By Tom Hoffman
As we get nearer to the start of the 27th season of Philadelphia Wings lacrosse, we will take a look back at some dates and accomplishments in Wings history. The Wings haven't played many games in the month of December but have managed two on this date (12-30).
The Wings first game on this date occurred in 2000 as the Wings traveled to Rochester for the 2001 season opener. Behind a 10 point night (6G, 4A) from Jake Bergey and eight more (4G, 4A) from Tom Marechek, the Wings opened what would end up as their sixth championship season with a 17-16 victory. This was also the first Wings game in the month of December.
On this date in 2005 the Wings opened the 20th season of professional indoor lacrosse in Denver facing the Colorado Mammoth. In the Wings first opener of the post-Dallas Eliuk era they came from behind to defeat the Mammoth 13-11 to spoil the jersey retirement night of former Wing and Mammoth star Gary Gait. After a sluggish first half in his NLL debut, Wings top draft pick Sean Greenhalgh caught fire and scored four goals to lead the Wings. Fellow draftee Luke Wiles added a pair of goals in his league debut while Matt Roik made 44 saves as the Wings new starting goalkeeper.
All time the Wings have a 4-2 record in December games, all played on the road.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Friday, December 21, 2012
2013 - What to expect from our Philadelphia Wings
By- Kevin M. Neibauer
Well friends, it has been quite awhile since I have written anything for this or any site. Time constraints, work constraints and lack of computer all played roles in the situation.
That being written, I am glad to be back full time covering all things lacrosse especially the Philadelphia Wings. I will be adding game insights as well as post game analysis and interviews for LaxPhilly.com as well as supplying interviews for the Professional Lacrosse Players Association. (PLPA.com).
What do we expect from this season and the Wings? The squad enters the season with optimism and several questions. Some of these questions involve new additions, key subtractions to a squad with a definite American base.
Ethan Farrell has caught eyes with creative play-making and goal scoring instincts. C.J. Costabile and Mike Manley are highly regarded draft picks who will be counted on to bolster the back-line.
General Manager and Coach, John Mouradian was not just busy with draft picks. A blockbuster trade sent Dan and Paul Dawson to the Rochester Knighthawks for among others, Paul Rabil.
Rabil, along with Max Seibald and newly signed Kyle Hartzell bring the three hardest shots in Lacrosse to Philly. Hard shots do not always result in goals however. The departure of Dan Dawson means that Seibald will be looked at as more of a leader on and off the field.
Brandon Miller will be back between the pipes. One of the questions was Miller being able to shoulder the workload and deal with personal issues. GM John Mouradian acquired Kevin Croswell and solidified the position even further.
In addition to Costabile and Manley the defense will be anchored by the returning team Captain, Brodie Merrill. Merrill will lead a mostly unknown corps of players and a new Defensive Coach, Thomas Hajek.
The schedule is like none other in Philadelphia team history with 3 Sunday afternoon games, a Saturday afternoon and even a Friday morning (February 8).
Buffalo and, of course, Rochester got stronger in the off-season. Will all the new faces gel in time to be competitive early enough to keep the fans coming in?
The Wings Achilles heel last season was that the squad was very weak on the left side. Kevin Buchanan and Kevin Ross were brought in trades and big thing are expected from Ned Crotty who was hampered last season by not only inexperience but also by injuries. Crotty is scheduled to miss the first month of the season.
Kevin Crowley returns and seems to be the go to guy for the offense.
We shall see starting January 11, 2013
WING THINGS- Michael French has taken over the reins as the majority owner.
Also, the team announced a new weekly broadcast. Philly Lax Live that will debut on December 26 and will feature former Wing, Scott Gabrielsen as well as current Wing, Brett Manney.
The NLL has announced a partnership with YouTube to broadcast games.
Well friends, it has been quite awhile since I have written anything for this or any site. Time constraints, work constraints and lack of computer all played roles in the situation.
That being written, I am glad to be back full time covering all things lacrosse especially the Philadelphia Wings. I will be adding game insights as well as post game analysis and interviews for LaxPhilly.com as well as supplying interviews for the Professional Lacrosse Players Association. (PLPA.com).
What do we expect from this season and the Wings? The squad enters the season with optimism and several questions. Some of these questions involve new additions, key subtractions to a squad with a definite American base.
Ethan Farrell has caught eyes with creative play-making and goal scoring instincts. C.J. Costabile and Mike Manley are highly regarded draft picks who will be counted on to bolster the back-line.
General Manager and Coach, John Mouradian was not just busy with draft picks. A blockbuster trade sent Dan and Paul Dawson to the Rochester Knighthawks for among others, Paul Rabil.
Rabil, along with Max Seibald and newly signed Kyle Hartzell bring the three hardest shots in Lacrosse to Philly. Hard shots do not always result in goals however. The departure of Dan Dawson means that Seibald will be looked at as more of a leader on and off the field.
Brandon Miller will be back between the pipes. One of the questions was Miller being able to shoulder the workload and deal with personal issues. GM John Mouradian acquired Kevin Croswell and solidified the position even further.
In addition to Costabile and Manley the defense will be anchored by the returning team Captain, Brodie Merrill. Merrill will lead a mostly unknown corps of players and a new Defensive Coach, Thomas Hajek.
The schedule is like none other in Philadelphia team history with 3 Sunday afternoon games, a Saturday afternoon and even a Friday morning (February 8).
Buffalo and, of course, Rochester got stronger in the off-season. Will all the new faces gel in time to be competitive early enough to keep the fans coming in?
The Wings Achilles heel last season was that the squad was very weak on the left side. Kevin Buchanan and Kevin Ross were brought in trades and big thing are expected from Ned Crotty who was hampered last season by not only inexperience but also by injuries. Crotty is scheduled to miss the first month of the season.
Kevin Crowley returns and seems to be the go to guy for the offense.
We shall see starting January 11, 2013
WING THINGS- Michael French has taken over the reins as the majority owner.
Also, the team announced a new weekly broadcast. Philly Lax Live that will debut on December 26 and will feature former Wing, Scott Gabrielsen as well as current Wing, Brett Manney.
The NLL has announced a partnership with YouTube to broadcast games.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
2012 NLL Division Finals Preview
By Tom Hoffman
Saturday night the National Lacrosse League will determine who will battle for teh Champions Cup next weekend as the Divisional Finals will take place. Both games will be shown live on the CBS Sports Network.
East Division Final
Rochester Knighthawks (8-9) at Toronto Rock (10-7)
7 PM at Air Canada Centre
Regular Season: Toronto swept the season series 3-0.
Playoff History: Toronto is 5-2 against Rochester with the Rock winning the last meeting last season 10-8 in Toronto. The Knighthawks are 0-4 in postseason games in Toronto (0-2 at Maple Leaf Gardens, 0-2 at the ACC).
How they got here: Rochester survived a late Philadelphia rally to defeat the Wings 14-13 last Friday at Blue Cross Arena. Joe Walters and Cody Jamieson each had six points while Craig Point scored three goals for the Knighthawks. Toronto rallied from a 6-2 halftime deficit, shutting out Buffalo over the final 34:03 to take a 7-6 victory last Saturday at Air Canada Centre. Brenden Thenhaus capped the Toronto comeback scoring the winning goal with 35 seconds left in regulation. Nick Rose stopped 36 shots for Toronto.
X-Factors: Can Rochester finally win a playoff game in Toronto? Including last season's playoff matchup, Toronto has won eight straight games against the Knighthawks going back to 2010. Buffalo held Garrett Billings, Josh Sanderson, Stephan Leblanc and Blaine Manning to a combined three goals on 34 shots, can the Rochester defense do the same? Rochester will need to play a full 60 minutes after almost surrendering a five goal lead in the last 2:32.
West Division Final
Edmonton Rush (7-10) at Minnesota Swarm (10-7)
9:30 PM at Xcel Energy Center
Regular Season: The teams split a pair of overtime decisions with each team winning at home.
Playoff History: This is the first postseason meeting between the two teams.
How they got here: After losing all four regular season meetings, the Rush stunned the Calgary Roughnecks 19-11 in Calgary. Ryan Ward and Corey Small each had five goals while Ward also added six assists in the Edmonton rout. The Swarm never trailed in defeating the Colorado Mammoth 14-10 at Pepsi Center. Ryan Benesch had seven points (3G, 4A) for Minnesota while Evan Kirk stopped 37 shots.
X-Factors: Edmonton has only appeared in three playoff games (all on the road) yet hold a 2-1 record while Minnesota won their first ever playoff game last week. The Rush set a season high with last week's 19 goal performance after scoring aleague low 167 goals during the regular season and are the last team to beat the Swarm this year. Will Ryan Ward and Aaron Wilson haunt their former team?
Saturday night the National Lacrosse League will determine who will battle for teh Champions Cup next weekend as the Divisional Finals will take place. Both games will be shown live on the CBS Sports Network.
East Division Final
Rochester Knighthawks (8-9) at Toronto Rock (10-7)
7 PM at Air Canada Centre
Regular Season: Toronto swept the season series 3-0.
Playoff History: Toronto is 5-2 against Rochester with the Rock winning the last meeting last season 10-8 in Toronto. The Knighthawks are 0-4 in postseason games in Toronto (0-2 at Maple Leaf Gardens, 0-2 at the ACC).
How they got here: Rochester survived a late Philadelphia rally to defeat the Wings 14-13 last Friday at Blue Cross Arena. Joe Walters and Cody Jamieson each had six points while Craig Point scored three goals for the Knighthawks. Toronto rallied from a 6-2 halftime deficit, shutting out Buffalo over the final 34:03 to take a 7-6 victory last Saturday at Air Canada Centre. Brenden Thenhaus capped the Toronto comeback scoring the winning goal with 35 seconds left in regulation. Nick Rose stopped 36 shots for Toronto.
X-Factors: Can Rochester finally win a playoff game in Toronto? Including last season's playoff matchup, Toronto has won eight straight games against the Knighthawks going back to 2010. Buffalo held Garrett Billings, Josh Sanderson, Stephan Leblanc and Blaine Manning to a combined three goals on 34 shots, can the Rochester defense do the same? Rochester will need to play a full 60 minutes after almost surrendering a five goal lead in the last 2:32.
