Wings Game #16 (at Toronto 4-27-08)

By Tom Hoffman

For the Philadelphia Wings , their postseason hopes come down to the final day of the season when they travel to Toronto for the season finale with the Rock on Sunday afternoon. Game time at the Air Canada Centre is at 1 PM.

History

The Wings defeated the Rock 11-9 on April 6th at the Wachovia Center behind a four goal night from Athan Iannucci and 51 saves by Rob Blasdell. All time against Toronto the Wings are 7-17 in the regular season and just 2-9 on the road, with one win taking place in Hamilton, ON during the franchise's inagural season when they were the Ontario Raiders. The Wings last win in Toronto came on February 7, 2004, a 10-8 final.

Last Week

The Wings fell 11-8 to the New York Titans at the Wachovia Center in front of 17, 340 fans Saturday night, the Wings largest home crowd since 2002. Athan Iannucci tallied four goals and Brandon Miller was solid in net with 43 saves. Toronto lost in overtime at Calgary Ssaturday evening and was eliminated from postseason consideration.

Playoff Scenarios

(as listed on NLL.com)

The Wings will clinch a playoff berth with a win over Toronto OR a Rochester loss to New York.

They will clinch a home playoff game with a win over Toronto AND two of the following:-New York loss to Rochester.-Buffalo loss to Portland.-Two Minnesota losses to Chicago.

They will clinch the East Division title, top overall seed and home field advantage throughout playoffs with a win over Toronto AND a New York loss to Rochester AND a Buffalo loss to Portland AND two Minnesota losses to Chicago.

East Division Standings

x-Minnesota 9-5
x-Buffalo 9-6
New York 9-6
Wings 9-6
Rochester 8-7
Toronto 7-8
Chicago 5-9

x- clinched playoff spot

The Nooch Watch

Athan Iannucci needs three goals Sunday to reach 70 for the season. Iannucci needs three points to equal Tom Marechek's franchise record of 98 points in a single season (2002) and four to set a new team record.

Quote from Coach Huntley (after Saturday's game)

"I thought it was great goaltending by both goalies. Defensively I thought we were good, they were probably better. Offensively we weren't nearly as good as they were. We certainly had our chances to tie the game, we had our chances to make plays and we didn't at the end. The playoffs start a week early for us, that's all."

Next Game

Either an Eastern Division Semifinal the weekend of May 2-4 or the 2009 season opener.