Wings end losing skid, take down Bandits

By Tom Hoffman

David Mitchell's return to the Philadelphia Wings was a successful one as he scored three goals and added two assists to help the Wings break a five game losing streak with a 15-11 win over the Buffalo Bandits Saturday at HSBC Arena.

Also having big games were Drew Westervelt (four goals and an assist) and Mat Giles (3G, 3A). Brandon Miller was excellent in net with a 40 save performance and the Wings powerplay went five for seven in a game in which the Wings never trailed. Twice the Bandits would get to within a goal but the Wings never let them tie it up and played what was probably their best effort of the 2010 season and a definite improvement over last week's debacle with Rochester.

Next up for the Wings (2-6) is a visit to Calgary and the defending champion Roughnecks next Saturday.

Meet Bob Snider

A few weeks back, Kevin M. Neibauer had the chance to meet Wings rookie Bob Snider. Bob happens to be the brother of Geoff. So, let's meet Bob.

By- Kevin M. Neibauer

KMN- First off, Welcome to Philadelphia. What are your thoughts?

BS- "Thanks. First home game and it feels pretty good. We have a great group of guys and I'm very happy to be here. I couldn't ask for more in a rookie season, plus, playing with my brother makes it very comfortable for me. All the guys get along great."

KMN-Philly can be a really great place to play...

BS-"True, plus it helps that fans really love the game and support us. I had chills going out on the floor. They (the fans) get wild and that's a big factor in our favor."

KMN- What are Coach Huntley's plans for you?

BS-" Little defense, transition and face-offs. I didn't fare too well in the circle tonight, but we got the "W" and that's what is important."

KMN- It seemed the team, as a whole struggled on the face-off tonight, any ideas?

BS-"The ref was changing his cadence and we couldn't get our timing down. But, the important thing is their guys did a great job."

KMN-Philly-Boston, big rivalry, what did you know about the Blazers coming in?

BS-"I wasn't here last year, but. I did follow the league. Boston did pretty well last year so I expected a big game coming in and that's what makes the win nice."

KMN-Defensively, the team allowed only one goal in the second half. Did you do anything at half time?

BS-"Not really, we were doing fine. We knew the second half was going to be a battle and that we needed to keep our composure and that's what we did."

KMN- How difficult has it been for the new guys to get acclimated to the coaches and each other?

BS-"For me, coming into training camp, I knew a few guys, of course, my brother and Taylor Wray. With a short training camp, you really have to bond right away I think most of us have come together nicely. I have been on teams that didn't have big scorers or World Class talent, but they had a bond. That's what wins Championships, the chemistry, the family atmosphere."

Thanks to the Wings and Bob Snider.

2010 Wings Lacrosse Game 8 (at Buffalo 2-27-10)

By Tom Hoffman

The Philadelphia Wings (1-6) will look to avoid extending their current five game losing streak to a new franchise high when they travel to Buffalo, NY to face off with the Bandits (2-5) for the second time in three weeks. Faceoff at HSBC Arena is at 7:30 PM and the game can be seen on the NLL Network.

History

The Wings 13-11 loss on February 13 at home to Buffalo dropped their all time regular season record to 18-20 against the Bandits. On the road the Wings are 7-12 in regular season play and 6-8 since the Bandits began to call HSBC Arena their home (1997). The Wings have dropped their last four regular season meetings in Buffalo (and five overall including their meeting in the 2008 postseason). The Wings last victory in Buffalo came on February 25, 2005 by a 14-8 score.

Last Week

The Wings could only put up one goal on 15 shots in the second half as the Rochester Knighthawks ran off with a 12-6 win Saturday night in Philadelphia. The Bandits were idle last weekend having last played against the Wings two weeks ago.

Hall of Fame honors

Both teams found out Monday that they would be sending new members to the NLL's Hall of Fame. The Wings will celebrate their ninth inductee when original Wing (and current Assistant) John Tucker will be enshrined. Tucker will join Russ Cline, Chris Fritz, Mike French, Tom Marechek, Paul and Gary Gait, Tony Resch and Dallas Eliuk as Wings who have already been named to the Hall. Rich Kilgour will join brother (and current head coach) Darris Kilgour, John Mouradian, Jim Veltman and Les Bartley as Hall of Famers with a Bandits connection. Also inducted for 2010 is Dan Stroup.

Midseason

The Wings will reach the midseason point Saturday night. Below is their record at the midway point for the last five seasons:

2009: 3-5

2008: 7-1

2007: 4-4

2006: 4-4

2005: 3-5

Other Stats

When Wings score first: 1-4

When Wings lead after the 1st Qtr: 0-2

When Wings are tied after the 1st Qtr.: 1-0

When Wings lead at halftime: 1-1

When Wings are tied at halftime: 0-1

When Wings lead after 3rd Qtr: 1-0

Overtime: 0-1

Next Game

The Wings play their second straight on the road on March 6 when they travel to Calgary to face the defending champion Roughnecks.