West Division Final
Edmonton Rush (7-10) at Minnesota Swarm (10-7)
9:30 PM at Xcel Energy Center
Regular Season: The teams split a pair of overtime decisions with each team winning at home.
Playoff History: This is the first postseason meeting between the two teams.
How they got here: After losing all four regular season meetings, the Rush stunned the Calgary Roughnecks 19-11 in Calgary. Ryan Ward and Corey Small each had five goals while Ward also added six assists in the Edmonton rout. The Swarm never trailed in defeating the Colorado Mammoth 14-10 at Pepsi Center. Ryan Benesch had seven points (3G, 4A) for Minnesota while Evan Kirk stopped 37 shots.
X-Factors: Edmonton has only appeared in three playoff games (all on the road) yet hold a 2-1 record while Minnesota won their first ever playoff game last week. The Rush set a season high with last week's 19 goal performance after scoring aleague low 167 goals during the regular season and are the last team to beat the Swarm this year. Will Ryan Ward and Aaron Wilson haunt their former team?
Friday, May 4, 2012
Too litle, too late for Wings as Knighthawks end their season
By Tom Hoffman
A furious fourth quarter rally made it a close game but would not be enough as the Philadelphia Wings fell to the Rochester Knighthawks 14-13 in the opening round of the National Lacrosse League playoffs Friday night at Blue Cross Arena.
The Wings led the game 3-2 after the first quarter and were tied at five with 29 seconds to go before halftime when the wheels seemed to come off. Craig Point gave Rochester a 6-5 lead with four seconds to play and started a six goal run for the home team. Kevin Crowley ended the Knighthawks scoring spree but Stephen Keogh would give Rochester a 12-6 advantage heading into the final stanza.
The teams traded goals to open the fourth before the Wings added the next two courtesy of Ned Crotty and Crowley. But with 3:04 to play in regulation, Ryan Cousins scored for Rochester to seemingly lock up the game in Rochester's favor. The Wings, though, showed some heart in the final minutes by scoring four goals over a span of 2:05, Brodie Merrill getting the first two (12:28 and 13:09), Crowley 16 seconds later and Dan Dawson with 27 seconds to play. Jeff Reynolds would win the faceoff but the Wings could not get the goal to send the game to overtime.
Crowley led the Wings with a seven point night (4G, 3A) while Dan Dawson added a goal and five helpers. But while they made it close, the fact is the Wings saw a promising season end with six straight losses and still no victories over Matt Vinc and the Knighthawks since 2009.
And that should gnaw at them as they start making preparations for 2013.
A furious fourth quarter rally made it a close game but would not be enough as the Philadelphia Wings fell to the Rochester Knighthawks 14-13 in the opening round of the National Lacrosse League playoffs Friday night at Blue Cross Arena.
The Wings led the game 3-2 after the first quarter and were tied at five with 29 seconds to go before halftime when the wheels seemed to come off. Craig Point gave Rochester a 6-5 lead with four seconds to play and started a six goal run for the home team. Kevin Crowley ended the Knighthawks scoring spree but Stephen Keogh would give Rochester a 12-6 advantage heading into the final stanza.
The teams traded goals to open the fourth before the Wings added the next two courtesy of Ned Crotty and Crowley. But with 3:04 to play in regulation, Ryan Cousins scored for Rochester to seemingly lock up the game in Rochester's favor. The Wings, though, showed some heart in the final minutes by scoring four goals over a span of 2:05, Brodie Merrill getting the first two (12:28 and 13:09), Crowley 16 seconds later and Dan Dawson with 27 seconds to play. Jeff Reynolds would win the faceoff but the Wings could not get the goal to send the game to overtime.
Crowley led the Wings with a seven point night (4G, 3A) while Dan Dawson added a goal and five helpers. But while they made it close, the fact is the Wings saw a promising season end with six straight losses and still no victories over Matt Vinc and the Knighthawks since 2009.
And that should gnaw at them as they start making preparations for 2013.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
2012 NLL First Round Playoff Capsules
By Tom Hoffman
After Friday night's playoff opener between the Philadelphia Wings and Rochester Knighthawks, the remainder of the opening round games in the 2012 National Lacrosse League Playoffs will face off on Saturday night. Here is a look at each of Saturday's games.
Buffalo Bandits (7-9) at Toronto Rock (9-7)
7PM at Air Canada Centre (NLL Network)
Regular Season: Buffalo won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: The teams have met three times with Toronto holding a 2-1 edge. The most recent meeting was in 2011 (Toronto 12-10).
Team Leaders
Buffalo: Goals - John Tavares (41), Assists - Tavares (39), Points - Tavares (80), GAA - Anthony Cosmo (12.41).
Toronto: Goals - Garrett Billings (32), Assists - Billings (82), Points - Billings (114), GAA - Nick Rose (10.69).
X-Factors: Toronto went 5-1 after releasing G Matt Roik and acquiring Rose from Calgary. Cosmo struggled in the Bandits net until a 17-7 win over Philadelphia on April 7 led him to wins in three of the last four games. Toronto was only 3-5 at home this season.
Minnesota Swarm (9-7) at Colorado Mammoth (11-5)
7:30PM at Pepsi Center (CBS Sports Network)
Regular Season: Colorado won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the first postseason match between the teams.
Team Leaders
Minnesota: Goals - Ryan Benesch (33), Assists - Callum Crawford (58), Points - Crawford (83), GAA - Evan Kirk (9.81).
Colorado: Goals - John Grant Jr. (50), Assists - Grant (66), Points - Grant (116), GAA - Chris Levis (12.26).
X-Factors: Swarm won their last four games of the regular season, will that help them win their first ever playoff game? First winning season since 2008 yet a two game losing streak cost the Mammoth first place in the West. Minnesota 3-2 all time at Colorado but lost there on opening night. Colorado 0-4 in postseason since winning the 2006 NLL Championship.
Edmonton Rush (6-10) at Calgary Roughnecks (12-4)
9PM at Scotiabank Saddledome (NLL Network)
Regular Season: Calgary swept the season series 4-0.
Playoff History: The teams lone meeting was in 2010, Edmonton winning at Calgary 11-7.
Team Leaders
Edmonton: Goals - Zack Greer (31), Assists - Shawn Williams (52), Points - Williams (68), GAA - Aaron Bold (10.47).
Calgary: Goals - Shawn Evans (32), Assists - Evans (47), Points - Evans (79), GAA - Mike Poulin (10.27).
X-Factors: Which Evans brother (Scott or Shawn) will have the offseason bragging rights? Edmonton played .500 ball minus their games with Calgary. Will be a battle of the league's stingiest teams on defense (Calgary 170 GA, Edmonton 175 GA).
After Friday night's playoff opener between the Philadelphia Wings and Rochester Knighthawks, the remainder of the opening round games in the 2012 National Lacrosse League Playoffs will face off on Saturday night. Here is a look at each of Saturday's games.
Buffalo Bandits (7-9) at Toronto Rock (9-7)
7PM at Air Canada Centre (NLL Network)
Regular Season: Buffalo won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: The teams have met three times with Toronto holding a 2-1 edge. The most recent meeting was in 2011 (Toronto 12-10).
Team Leaders
Buffalo: Goals - John Tavares (41), Assists - Tavares (39), Points - Tavares (80), GAA - Anthony Cosmo (12.41).
Toronto: Goals - Garrett Billings (32), Assists - Billings (82), Points - Billings (114), GAA - Nick Rose (10.69).
X-Factors: Toronto went 5-1 after releasing G Matt Roik and acquiring Rose from Calgary. Cosmo struggled in the Bandits net until a 17-7 win over Philadelphia on April 7 led him to wins in three of the last four games. Toronto was only 3-5 at home this season.
Minnesota Swarm (9-7) at Colorado Mammoth (11-5)
7:30PM at Pepsi Center (CBS Sports Network)
Regular Season: Colorado won the season series 2-1.
Playoff History: This will be the first postseason match between the teams.
Team Leaders
Minnesota: Goals - Ryan Benesch (33), Assists - Callum Crawford (58), Points - Crawford (83), GAA - Evan Kirk (9.81).
Colorado: Goals - John Grant Jr. (50), Assists - Grant (66), Points - Grant (116), GAA - Chris Levis (12.26).
X-Factors: Swarm won their last four games of the regular season, will that help them win their first ever playoff game? First winning season since 2008 yet a two game losing streak cost the Mammoth first place in the West. Minnesota 3-2 all time at Colorado but lost there on opening night. Colorado 0-4 in postseason since winning the 2006 NLL Championship.
Edmonton Rush (6-10) at Calgary Roughnecks (12-4)
9PM at Scotiabank Saddledome (NLL Network)
Regular Season: Calgary swept the season series 4-0.
Playoff History: The teams lone meeting was in 2010, Edmonton winning at Calgary 11-7.
Team Leaders
Edmonton: Goals - Zack Greer (31), Assists - Shawn Williams (52), Points - Williams (68), GAA - Aaron Bold (10.47).
Calgary: Goals - Shawn Evans (32), Assists - Evans (47), Points - Evans (79), GAA - Mike Poulin (10.27).
X-Factors: Which Evans brother (Scott or Shawn) will have the offseason bragging rights? Edmonton played .500 ball minus their games with Calgary. Will be a battle of the league's stingiest teams on defense (Calgary 170 GA, Edmonton 175 GA).
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (Playoffs-1st Round at Rochester 5-4-12)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (7-9) will look to put a poor finish to the 2012 National Lacrosse League regular season behind them as they make their first postseason appearance since 2008 with a return visit to Rochester's Blue Cross Arena and a matchup with the Knighthawks (7-9) on Friday night at 7:30 PM. The game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
Playoff History
The Wings and Knighthawks have met three times in the postseason with the Wings holding a 2-1 advantage. All three meetings have been in Philadelphia. In 1995 the Wings won their fourth Major Indoor Lacrosse league title with a 15-14 overtime win at the Core States Spectrum. In 1997 the Knighthawks left the Core States Center with a 15-13 victory in a MILL semi-final. In 2001 the Wings earned a trip to the NLL title game with a 12-11 win. The Wings are 16-10 in postseason play, 6-6 on the road. Rochester is 12-13 in the playoffs, 6-2 at Blue Cross Arena. Each team has lost its last two postseason games with the last playoff win for both teams occurring in the NLL Championship Game (Wings 2001, Rochester 2007).
