Wings 2009 Game 8 (vs. Minnesota 2-12-09)

By Tom Hoffman

Following one of the worst games in team history, the Philadelphia Wings (2-5) will head into midseason with a match against the Minnesota Swarm. Faceoff Saturday night is at 7:30 PM and the game can be seen free on NLL.com for those who can't make it to the Wachovia Center.

History

The Wings are 4-6 all time vs. the Swarm, including 2-2 in Philadelphia. Last season the teams split the season series, each team winning at home. The Wings outscored Minnesota 11-1 in the fourth quarter en route to a 17-8 win February 22 in Philadelphia. Athan Iannucci led the Wings with six goals that night. On April 12, the Wings were less than two seconds from victory when former Wing Dan Marohl tied the game with a power play goal to force overtime where the Swarm won on a Sean Pollock goal 1:19 into the extra session. The Wings had trailed at halftime 10-3 before their comeback. Iannucci only scored three goals that night but one was goal number 62 breaking Gary Gait's single season record. The Wings will also face the Swarm in Philadelphia on March 14.

Last Game

The Wings were held to four goals in an 8-4 loss to the Boston Blazers last Friday night. Brandon Miller was the lone Wings highlight with 48 saves in net. Minnesota was idle last week but will play twice this weekend, starting Friday night at home vs. Boston.

You're an All Star (again)

For the third consecutive season, Geoff Snider will represent the Wings in the NLL All Star Game March 7 in Denver. Last season Snider earned MVP honors in the East's 17-16 OT win in Edmonton. In his previous two ASG appearances, Snider has six goals and five assists to go with 50 loose balls and 53 faceoff wins. The Wings could have some extra representatives when the reserves for the East are announced later this week.

Next Games

The Wings will hit the road for back to back games starting February 27 when they travel to Edmonton to face the Rush before heading to Portland to meet the Lumberjax on February 28.