Unofficially the playoffs have begun for the Philadelphia Wings (6-8), who need to simply win out in order to make it to the National Lacrosse League's postseason. The Wings will begin this quest Saturday evening when they host the Toronto Rock (5-9) at 7:30 PM. The game can be seen live and for free on NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 8-17 all time against Toronto (including when the Rock were known as the Ontario Raiders in 1998). In Philadelphia, the Wings are 5-8 against the Rock and have won three straight games at the Wachovia Center against Toronto. Last season the Wings swept a season series from Toronto for the first time in team history. Philadelphia used a 51 save performance from Rob Blasdell in taking the first meeting 11-9 at the Wachovia Center on April 6th. The Wings closed the regular season with a rare win at the Air Canada Centre 15-14 on a shorthanded goal by Athan Iannucci with less than a minute to play in regulation.
Last Week
The Wings split a back to back set with the New York Titans, winning the first game 11-7 Saturday night in Newark, NJ. Brandon Miller starred in net for Philadelphia with 45 saves while Drew Westervelt scored four goals. The Titans returned the favor the next day in Philadelphia, ourscoring the Wings 12-5 in the second half to take away a 16-13 victory and clinch a playoff spot for the second straight season. Kyle Wailes led the Wings with 10 points on the afternoon (3 goals, 7 assists). Toronto lost at home to the Boston Blazers 14-13 on Friday night.
Some familiar faces
Both sides have a number of players who have worn both teams jerseys. Toronto's Luke Wiles, Jason Crosbie, Chad Thompson and Jason Clark all once suited up for the Wings while Philly's Mat Giles, Jon Harasym and Rob Blasdell all were former members of the Rock. The Rock's Bill McGlone is from Swarthmore, PA and attended Ridley High School.
Playoff hopes
As stated earlier, the Wings need just to win their final two game to qualify for the NLL playoffs. A Toronto win would give them the tiebreaker with Phialdelphia and with some help could take the final spot in the East. Buffalo, New York and Boston all have clinched spots in the postseason while the Wings and Rock battle with the Rochester Knighthawks for the fourth berth in the East.
Next Game
The Wings will close out the 2009 regular season with a visit to Rochester's Blue Cross Arena to face the Knighthawks on April 18th.