Regular Season
The Knighthawks won all three meetings in 2012 and have won nine straight times over the Wings. The teams opened the 2012 season in Philadelphia with Rochester winning a fight filled game 22-12. On March 3 the Knighthawks returned to Philadelphia and won 11-8, outscoring the Wings 4-1 in the fourth quarter. Last Saturday, the Knighthawks completed the season sweep with a 9-7 victory in Rochester. Kevin Crowley led the Wings vs. Rochester this season with 17 points (6G, 11A). Dan Dawson added 15 points (4G, 11A) while Brendan Mundorf added 12 points (6G, 6A). Cody Jamieson and Mike Accursi led Rochester with 19 points (6G, 13 A each) while Stephen Keogh added 16 points (8G, 8A).
Regular Season Leaders
Wings
Goals: Kevin Crowley and Drew Westervelt (36)
Assists: Dan Dawson (78)
Points: D. Dawson (103)
GAA: Brandon Miller (12.64)
Knighthawks
Goals: Cody Jamieson (36)
Assists: Jamieson (49)
Points: Jamieson (85)
GAA: Matt Vinc (12.21)
Notes
Five players (Brandon Miller, Drew Westervelt, Pat Heim, Tom Hajek, Taylor Wray) remain from the Wings last playoff appearance, a 14-12 loss to the Buffalo Bandits on May 2, 2008. Three members of that Bandits squad (Pat McCready, Kyle Laverty and Mike Accursi) are now with Rochester. That game was the only other time the Wings have played in the month of May.
The Wings last beat Matt Vinc 11-7 on April 4, 2009 at the Prudential Center when Vinc played for the New York Titans. The Wings last victory over the Knighthawks came on January 10, 2009 at the Blue Cross Arena by a 16-13 score.
Next Game
A victory will put the Wings in the Eastern Division finals the weekend of May 11 against the winner of Saturday's matchup between the Buffalo Bandits and Toronto Rock. The game would be in Toronto should the Rock win, in Philadelphia with a Bandits victory.
A loss and the next game will be the 2013 season opener.
The Philadelphia Wings (7-9) will look to put a poor finish to the 2012 National Lacrosse League regular season behind them as they make their first postseason appearance since 2008 with a return visit to Rochester's Blue Cross Arena and a matchup with the Knighthawks (7-9) on Friday night at 7:30 PM. The game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
Playoff History
The Wings and Knighthawks have met three times in the postseason with the Wings holding a 2-1 advantage. All three meetings have been in Philadelphia. In 1995 the Wings won their fourth Major Indoor Lacrosse league title with a 15-14 overtime win at the Core States Spectrum. In 1997 the Knighthawks left the Core States Center with a 15-13 victory in a MILL semi-final. In 2001 the Wings earned a trip to the NLL title game with a 12-11 win. The Wings are 16-10 in postseason play, 6-6 on the road. Rochester is 12-13 in the playoffs, 6-2 at Blue Cross Arena. Each team has lost its last two postseason games with the last playoff win for both teams occurring in the NLL Championship Game (Wings 2001, Rochester 2007).
Regular Season
The Knighthawks won all three meetings in 2012 and have won nine straight times over the Wings. The teams opened the 2012 season in Philadelphia with Rochester winning a fight filled game 22-12. On March 3 the Knighthawks returned to Philadelphia and won 11-8, outscoring the Wings 4-1 in the fourth quarter. Last Saturday, the Knighthawks completed the season sweep with a 9-7 victory in Rochester. Kevin Crowley led the Wings vs. Rochester this season with 17 points (6G, 11A). Dan Dawson added 15 points (4G, 11A) while Brendan Mundorf added 12 points (6G, 6A). Cody Jamieson and Mike Accursi led Rochester with 19 points (6G, 13 A each) while Stephen Keogh added 16 points (8G, 8A).
Regular Season Leaders
Wings
Goals: Kevin Crowley and Drew Westervelt (36)
Assists: Dan Dawson (78)
Points: D. Dawson (103)
GAA: Brandon Miller (12.64)
Knighthawks
Goals: Cody Jamieson (36)
Assists: Jamieson (49)
Points: Jamieson (85)
GAA: Matt Vinc (12.21)
Notes
Five players (Brandon Miller, Drew Westervelt, Pat Heim, Tom Hajek, Taylor Wray) remain from the Wings last playoff appearance, a 14-12 loss to the Buffalo Bandits on May 2, 2008. Three members of that Bandits squad (Pat McCready, Kyle Laverty and Mike Accursi) are now with Rochester. That game was the only other time the Wings have played in the month of May.
The Wings last beat Matt Vinc 11-7 on April 4, 2009 at the Prudential Center when Vinc played for the New York Titans. The Wings last victory over the Knighthawks came on January 10, 2009 at the Blue Cross Arena by a 16-13 score.
Next Game
A victory will put the Wings in the Eastern Division finals the weekend of May 11 against the winner of Saturday's matchup between the Buffalo Bandits and Toronto Rock. The game would be in Toronto should the Rock win, in Philadelphia with a Bandits victory.
A loss and the next game will be the 2013 season opener.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Wings to enter playoffs on sour note
By Tom Hoffman
When the Philadelphia Wings were 7-4, first place and a home playoff game seemed to be more than attainable. After tonight's 9-7 loss to the Rochester Knighthawks, their fifth overall and ninth straight against Rochester, first place is out and so is a home game in the first round. The Wings will limp into the postseason with a return trip to Blue Cross Arena on Friday night (May 4) and look to forget their horrid finish to the National Lacrosse League's 2012 regular season.
The Wings briefly led at 3-2 and were tied at four early in the second half but could never regain the lead. Brendan Mundorf led the Wings with four goals and three assists.
When the Philadelphia Wings were 7-4, first place and a home playoff game seemed to be more than attainable. After tonight's 9-7 loss to the Rochester Knighthawks, their fifth overall and ninth straight against Rochester, first place is out and so is a home game in the first round. The Wings will limp into the postseason with a return trip to Blue Cross Arena on Friday night (May 4) and look to forget their horrid finish to the National Lacrosse League's 2012 regular season.
The Wings briefly led at 3-2 and were tied at four early in the second half but could never regain the lead. Brendan Mundorf led the Wings with four goals and three assists.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (4-28-12 at Rochester)
by Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (7-8) will look to end a four game losing streak and enter the National Lacrosse League postseason on a positive note when they visit the Rochester Knighthawks Saturday night at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena. Game time is at 7:30 PM and the game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 15-25 all time against the Knighthawks, 5-14 at the Blue Cross Arena. Rochester has won both previous meetings this season and has won eight straight overall against the Wings. The last Wings victory over Rochester was on January 10, 2009 (16-13 at Rochester). On January 14 Rochester defeated the Wings 22-12 at the Wells Fargo Center in the 2012 season opener for both teams. On March 3 the Knighthawks returned to Philadelphia, handing the Wings an 11-8 defeat.
Last Game
The Wings jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the first quarter but were unable to hold the lead and fell 15-10 to the Minnesota Swarm Saturday at the Xcel Energy Center. Dan Dawson led the Wings with five goals but the Wings again struggled in net as Brandon Miller was pulled for the second straight game in favor of rookie keeper Steve Fryer.
Playoff Scenarios
A Wings victory in Rochester will assure them of a home playoff game for the first time since 2002. The Wings can still win the NLL’s East Division with a win and a Toronto loss at Edmonton. A Wings loss and they will open the postseason on the road.
Milestones
With one more point, Dan Dawson will set the Wings team record for most points in a season. The previous record of 100 was set in 2008 by Athan Iannucci. Dawson’s career high for points in a season was 107 in 2007 with the Arizona Sting.
Brodie Merrill needs one goal to set a new career high for goals in a season after equaling his career best with his goal last week at Minnesota.
David Brock’s next point will set a career high while Mike Hominuck needs five points to set a new personal high.
Kevin Crowley needs seven points to set a Wings record for points by a rookie. The previous best was 73 by Sean Greenhalgh in 2006.
On this date
The Wings are 1-0 on April 28. On this date in 1998 they defeated the Baltimore Thunder 17-12 in Game 2 of the NLL Championship Series to bring home their first NLL title and fifth overall in indoor lacrosse.
Next Game
The Wings will return to action the weekend of May 4 to open the 2012 NLL Playoffs against either Rochester or Buffalo.
The Philadelphia Wings (7-8) will look to end a four game losing streak and enter the National Lacrosse League postseason on a positive note when they visit the Rochester Knighthawks Saturday night at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena. Game time is at 7:30 PM and the game can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 15-25 all time against the Knighthawks, 5-14 at the Blue Cross Arena. Rochester has won both previous meetings this season and has won eight straight overall against the Wings. The last Wings victory over Rochester was on January 10, 2009 (16-13 at Rochester). On January 14 Rochester defeated the Wings 22-12 at the Wells Fargo Center in the 2012 season opener for both teams. On March 3 the Knighthawks returned to Philadelphia, handing the Wings an 11-8 defeat.
Last Game
The Wings jumped out to a 5-2 lead in the first quarter but were unable to hold the lead and fell 15-10 to the Minnesota Swarm Saturday at the Xcel Energy Center. Dan Dawson led the Wings with five goals but the Wings again struggled in net as Brandon Miller was pulled for the second straight game in favor of rookie keeper Steve Fryer.
Playoff Scenarios
A Wings victory in Rochester will assure them of a home playoff game for the first time since 2002. The Wings can still win the NLL’s East Division with a win and a Toronto loss at Edmonton. A Wings loss and they will open the postseason on the road.
Milestones
With one more point, Dan Dawson will set the Wings team record for most points in a season. The previous record of 100 was set in 2008 by Athan Iannucci. Dawson’s career high for points in a season was 107 in 2007 with the Arizona Sting.
Brodie Merrill needs one goal to set a new career high for goals in a season after equaling his career best with his goal last week at Minnesota.
