CALGARY -- Mired in an eight-game losing skid, the National Lacrosse League's Ottawa Rebel found the perfect antidote in the expansion Calgary Roughnecks on Saturday.

Jake Lawson and Ryan Painter led the way with four goals each as Ottawa set a team record for goals in a game by beating Calgary 20-15. Ottawa's first win since its Nov. 18 season opener assures the second-year franchise of improving on its 1-13 record from its inaugural season.

It was also the first win in five tries for Lindsay Sanderson, who took over coach and general manager duties four weeks ago.

Three of Lawson's goals came in the game's first three-and-a-half minutes as Ottawa (2-8) gave up the first goal of the game then erupted for nine unanswered goals to lead 9-1 after the first quarter.

Calgary (4-9) finally gave its enthusiastic home crowd of 8,854 something to cheer about when it began the second quarter - scoring three goals in a row to cut the deficit to five - but that would be as close as the Roughnecks would get.

Ottawa led 13-4 at halftime and 17-9 after three quarters.

It was an intense and chippy game throughout and tempers between the Northern Divion rivals spilled over with 2:55 left in the final quarter, when three separate fights broke out. One involved Painter, who was ejected from the game.

Also lending a hand in the offence for Ottawa were Marty O'Brien, Dan Marohl, Mike Tarbell, Mike Benedict, and Chris Konopliff with two goals apiece. Rory Graham and Jamie Roy each scored once.

Konopliff had six assists as well, with seven of his eight points coming in that explosive first quarter.

Calgary was paced offensively by Chris Panos, Kyle Goundrey, and Kaleb Toth who each notched three goals. Matt Green added a pair with Bruce Alexander, John Kilbride, Ben Prepchuk, and Shawn Cable also scoring.

After an impressive 4-3 start to first ever season, the Roughnecks have lost six in a row including four straight at the Pengrowth Saddledome.