

Washington, the defending champions, battled back from a 7-2 deficit at the half to get within one with 7:48 to go. But Watson shut the door the rest of the way as the crowd of 14,488 held its collective breath.

With the win, Watson ran his career playoff record to 16-4, including 6-2 in title games. He also captured his second Champion's Cup MVP award.

“Time felt like it was standing still,” Watson said of the final minutes as the Stealth poured it on looking for the equalizer. “The guys did a fabulous job.”

As the horn sounded, Watson looked up into the corner where his family sat and waved.

“They've been supporting me here for 15 years, so my first look was to them,” said Watson, a rookie officer with Waterloo Region Police. “We were just taking in the moment.

“I've enjoyed every minute of it. I'm going to miss it.”

Showing the skills that made him the all-time saves leader in the NLL's 25-year history, Watson was spectacular, particularly in the first half as the Rock built a 7-2 lead.

With Toronto having scored three straight goals to take a 4-1 lead, Kyle Ross was assessed a five-minute high-sticking major.

Watson made a highlight-reel save on the penalty kill to get his first of several standing ovations on the day. He robbed former Rock teammate Luke Wiles, who snapped a shot toward a wide open net only to see the goalie reach back and snare it.

“It was a desperate move and fortunately for me it went right into the stick,” Watson said.

Five minutes later, Watson stopped Jeff Zywicki on a breakaway to keep the score 5-1.

“He made some unbelievable saves in the first half and kind of set the tone for the game,” said Tyler Richards, the Stealth's 24-year-old goalie, who made 50 saves in the loss.

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Stephan Leblanc jumped up in front of Richards and stuffed the ball behind him for the Rock's only goal of the second half to make it 8-6 with eight minutes to play.

“After about 30 shots it was nice to finally put one past Richards,” said Leblanc, who also had three assists on the way to winning his first championship in his second NLL season.

Kasey Beirnes had two goals and two assists and Blaine Manning a goal and two assists.

Stealth head coach Chris Hall said he was very proud of his team's effort, which saw them outscore the Rock 6-1 in the second half, but added that Watson's “miraculous” saves were the difference.

“It was his night and he was full measure for it,” Hall said.

Washington was trying to become the first team since Toronto in 2003 to repeat as champions.

Former Rock forward Lewis Ratcliff, who was sent to Washington in a blockbuster deal that brought Rock captain and leader Colin Doyle back to Toronto before the start of last season, had three goals and one assist for the Stealth while Rhys Duch added a goal and three assists.

“We took too long to getting going and couldn't get enough by him,” Ratcliff said of Watson.

Doyle, who had two assists, captured his sixth championship, all with Watson.

“He's going to be missed,” Doyle said. “He's the game's greatest as far as I'm concerned.”

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