David Brock’s next point will set a career high while Mike Hominuck needs five points to set a new personal high.
Kevin Crowley needs seven points to set a Wings record for points by a rookie. The previous best was 73 by Sean Greenhalgh in 2006.
On this date
The Wings are 1-0 on April 28. On this date in 1998 they defeated the Baltimore Thunder 17-12 in Game 2 of the NLL Championship Series to bring home their first NLL title and fifth overall in indoor lacrosse.
Next Game
The Wings will return to action the weekend of May 4 to open the 2012 NLL Playoffs against either Rochester or Buffalo.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Home playoff may be slipping away for Wings
By Tom Hoffman
After Saturday's 15-10 loss to the Minnesota Swarm the playoff bound Philadelphia Wings have now lost four straight games. Yet they still have a chance for not only a home playoff game, but they can still win the National Lacrosse League's East Division. The Wings (7-8) will need to defeat the Rochester Knighthawks next Saturday for the first time since January 2009 to secure a home game in the 2012 NLL Playoffs and can also claim the East title with a Toronto Rock loss at Edmonton as the Wings own the tie breaker with Toronto. A Wings loss and they will open the postseason on the road. Dan Dawson led the Wings with a five goal performance yet for a second straight game goalie Brandon Miller was chased from the nets in favor of backup Steve Fryer.
After Saturday's 15-10 loss to the Minnesota Swarm the playoff bound Philadelphia Wings have now lost four straight games. Yet they still have a chance for not only a home playoff game, but they can still win the National Lacrosse League's East Division. The Wings (7-8) will need to defeat the Rochester Knighthawks next Saturday for the first time since January 2009 to secure a home game in the 2012 NLL Playoffs and can also claim the East title with a Toronto Rock loss at Edmonton as the Wings own the tie breaker with Toronto. A Wings loss and they will open the postseason on the road. Dan Dawson led the Wings with a five goal performance yet for a second straight game goalie Brandon Miller was chased from the nets in favor of backup Steve Fryer.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (4-21-12 at Minnesota)
by Tom Hoffman
With two games remaining in the regular season, the Philadelphia Wings (7-7) will look to put an end to their current three game losing skid when they travel to the Xcel Energy Center to face the Minnesota Swarm (7-7) on Saturday night. Game time is at 8 PM and the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 7-9 all time in regular season play against the Swarm, 3-5 on the road. In their previous meeting this season, the Wings were defeated at the Wells Fargo Center 13-9 on April 6. The Wings last win at Xcel was on April 17, 2012 (13-12 in OT). Since that game the Wings have lost two straight to the Swarm.
Last Game
The Wings suffered a 17-7 rout at the hands of the Buffalo Bandits on April 7 concluding a weekend of back to back games. Brodie Merrill (three goals), Max Seibald and Drew Westervelt (two goals each) made up the offense for the Wings.
The Opponent
Minnesota defeated the Washington Stealth last Saturday by a score of 14-9 at Xcel Energy Center. The victory clinched a spot in the 2012 NLL Playoffs for the Swarm. Callum Crawford tallied four goals and three assists while Ryan Benesch returned to the Swarm lineup after missing three games due to a concussion.
Playoff Scenario
The Wings can clinch the East Division with two wins OR one win AND one Toronto loss AND one Rochester loss. They can also clinch a home game with a win Saturday and a Rochester loss.
Milestones within reach
Dan Dawson needs seven points to set a Wings record for points in a season. Athan Iannucci set the current record with 100 points in 2008.
Career highs in points can be set by Brendan Mundorf (with two points) and Mike Hominuck (with six points).
Career highs in goals can be set by Drew Westervelt (with one goal) and Brodie Merrill (with two goals).
On this date
This will be the first time the Wings have played on April 21.
Next Game
The Wings will conclude the 2012 regular season when they face the Rochester Knighthawks at Blue Cross Arena on April 28.
With two games remaining in the regular season, the Philadelphia Wings (7-7) will look to put an end to their current three game losing skid when they travel to the Xcel Energy Center to face the Minnesota Swarm (7-7) on Saturday night. Game time is at 8 PM and the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 7-9 all time in regular season play against the Swarm, 3-5 on the road. In their previous meeting this season, the Wings were defeated at the Wells Fargo Center 13-9 on April 6. The Wings last win at Xcel was on April 17, 2012 (13-12 in OT). Since that game the Wings have lost two straight to the Swarm.
Last Game
The Wings suffered a 17-7 rout at the hands of the Buffalo Bandits on April 7 concluding a weekend of back to back games. Brodie Merrill (three goals), Max Seibald and Drew Westervelt (two goals each) made up the offense for the Wings.
The Opponent
Minnesota defeated the Washington Stealth last Saturday by a score of 14-9 at Xcel Energy Center. The victory clinched a spot in the 2012 NLL Playoffs for the Swarm. Callum Crawford tallied four goals and three assists while Ryan Benesch returned to the Swarm lineup after missing three games due to a concussion.
Playoff Scenario
The Wings can clinch the East Division with two wins OR one win AND one Toronto loss AND one Rochester loss. They can also clinch a home game with a win Saturday and a Rochester loss.
Milestones within reach
Dan Dawson needs seven points to set a Wings record for points in a season. Athan Iannucci set the current record with 100 points in 2008.
Career highs in points can be set by Brendan Mundorf (with two points) and Mike Hominuck (with six points).
Career highs in goals can be set by Drew Westervelt (with one goal) and Brodie Merrill (with two goals).
On this date
This will be the first time the Wings have played on April 21.
Next Game
The Wings will conclude the 2012 regular season when they face the Rochester Knighthawks at Blue Cross Arena on April 28.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Home remains not so sweet for Wings following loss to Swarm
by Tom Hoffman
Going into Friday night's game with the Minnesota Swarm, the Philadelphia Wings knew what needed to be done to secure the franchise's first home playoff game since 2002. Two wins this weekend coupled with a Rochester loss in Calgary would have assured at least one home game for the Wings, who will be in the National Lacrosse League playoffs for the first time since 2008. After their 13-9 loss to the Swarm, some may wonder if they actually want to see the Wings play at home in the postseason.
The Wings, who had the previous weekend off, did look to be rusty in what was a low scoring first half that would end up tied at 4. The teams would trade goals in a more spirited third quarter, entering the final stanza even at seven. But much like their loss on March 3 at home against Rochester, the fourth quarter was their achilles heel. Minnesota scored twice to take a 9-7 lead with just over six minutes to play but Drew Westervelt would pull the Wings even again with 4:30 left in regulation. But the Wings could not overcome the duo of Corbyn Tao and Tyler Hass as they each scored twice in the game's latter moments to give the Swarm not only a much needed victory, but an end to their four game losing streak as well. To Wings coach Johnny Mouradian, this was definitely a lost chance to put some space between themselves and the rest of the East Division.
"With a back to back weekend home and away, it would've been nice to win the one at home," Mouradian said. "We know it's gonna be a battle in Buffalo, they're sitting there ready for us."
While the Wings head to Buffalo with a 4-1 record away from the Wells Fargo Center, Mouradian wonders why the Wings continue to struggle at home where they finished the regular season at 3-5 and have been below .500 for a third straight season.
"I don't think there's any rhyme or reason why were losing at home," Mouradian said.
The best the Wings can do now is put this game in the rearview mirror and look to rebound against a reeling Bandits squad before another week off prior to finishing the regular season on the road against the Swarm and Knighthawks.
Going into Friday night's game with the Minnesota Swarm, the Philadelphia Wings knew what needed to be done to secure the franchise's first home playoff game since 2002. Two wins this weekend coupled with a Rochester loss in Calgary would have assured at least one home game for the Wings, who will be in the National Lacrosse League playoffs for the first time since 2008. After their 13-9 loss to the Swarm, some may wonder if they actually want to see the Wings play at home in the postseason.
The Wings, who had the previous weekend off, did look to be rusty in what was a low scoring first half that would end up tied at 4. The teams would trade goals in a more spirited third quarter, entering the final stanza even at seven. But much like their loss on March 3 at home against Rochester, the fourth quarter was their achilles heel. Minnesota scored twice to take a 9-7 lead with just over six minutes to play but Drew Westervelt would pull the Wings even again with 4:30 left in regulation. But the Wings could not overcome the duo of Corbyn Tao and Tyler Hass as they each scored twice in the game's latter moments to give the Swarm not only a much needed victory, but an end to their four game losing streak as well. To Wings coach Johnny Mouradian, this was definitely a lost chance to put some space between themselves and the rest of the East Division.
"With a back to back weekend home and away, it would've been nice to win the one at home," Mouradian said. "We know it's gonna be a battle in Buffalo, they're sitting there ready for us."
While the Wings head to Buffalo with a 4-1 record away from the Wells Fargo Center, Mouradian wonders why the Wings continue to struggle at home where they finished the regular season at 3-5 and have been below .500 for a third straight season.
"I don't think there's any rhyme or reason why were losing at home," Mouradian said.
The best the Wings can do now is put this game in the rearview mirror and look to rebound against a reeling Bandits squad before another week off prior to finishing the regular season on the road against the Swarm and Knighthawks.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (4-6-12 vs. Minnesota, 4-7-12 at Buffalo)
by Tom Hoffman
With a spot in the National Lacrosse league’s 2012 postseason already set, the Philadelphia Wings (7-5) will look to clinch a home playoff game this weekend, and possibly the NLL’s East Division title, when they host the Minnesota Swarm (5-7) Friday at the Wells Fargo Center before heading to Buffalo’s First Niagara Center to meet the Bandits (4-8) on Saturday night. Friday’s game starts at 7 PM and can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and on the Comcast Network while Saturday’s match will be shown on the CBS Sports Network.
History
The Wings are 7-8 all time in regular season play against the Swarm, 4-3 at home. In 2011 the Wings lost their only meeting of the season with the Swarm 11-9 on April 16 at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wings are 22-22 in regular season play against Buffalo and are 10-12 in Buffalo (9-8 at First Niagara Center). The Wings are 2-0 in 2012 against Buffalo winning 13-10 on January 27 in Buffalo and 14-13 February 12 in Philadelphia.
