Wings Game #2 (1-18-08 vs. Rochester)

By Tom Hoffman

Following their impressive opening night victory over the Chicago Shamrox, the Philadelphia Wings look to go to 2-0 when they host the defending NLL Champion Rochester Knighthawks (1-1) Friday night at the Wachovia Center. Faceoff is at 8 PM.

Last Game

The Wings exploded in the fourth quarter with nine goals en route to a 19-11 win over Chicago Saturday night. Athan Iannucci (Five goals, one assist) and Jake Bergey (four goals, two assists)were named co-MVP's for their performances against the Shamrox. Rookie Merrick Thomson also added four goals in his Wings and NLL debut while Jason Crosbie dished out six assists. Rob Blasdell made 38 saves in net. Both Crosbie and Blasdell were making their first appearances with the Wings.

History

The Wings are 13-16 all time vs Rochester in regular season play, with a 9-7 record at home. In 2007, the Knighthawks won both matchups, 14-13 at the Wachovia Center March 3rd and 12-10 in Rochester on March 31st.

First timers

In addition to Thomson, Crosbie and Blasdell, several others made their debuts for the Wings. Jim Borell, Brenden Thenhaus, Jamie Rooney, Pat Heim and Taylor Wray all had solid games in their first appearances in front of the Philly faithful.

Quirky Stats of the week

When Rob Blasdell started in goal Saturday night, he became the fourth different opening night starter in the last four seasons (Dallas Eliuk in 2005, Matt Roik in 2006 and Jay Preece in 2007).

A Wings victory would give them wins in their first two home games for the first time since 2002 (NY 11-10 and Buffalo 8-7). It would also be their ninth 2-0 start in team history (1989, 90, 93, 97, 98, 2001, 04, 06).

Quotes from the Chicago game

Coach Dave Huntley: "It was fun. Obviously we have got a lot of young kids the team who looked absolutely terrific tonight. I think some of our old guys showed they can still play, it was a great opening night for Jake (Bergey). Every part of our game was clicking."

"Chicago's a team for us, we knew was going to be a tough team with the way they transition out of their end. We couldn't give them easy goals. I was very proud, particularly our young guys (Pat Heim, Jim Borell, Brenden Thenhaus, John Christmas), they were really fast at taking their transition away."

Merrick Thomson:"Everyone was moving the ball around pretty well and we had a lot of scorers. Our offense for the first game looked pretty good."

Next Game

The Wings will finish their three game homestand to open the 2008 season with a matchup against the Buffalo Bandits on January 26.