Last Weekend
The Wings split a weekend set with the Colorado Mammoth with each team taking a win on the road. The Wings defeated Colorado on March 23 in Denver 13-12 on Brendan Mundorf’s goal with 3.7 seconds to play in regulation. The Mammoth needed overtime two days later in Philadelphia to escape with a 16-15 win. Adam Jones scored 9:38 into the extra session to give Colorado the win.
The Opponents
Minnesota has lost its last four games, including a pair last weekend. Last Friday the Swarm lost at home 15-10 to the Calgary Roughnecks then traveled to Edmonton on Saturday losing 9-8 in overtime to the Rush. Buffalo lost last Saturday at home 15-9 to the Toronto Rock and have lost their last two games overall.
Playoff scenarios
Per NLL.com, the Wings can clinch a home playoff game with wins in both games this weekend and a Rochester loss at Calgary on Friday night and can clinch the East Division title with the above scenario and a loss by Toronto on Saturday.
A familiar face
Wings F Mike Hominuck has played previously for both of this weekend’s opponents. Hominuck played for the Bandits in 2004 and 2005 while he suited up for the Swarm in 2007 and 2008.
Milestones within reach
Dan Dawson needs seven assists to set a new NLL record for assists in a season. He and Josh Sanderson set the current record of 74 assists in 2009.
Brendan Mundorf can set career highs with six goals (28 in 2009), three assists (34 in 2011) and five points (59 in 2009).
Drew Westervelt needs five goals to set a new season best (34 in 2009).
On this date
The Wings are 2-0 on April 6. In 1996 the Wings defeated the Boston Blazers 10-8 in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League playoffs and in 2008 defeated the Toronto Rock 11-9. On April 7 the Wings are 4-0. In 1989 the Wings won their first MILL title on this date defeating the New York Saints 11-10. In 1990 they defeated the Saints again, this time in a semi-final game 11-10. In 2001 the Wings defeated the Columbus Landsharks 17-7 and in 2007 defeated the New York Titans 20-8.
Next Game
After another week off, the Wings will travel to St. Paul, MN to meet the Swarm on April 21
With a spot in the National Lacrosse league’s 2012 postseason already set, the Philadelphia Wings (7-5) will look to clinch a home playoff game this weekend, and possibly the NLL’s East Division title, when they host the Minnesota Swarm (5-7) Friday at the Wells Fargo Center before heading to Buffalo’s First Niagara Center to meet the Bandits (4-8) on Saturday night. Friday’s game starts at 7 PM and can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and on the Comcast Network while Saturday’s match will be shown on the CBS Sports Network.
History
The Wings are 7-8 all time in regular season play against the Swarm, 4-3 at home. In 2011 the Wings lost their only meeting of the season with the Swarm 11-9 on April 16 at the Xcel Energy Center. The Wings are 22-22 in regular season play against Buffalo and are 10-12 in Buffalo (9-8 at First Niagara Center). The Wings are 2-0 in 2012 against Buffalo winning 13-10 on January 27 in Buffalo and 14-13 February 12 in Philadelphia.
Last Weekend
The Wings split a weekend set with the Colorado Mammoth with each team taking a win on the road. The Wings defeated Colorado on March 23 in Denver 13-12 on Brendan Mundorf’s goal with 3.7 seconds to play in regulation. The Mammoth needed overtime two days later in Philadelphia to escape with a 16-15 win. Adam Jones scored 9:38 into the extra session to give Colorado the win.
The Opponents
Minnesota has lost its last four games, including a pair last weekend. Last Friday the Swarm lost at home 15-10 to the Calgary Roughnecks then traveled to Edmonton on Saturday losing 9-8 in overtime to the Rush. Buffalo lost last Saturday at home 15-9 to the Toronto Rock and have lost their last two games overall.
Playoff scenarios
Per NLL.com, the Wings can clinch a home playoff game with wins in both games this weekend and a Rochester loss at Calgary on Friday night and can clinch the East Division title with the above scenario and a loss by Toronto on Saturday.
A familiar face
Wings F Mike Hominuck has played previously for both of this weekend’s opponents. Hominuck played for the Bandits in 2004 and 2005 while he suited up for the Swarm in 2007 and 2008.
Milestones within reach
Dan Dawson needs seven assists to set a new NLL record for assists in a season. He and Josh Sanderson set the current record of 74 assists in 2009.
Brendan Mundorf can set career highs with six goals (28 in 2009), three assists (34 in 2011) and five points (59 in 2009).
Drew Westervelt needs five goals to set a new season best (34 in 2009).
On this date
The Wings are 2-0 on April 6. In 1996 the Wings defeated the Boston Blazers 10-8 in the Major Indoor Lacrosse League playoffs and in 2008 defeated the Toronto Rock 11-9. On April 7 the Wings are 4-0. In 1989 the Wings won their first MILL title on this date defeating the New York Saints 11-10. In 1990 they defeated the Saints again, this time in a semi-final game 11-10. In 2001 the Wings defeated the Columbus Landsharks 17-7 and in 2007 defeated the New York Titans 20-8.
Next Game
After another week off, the Wings will travel to St. Paul, MN to meet the Swarm on April 21
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Overtime loss gives Wings split of weekend series with Mammoth
by Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings split a wild weekend with the Colorado Mammoth when Adam Jones scored 9:38 into overtime to give the Mammoth a 16-15 victory at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday. This coming after the Wings scored late in regulation Friday night to take a 13-12 decision at Denver's Pepsi Center.
The teams played a close first quarter with Colorado leading after 15 minutes by a 3-2 score. The second and third stanzas saw many power play goals scored between the two teams as the officials called just about any and everything they saw fit to call. The Mammoth took advantage of several Wings penalties, most notably a double minor to Taylor Wray and a five minute high sticking major to Steve Holmes to notch six man up goals and take a 13-7 lead just 2:03 into the 3rd quarter. Instead of folding up their tent however, the Wings got themselves back into the game via the power play route as they would cash in with six extra man goals of their own to tie the match at 13 just 24 seconds into the fourth quarter.
John Grant Jr. would give Colorado a 14-13 lead before Kevin Crowley scored his only two goals of the game to give the Wings just their second lead of the night with 1:57 left in regulation. Just a minute later though, the Wings Brodie Merrill was whistled for what appeared to be a very questionable cross checking call to give the Mammoth a chance to tie the game and force overtime, which Grant would do with his third goal of the night with only 44 seconds left to play. During the overtime the whistles would be given a rest as the teams went end to end until Jones's fourth goal of the game would send the Wings and their faithful fans home on the wrong end of the score.
While Wings coach Johnny Mouradian noted that the run of penalties both hurt and helped his team, he was more impressed with the Wings comeback to make a pending rout a game and impressed with the growing confidence he sees in his team.
"Confidence is very interesting," Mouradian said. "If you have confidence, it's having the ability to do what needs to get done on the floor and the feeling to do what needs to get done on the floor. The other part of confidence is being able to do it. We've got both legs of confidence right now. We're doing it, we believe we can do it and that's a different level of thinking when guys know they can do it and they actually go out and do it."
The Wings were led in the goal scoring column by Mike Hominuck with four goals and Drew Westervelt adding three of his own. Dan Dawson continued his quest for the league assist record with seven more helpers to give him 68 on the season (league record is 74 set by Dawson and Josh Sanderson in 2009). Brandon Miller made 39 saves in goal. Afterwards Mouradian had more praise for his improving squad.
"At the end of the day Brandon Miller gave us a opportunity to win and everybody on our team gave us a chance to win," Mouradian said.
The Wings get the next weekend off before coming back to another weekend of back to back games beginning with a Good Friday tilt at home with the Minnesota Swarm. By then the Wings could actually be one of the teams in the 2012 National Lacrosse League postseason.
The Philadelphia Wings split a wild weekend with the Colorado Mammoth when Adam Jones scored 9:38 into overtime to give the Mammoth a 16-15 victory at Wells Fargo Center on Sunday. This coming after the Wings scored late in regulation Friday night to take a 13-12 decision at Denver's Pepsi Center.
The teams played a close first quarter with Colorado leading after 15 minutes by a 3-2 score. The second and third stanzas saw many power play goals scored between the two teams as the officials called just about any and everything they saw fit to call. The Mammoth took advantage of several Wings penalties, most notably a double minor to Taylor Wray and a five minute high sticking major to Steve Holmes to notch six man up goals and take a 13-7 lead just 2:03 into the 3rd quarter. Instead of folding up their tent however, the Wings got themselves back into the game via the power play route as they would cash in with six extra man goals of their own to tie the match at 13 just 24 seconds into the fourth quarter.
John Grant Jr. would give Colorado a 14-13 lead before Kevin Crowley scored his only two goals of the game to give the Wings just their second lead of the night with 1:57 left in regulation. Just a minute later though, the Wings Brodie Merrill was whistled for what appeared to be a very questionable cross checking call to give the Mammoth a chance to tie the game and force overtime, which Grant would do with his third goal of the night with only 44 seconds left to play. During the overtime the whistles would be given a rest as the teams went end to end until Jones's fourth goal of the game would send the Wings and their faithful fans home on the wrong end of the score.
While Wings coach Johnny Mouradian noted that the run of penalties both hurt and helped his team, he was more impressed with the Wings comeback to make a pending rout a game and impressed with the growing confidence he sees in his team.
"Confidence is very interesting," Mouradian said. "If you have confidence, it's having the ability to do what needs to get done on the floor and the feeling to do what needs to get done on the floor. The other part of confidence is being able to do it. We've got both legs of confidence right now. We're doing it, we believe we can do it and that's a different level of thinking when guys know they can do it and they actually go out and do it."
The Wings were led in the goal scoring column by Mike Hominuck with four goals and Drew Westervelt adding three of his own. Dan Dawson continued his quest for the league assist record with seven more helpers to give him 68 on the season (league record is 74 set by Dawson and Josh Sanderson in 2009). Brandon Miller made 39 saves in goal. Afterwards Mouradian had more praise for his improving squad.
"At the end of the day Brandon Miller gave us a opportunity to win and everybody on our team gave us a chance to win," Mouradian said.
The Wings get the next weekend off before coming back to another weekend of back to back games beginning with a Good Friday tilt at home with the Minnesota Swarm. By then the Wings could actually be one of the teams in the 2012 National Lacrosse League postseason.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (3-23-12 at Colorado, 3-25-12 vs. Colorado)
by Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (6-4) could possibly clinch a spot in the 2012 National Lacrosse League postseason this weekend when they face the Colorado Mammoth (8-2) in a weekend home and home series. Friday the teams will meet at 9 PM at Denver’s Pepsi Center with the second game taking place Sunday at 4 PM at the Wells Fargo Center. Both games can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com while Friday’s game will be broadcast live on the Comcast Network.
History
The Wings are 29-13 against the Colorado franchise including their previous seasons in Baltimore (1987-1999), Pittsburgh (2000) and Washington (2001-2002). Since the team’s move to Denver the Wings are 7-3 overall and 3-2 at the Pepsi Center having won their last three visits to the Mile High City. In 2011 the Wings swept the season series from the Mammoth. On January 22 the Wings won in Denver 11-10 with Paul Dawson scoring with 90 seconds to play in regulation to seal the win. On January 29 in Philadelphia the Wings held on to defeat the Mammoth 12-11 with Drew Westervelt scoring the game winner to complete a hat trick. Brandon Miller was in goal for both wins.
Last Game
Brendan Mundorf scored twice during a five on three power play late in the fourth quarter as the Wings held off the Edmonton Rush 16-15 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Dan Dawson added two goals and 10 assists while Mike Hominuck contributed three goals and nine assists. Kevin Crowley also tallied four goals for the Wings.
The Opponent
The Mammoth last played on March 11 losing 11-8 to the Washington Stealth. Colorado has been led this season by John Grant Jr. with 31 goals and 37 assists. Gavin Prout also has 37 helpers while Chris Levis sports an 11.67 GAA.
Notes
Two current members of the Wings have played for Colorado: John McFadyen (2010) and Ned Crotty (2011).
The Wings picked up D Chris Schiller on March 18 as a free agent after Schiller was released by the Rochester Knighthawks on March 10. Schiller was a member of the Wings practice squad in 2001.
Dan Dawson needs two assists to set a Wings single season record (Dan Marohl had 57 in 2005).
With last week’s win the Wings have surpassed the win total from both 2010 and 2011 (5).
On This Date
The Wings are 3-0 on March 23 (defeated the Baltimore Thunder 221-16 in 1991, the Buffalo Bandits 14-12 in 1996 and the Toronto Rock 12-11 in 2002). On March 25 the Wings are 1-2 (defeated Buffalo 19-16 in 1995, lost to Toronto 15-13 in 2000 and lost to the Arizona Sting 13-12 in 2006).
Next game
The Wings play their last regular season home game in 2012 when they host the Minnesota Swarm on April 6.
The Philadelphia Wings (6-4) could possibly clinch a spot in the 2012 National Lacrosse League postseason this weekend when they face the Colorado Mammoth (8-2) in a weekend home and home series. Friday the teams will meet at 9 PM at Denver’s Pepsi Center with the second game taking place Sunday at 4 PM at the Wells Fargo Center. Both games can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com while Friday’s game will be broadcast live on the Comcast Network.
History
The Wings are 29-13 against the Colorado franchise including their previous seasons in Baltimore (1987-1999), Pittsburgh (2000) and Washington (2001-2002). Since the team’s move to Denver the Wings are 7-3 overall and 3-2 at the Pepsi Center having won their last three visits to the Mile High City. In 2011 the Wings swept the season series from the Mammoth. On January 22 the Wings won in Denver 11-10 with Paul Dawson scoring with 90 seconds to play in regulation to seal the win. On January 29 in Philadelphia the Wings held on to defeat the Mammoth 12-11 with Drew Westervelt scoring the game winner to complete a hat trick. Brandon Miller was in goal for both wins.
Last Game
Brendan Mundorf scored twice during a five on three power play late in the fourth quarter as the Wings held off the Edmonton Rush 16-15 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Dan Dawson added two goals and 10 assists while Mike Hominuck contributed three goals and nine assists. Kevin Crowley also tallied four goals for the Wings.
The Opponent
The Mammoth last played on March 11 losing 11-8 to the Washington Stealth. Colorado has been led this season by John Grant Jr. with 31 goals and 37 assists. Gavin Prout also has 37 helpers while Chris Levis sports an 11.67 GAA.
Notes
Two current members of the Wings have played for Colorado: John McFadyen (2010) and Ned Crotty (2011).
The Wings picked up D Chris Schiller on March 18 as a free agent after Schiller was released by the Rochester Knighthawks on March 10. Schiller was a member of the Wings practice squad in 2001.
Dan Dawson needs two assists to set a Wings single season record (Dan Marohl had 57 in 2005).
With last week’s win the Wings have surpassed the win total from both 2010 and 2011 (5).
On This Date
The Wings are 3-0 on March 23 (defeated the Baltimore Thunder 221-16 in 1991, the Buffalo Bandits 14-12 in 1996 and the Toronto Rock 12-11 in 2002). On March 25 the Wings are 1-2 (defeated Buffalo 19-16 in 1995, lost to Toronto 15-13 in 2000 and lost to the Arizona Sting 13-12 in 2006).
Next game
The Wings play their last regular season home game in 2012 when they host the Minnesota Swarm on April 6.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Wings improve in standings with win over Rush
by Tom Hoffman
For the second time this season the Philadelphia Wings followed up a big win in Toronto against the Rock with a matchup against the Edmonton Rush. And for a while it was starting to look like another disappointing loss that would tighten up the National Lacrosse League's Eastern Division standings. But the Wings would take advantage of killing off an Edmonton fourth quarter five on three while scoring twice on their own five on three to finally slay the Rush 16-15 Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Wings jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on goals from Dan Dawson and Kevin Crowley and led 3-1 after a Mike Hominuck goal. Edmonton would then score five of the next six goals to lead 6-4 through the opening 15 minutes. Dawson and Crowley would tie the game at six before a three goal run gave the Rush a 9-6 lead. The Wings trailed at half 9-7 though their final goal of the first half, which was Crowley's third of the night, would start a seven goal run for Philadelphia and give them a 13-9 lead 7:05 into the third. During this run Edmonton coach Derek Keenan would pull starting goalie Aaron Bold for former Wings draft pick Brodie MacDonald and then re-insert Bold following a pair of Philly scores on MacDonald. Once Bold came back into the game the Rush countered with a four goal run to tie the game at 13 and were poised to add to that at the start of the fourth as they went on a two minute five on three power play after both Drew Westervelt and Brett Manney were called for penalties to end the third.
This is where Brandon Miller, who struggled most of the night in the Wings net, came up big and kept the Rush off the board for the full two minutes. Edmonton's Shawn Williams, who became the NLL's Ironman by playing in his 189th consecutive game, would give the Rush the lead back 30 seconds after the power play ended. After Brendan Mundorf tied the game at 14, former Wing Ryan Ward scored a shorthanded goal that would give the Rush their final lead of the night. With 3:11 left in regulation though, the Rush would be called for a pair of penalties that would give the Wings their own five on three power play. The Wings would convert here thanks to two more Mundorf scores and seal the victory.
While it would be yet another big point night for Dan Dawson (2G, 10A including his 500th NLL assist) it was also another big night for Mike Hominuck who added three goals and nine assists after coming up big last week in Toronto. For Hominuck, the last two games have been a result of a simple change with his stick.
"The beginning of the season I opened up with a mesh stick," Hominuck said. "Growing up I played with a leather stick. I decided to go with a mesh stick and I didn't feel that same confidence as I normally did. I went back to my roots and went back to something I was a little more comfortable with. I don't know if it's luck or coincidence or actual confidence in having a leather stick but the first game in Toronto I ended up scoring two goals and tonight another three. I'm back to having confidence and being comfortable with my stick."
That confidence, along with a two game win streak, will get a huge test next weekend when the Wings play a home and home with the league leading Colorado Mammoth starting Friday night in Denver. Not only can the Wings tighten their grip on first place in the East but they could put themselves in a position to let the rest of the NLL know they're not the pushovers they have been in recent seasons.
For the second time this season the Philadelphia Wings followed up a big win in Toronto against the Rock with a matchup against the Edmonton Rush. And for a while it was starting to look like another disappointing loss that would tighten up the National Lacrosse League's Eastern Division standings. But the Wings would take advantage of killing off an Edmonton fourth quarter five on three while scoring twice on their own five on three to finally slay the Rush 16-15 Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center.
The Wings jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on goals from Dan Dawson and Kevin Crowley and led 3-1 after a Mike Hominuck goal. Edmonton would then score five of the next six goals to lead 6-4 through the opening 15 minutes. Dawson and Crowley would tie the game at six before a three goal run gave the Rush a 9-6 lead. The Wings trailed at half 9-7 though their final goal of the first half, which was Crowley's third of the night, would start a seven goal run for Philadelphia and give them a 13-9 lead 7:05 into the third. During this run Edmonton coach Derek Keenan would pull starting goalie Aaron Bold for former Wings draft pick Brodie MacDonald and then re-insert Bold following a pair of Philly scores on MacDonald. Once Bold came back into the game the Rush countered with a four goal run to tie the game at 13 and were poised to add to that at the start of the fourth as they went on a two minute five on three power play after both Drew Westervelt and Brett Manney were called for penalties to end the third.
This is where Brandon Miller, who struggled most of the night in the Wings net, came up big and kept the Rush off the board for the full two minutes. Edmonton's Shawn Williams, who became the NLL's Ironman by playing in his 189th consecutive game, would give the Rush the lead back 30 seconds after the power play ended. After Brendan Mundorf tied the game at 14, former Wing Ryan Ward scored a shorthanded goal that would give the Rush their final lead of the night. With 3:11 left in regulation though, the Rush would be called for a pair of penalties that would give the Wings their own five on three power play. The Wings would convert here thanks to two more Mundorf scores and seal the victory.
While it would be yet another big point night for Dan Dawson (2G, 10A including his 500th NLL assist) it was also another big night for Mike Hominuck who added three goals and nine assists after coming up big last week in Toronto. For Hominuck, the last two games have been a result of a simple change with his stick.
"The beginning of the season I opened up with a mesh stick," Hominuck said. "Growing up I played with a leather stick. I decided to go with a mesh stick and I didn't feel that same confidence as I normally did. I went back to my roots and went back to something I was a little more comfortable with. I don't know if it's luck or coincidence or actual confidence in having a leather stick but the first game in Toronto I ended up scoring two goals and tonight another three. I'm back to having confidence and being comfortable with my stick."
That confidence, along with a two game win streak, will get a huge test next weekend when the Wings play a home and home with the league leading Colorado Mammoth starting Friday night in Denver. Not only can the Wings tighten their grip on first place in the East but they could put themselves in a position to let the rest of the NLL know they're not the pushovers they have been in recent seasons.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (3-17-12 vs. Edmonton)
by Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (4-4) will look to keep their hold on first place in the National Lacrosse League’s Eastern Division when they host the Edmonton Rush (2-6) Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM and can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com and on the Comcast Network. The game will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 1-2 all time against the Rush including a 12-10 loss in Edmonton on February 24. This will be the first appearance in Philadelphia for the Rush.
Last Game
The Wings outscored the Toronto Rock 7-5 in the second half enroute to a 12-10 victory last Friday at the Air Canada Centre. Dan Dawson had three goals and three assists while Mike Hominuck added two goals and two assists. Brandon Miller was sharp in net making 40 saves to give the Wings the tiebreaker in the season series with the Rock.
The Opponent
Edmonton was swept last weekend in a home and home with their provincial rivals, the Calgary Roughnecks. The Rush lost Friday at home 13-10 and fell at Calgary 16-9 on Saturday.
He’s Dangerous
Dan Dawson needs 12 assists to become the Wings single season assist leader (Dan Marohl had 57 helpers in 2005). Dawson is also on pace to break the Wings single season point record as well (100 by Athan Iannucci in 2008). With five more points Dawson will surpass last season’s team leading total of 61 by Iannucci,
Notes
With seven games remaining, the Wings already own two tiebreakers within the East Division (Buffalo, Toronto) and have four wins in the East. Last season the Wings only won three divisional games (at Boston, at Buffalo, vs. Toronto).
On this date
The Wings are 1-1 in games played on March 17. The Wings were defeated by the Baltimore Thunder 17-14 at the Spectrum in 1991. In 2001 they defeated the New York Saints 14-10 at the First Union Center.
Next Game
The Wings travel to Denver on March 23 to open a home and home weekend series with the Colorado Mammoth, with the return match taking place on March 25 in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Wings (4-4) will look to keep their hold on first place in the National Lacrosse League’s Eastern Division when they host the Edmonton Rush (2-6) Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM and can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com and on the Comcast Network. The game will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 1-2 all time against the Rush including a 12-10 loss in Edmonton on February 24. This will be the first appearance in Philadelphia for the Rush.
Last Game
The Wings outscored the Toronto Rock 7-5 in the second half enroute to a 12-10 victory last Friday at the Air Canada Centre. Dan Dawson had three goals and three assists while Mike Hominuck added two goals and two assists. Brandon Miller was sharp in net making 40 saves to give the Wings the tiebreaker in the season series with the Rock.
The Opponent
Edmonton was swept last weekend in a home and home with their provincial rivals, the Calgary Roughnecks. The Rush lost Friday at home 13-10 and fell at Calgary 16-9 on Saturday.
He’s Dangerous
Dan Dawson needs 12 assists to become the Wings single season assist leader (Dan Marohl had 57 helpers in 2005). Dawson is also on pace to break the Wings single season point record as well (100 by Athan Iannucci in 2008). With five more points Dawson will surpass last season’s team leading total of 61 by Iannucci,
Notes
With seven games remaining, the Wings already own two tiebreakers within the East Division (Buffalo, Toronto) and have four wins in the East. Last season the Wings only won three divisional games (at Boston, at Buffalo, vs. Toronto).
On this date
The Wings are 1-1 in games played on March 17. The Wings were defeated by the Baltimore Thunder 17-14 at the Spectrum in 1991. In 2001 they defeated the New York Saints 14-10 at the First Union Center.
Next Game
The Wings travel to Denver on March 23 to open a home and home weekend series with the Colorado Mammoth, with the return match taking place on March 25 in Philadelphia.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (3-9-12 at Toronto)
by Tom Hoffman
Trying to halt their first two game losing streak of the season, the Philadelphia Wings (4-4) will head to where they won their last game when they visit the defending NLL Champion Toronto Rock (4-4) Friday night at the Air Canada Centre. Game time is at 7:30 PM and can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com and ESPN3. The game will also be shown on tape delay on March 10 on Comcast SportsNet (7 PM) and on March 11 on the Comcast Network (4 PM).
History
The Wings are 11-22 all time against the Rock and 1-1 in 2012 with the Rock defeating the Wings 15-6 at the Wells Fargo Center on February 4 and the Wings returning the favor with a 14-8 win on February 18 at the Air Canada Centre. The Wings are 4-11 on the road in the regular season vs. Toronto (1-0 at Copps Coliseum, 0-1 at Maple Leaf Gardens and 3-10 at the Air Canada Centre).
Last Game
The Wings were tied at 7-7 entering the fourth quarter but were outscored 4-1 in falling to the Rochester Knighthawks 11-8 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Kevin Crowley scored three goals and added two assists while Dan Dawson chipped in a goal and four assists. Brandon Miller made 39 saves in the losing effort.
The Opponent
Toronto fell last Saturday to the Washington Stealth 14-9 at the Air Canada Centre. Stephan Leblanc leads the Rock with 15 goals while Garrett Billings leads Toronto in assists (33) and points (46). Matt Roik has a GAA of 11.79.
Stats and Stuff
A Wings victory would give them the season series edge vs. Toronto for the first time since 2009 and the divisional tiebreaker. The Wings have the tiebreaker against Buffalo while Rochester owns the tiebreaker against the Wings.
Kevin Crowley has 24 goals through eight games. Last season Athan Iannucci led the Wings with 29 goals in 13 games. Dan Dawson has 43 assists in eight games, last season's Wings leader was Brendan Mundorf with 34. Dawson's 51 points at midseason are 10 fewer than Iannucci's team leading 61 from 2011.
East Standings
WINGS 4-4
Toronto 4-4
Rochester 4-5
Buffalo 2-5
On this date
The Wings are 2-1 in games played on March 9. The Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Bulls at Civic Arena 15-7 in 1991 and beat the Charlotte Cobras 26-11 in 1996 at the Spectrum. In 2002 the Wings were defeated 19-12 by the Washington Power at the Capital Centre.
Next Game
The Wings return home on March 17 to face the Edmonton Rush.
Trying to halt their first two game losing streak of the season, the Philadelphia Wings (4-4) will head to where they won their last game when they visit the defending NLL Champion Toronto Rock (4-4) Friday night at the Air Canada Centre. Game time is at 7:30 PM and can be seen live on the NLL Network at NLL.com and ESPN3. The game will also be shown on tape delay on March 10 on Comcast SportsNet (7 PM) and on March 11 on the Comcast Network (4 PM).
History
The Wings are 11-22 all time against the Rock and 1-1 in 2012 with the Rock defeating the Wings 15-6 at the Wells Fargo Center on February 4 and the Wings returning the favor with a 14-8 win on February 18 at the Air Canada Centre. The Wings are 4-11 on the road in the regular season vs. Toronto (1-0 at Copps Coliseum, 0-1 at Maple Leaf Gardens and 3-10 at the Air Canada Centre).
Last Game
The Wings were tied at 7-7 entering the fourth quarter but were outscored 4-1 in falling to the Rochester Knighthawks 11-8 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Kevin Crowley scored three goals and added two assists while Dan Dawson chipped in a goal and four assists. Brandon Miller made 39 saves in the losing effort.
The Opponent
Toronto fell last Saturday to the Washington Stealth 14-9 at the Air Canada Centre. Stephan Leblanc leads the Rock with 15 goals while Garrett Billings leads Toronto in assists (33) and points (46). Matt Roik has a GAA of 11.79.
Stats and Stuff
A Wings victory would give them the season series edge vs. Toronto for the first time since 2009 and the divisional tiebreaker. The Wings have the tiebreaker against Buffalo while Rochester owns the tiebreaker against the Wings.
Kevin Crowley has 24 goals through eight games. Last season Athan Iannucci led the Wings with 29 goals in 13 games. Dan Dawson has 43 assists in eight games, last season's Wings leader was Brendan Mundorf with 34. Dawson's 51 points at midseason are 10 fewer than Iannucci's team leading 61 from 2011.
East Standings
WINGS 4-4
Toronto 4-4
Rochester 4-5
Buffalo 2-5
On this date
The Wings are 2-1 in games played on March 9. The Wings defeated the Pittsburgh Bulls at Civic Arena 15-7 in 1991 and beat the Charlotte Cobras 26-11 in 1996 at the Spectrum. In 2002 the Wings were defeated 19-12 by the Washington Power at the Capital Centre.
Next Game
The Wings return home on March 17 to face the Edmonton Rush.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Knighthawks continue to have the Wings number
by Tom Hoffman
Through three quarters it was starting to look like the Philadelphia Wings might have found a way to finally defeat the Rochester Knighthawks as they entered the game's final 15 minutes all even at seven. But the Wings could not stop Mike Accursi and ended up falling to the Knighthawks for the eighth straight time in an 11-8 final disappointing the crowd of 8,906 who came out to see the Wings retire the jersey of Hall of Fame goalkeeper Dallas Eliuk.
The start to Saturday's game was much like that of the season opener between the two teams as Rochester jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the game's first 12 minutes. The Wings did make it a one goal game at halftime (5-4) but missed a great opportunity in the latter part of the first stanza and early minutes of the second after Rochester's Mike Kirk was called for a five minute high sticking penalty, scoring only once during the power play.
The Wings did tie the game and take their first lead of the night early in the third on a score from Brendan Mundorf and a "goal of the year" candidate from Dan Dawson, a one handed and underhand shot with his back to the net. After former Wing Brad Self tied the game at six, Kevin Crowley would give the Wings their final lead of the evening. Craig Point would tie the game at seven to set up the Accursi show in the fourth as Rochester's number 44 scored twice early in the quarter to give the Knighthawks the lead. By the time Crowley scored his third goal of the evening with 1:44 left in regulation, the game was out of the Wings reach. A large part of the Wings struggles in the game's final frame was poor shot selection that certainly did not go unnoticed.
"Offense really struggled in the fourth to create some shots and bury the ball when we needed to," Wings forward Dan Dawson said. "Sometimes when we get in tight situations we try to do too much, whether we're going too early in the shot clock or looking for that perfect shot."
Wings coach Johnny Mouradian was equally as frustrated with the team's fourth quarter shooting.
"We were making some poor shot selections," Mouradian said. "We weren't sharp enough shooting. We're either rushing a shot or we're shooting too late."
The loss tightened up the East division even more, especially with the Toronto Rock and Buffalo Bandits both losing their games on Saturday. As the Wings and Rock are tied at 4-4 in the standings, it puts this Friday's final regular season match between the two teams in the all important "must game" category as the winner will have the tiebreaker in the division. For the Wings players, it will also be a chance to show what the team is made of character wise.
"I think this is really going to be a definite turning point in our season," Dan Dawson said. "Define ourselves how we respond from two losses in a row."
Through three quarters it was starting to look like the Philadelphia Wings might have found a way to finally defeat the Rochester Knighthawks as they entered the game's final 15 minutes all even at seven. But the Wings could not stop Mike Accursi and ended up falling to the Knighthawks for the eighth straight time in an 11-8 final disappointing the crowd of 8,906 who came out to see the Wings retire the jersey of Hall of Fame goalkeeper Dallas Eliuk.
The start to Saturday's game was much like that of the season opener between the two teams as Rochester jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the game's first 12 minutes. The Wings did make it a one goal game at halftime (5-4) but missed a great opportunity in the latter part of the first stanza and early minutes of the second after Rochester's Mike Kirk was called for a five minute high sticking penalty, scoring only once during the power play.
The Wings did tie the game and take their first lead of the night early in the third on a score from Brendan Mundorf and a "goal of the year" candidate from Dan Dawson, a one handed and underhand shot with his back to the net. After former Wing Brad Self tied the game at six, Kevin Crowley would give the Wings their final lead of the evening. Craig Point would tie the game at seven to set up the Accursi show in the fourth as Rochester's number 44 scored twice early in the quarter to give the Knighthawks the lead. By the time Crowley scored his third goal of the evening with 1:44 left in regulation, the game was out of the Wings reach. A large part of the Wings struggles in the game's final frame was poor shot selection that certainly did not go unnoticed.
"Offense really struggled in the fourth to create some shots and bury the ball when we needed to," Wings forward Dan Dawson said. "Sometimes when we get in tight situations we try to do too much, whether we're going too early in the shot clock or looking for that perfect shot."
Wings coach Johnny Mouradian was equally as frustrated with the team's fourth quarter shooting.
"We were making some poor shot selections," Mouradian said. "We weren't sharp enough shooting. We're either rushing a shot or we're shooting too late."
The loss tightened up the East division even more, especially with the Toronto Rock and Buffalo Bandits both losing their games on Saturday. As the Wings and Rock are tied at 4-4 in the standings, it puts this Friday's final regular season match between the two teams in the all important "must game" category as the winner will have the tiebreaker in the division. For the Wings players, it will also be a chance to show what the team is made of character wise.
"I think this is really going to be a definite turning point in our season," Dan Dawson said. "Define ourselves how we respond from two losses in a row."
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (3-3-12 vs. Rochester)
by Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (4-3) will reach the midpoint of their 2012 National Lacrosse League season Saturday when they host the Rochester Knighthawks (3-5) at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM and can be seen on the Comcast Network as well as the NLL Network at NLL.com. The game will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 15-24 against the Knighthawks in regular season play and are 10-10 at home. In 2012 the Wings are 0-1 having lost the season opener to Rochester 22-12 on January 14 at the Wells Fargo Center. The Wings have lost seven consecutive games against Rochester and haven’t beaten the Knighthawks in Philadelphia since 2008 (15-14 on January 18).
Last Game
The Wings two game win streak ended with a 12-10 loss to the Edmonton Rush at Rexall Place. Kevin Crowley scored four goals while Drew Westervelt added a hat trick and three assists. Brandon Miller made 36 saves in goal.
The Opponent
Rochester lost to the Toronto Rock last Friday 16-12 at the Air Canada Centre. Cody Jamieson leads the Knighthawks in scoring with 20 goals and 24 assists while Matt Vinc has a goals against average of 12.35.
All Star Game
The West Division defeated the East 20-18 in the 2012 All Star Game on February 25 at Buffalo’s First Niagara Center. All four Wings representatives made it onto the score sheet. Dan Dawson led the Wings contingent with a goal and six assists, Brodie Merrill had four assists, Kevin Crowley tallied two goals and one assist and Max Seibald added a pair of goals.
Honoring #35
The Wings will add a second retired jersey banner to the ceiling of the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday when they retire Dallas Eliuk’s #35. Eliuk will join Tom Marechek (#42) as the only numbers retired by the Wings franchise. Eliuk played for the Wings from 1991 to 2005 before finishing his career with the Portland LumberJax. He was inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame in 2009.
Midseason
The Wings record the last five seasons at the midpoint:
2011 4-4
2010 2-6
2009 3-5
2008 7-1
2007 4-4
On this date
The Wings are 1-1 in games played on March 3. In 1990 they defeated the Pittsburgh Bulls 9-8 in overtime at Pittsburgh and in 2007 they lost to the Rochester Knighthawks 14-13 in Philadelphia.
Next Game
The Wings head back to Toronto to face the Rock on March 9.
The Philadelphia Wings (4-3) will reach the midpoint of their 2012 National Lacrosse League season Saturday when they host the Rochester Knighthawks (3-5) at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM and can be seen on the Comcast Network as well as the NLL Network at NLL.com. The game will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 15-24 against the Knighthawks in regular season play and are 10-10 at home. In 2012 the Wings are 0-1 having lost the season opener to Rochester 22-12 on January 14 at the Wells Fargo Center. The Wings have lost seven consecutive games against Rochester and haven’t beaten the Knighthawks in Philadelphia since 2008 (15-14 on January 18).
Last Game
The Wings two game win streak ended with a 12-10 loss to the Edmonton Rush at Rexall Place. Kevin Crowley scored four goals while Drew Westervelt added a hat trick and three assists. Brandon Miller made 36 saves in goal.
The Opponent
Rochester lost to the Toronto Rock last Friday 16-12 at the Air Canada Centre. Cody Jamieson leads the Knighthawks in scoring with 20 goals and 24 assists while Matt Vinc has a goals against average of 12.35.
All Star Game
The West Division defeated the East 20-18 in the 2012 All Star Game on February 25 at Buffalo’s First Niagara Center. All four Wings representatives made it onto the score sheet. Dan Dawson led the Wings contingent with a goal and six assists, Brodie Merrill had four assists, Kevin Crowley tallied two goals and one assist and Max Seibald added a pair of goals.
Honoring #35
The Wings will add a second retired jersey banner to the ceiling of the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday when they retire Dallas Eliuk’s #35. Eliuk will join Tom Marechek (#42) as the only numbers retired by the Wings franchise. Eliuk played for the Wings from 1991 to 2005 before finishing his career with the Portland LumberJax. He was inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame in 2009.
Midseason
The Wings record the last five seasons at the midpoint:
2011 4-4
2010 2-6
2009 3-5
2008 7-1
2007 4-4
On this date
The Wings are 1-1 in games played on March 3. In 1990 they defeated the Pittsburgh Bulls 9-8 in overtime at Pittsburgh and in 2007 they lost to the Rochester Knighthawks 14-13 in Philadelphia.
Next Game
The Wings head back to Toronto to face the Rock on March 9.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (2-24-12 at Edmonton)
by Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (4-2) will look to extend their road and overall win streaks to three games when they travel to visit the Edmonton Rush (1-4) Friday night at Rexall Place. Game time is at 9 PM and the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 1-1 all time against the Rush with both games having taken place in Edmonton. In the teams’ first meeting in 2007 Edmonton’s Randy Daly scored with one second left in regulation to lead the Rush to a season opening 13-12 victory. In 2009 the Wings were 14-9 victors behind six goals from Merrick Thomson and four from A.J. Shannon and 39 saves from Brandon Miller.
Last Game
After being embarrassed at home by the Toronto Rock two weeks before, the Wings turned the tables on the Rock with a 14-8 victory at the Air Canada Centre last Saturday. Brendan Mundorf scored five goals while Dan Dawson added three goals and seven assists and Kevin Crowley notched three goals to lead the Wings offense. Brandon Miller was sharp in net with 32 saves. The win was the Wings first in Toronto since the regular season finale in 2008.
The Opponent
The Rush scoring leaders are Shawn Williams and Corey Small, each with 21 points. Zack Greer and Scott Evans are Edmonton’s goal leaders with eight apiece. Aaron Bold has played every minute in goal for Edmonton this season.
Familiar Faces
The following members of the Wings have also suited up for the Rush: G Kurtis Wagar (2007-08), F Mike Hominuck (2008-09) and T Brodie Merrill (2010-11). Former Wings now with Edmonton are Ryan Ward (2004-05) and 2010 2nd round draft pick Brodie MacDonald. Edmonton’s Defensive Coach, Devan Wray is the bother of Wings defenseman Taylor Wray.
Wings Stats
Goals: Kevin Crowley (17)
Assists: Dan Dawson (34)
Points: D. Dawson (41)
Goals Against Avg.: Brandon Miller (12.01)
Loose Balls: Brodie Merrill (58)
Faceoff Wins: Jeff Reynolds (84)
Power Play Goals: Brendan Mundorf (5)
On this date
The Wings are 3-2 on February 24. In 1989 the Wings defeated the New England Blazers 16-11 at the Centrum in Worcester. In 1996 the Wings defeated the Boston Blazers 12-10 at the Spectrum. In 2001 the Wings defeated the Buffalo Bandits 17-12 at the First Union Center. In 2006 and 2007 the Wings lost on the road to Toronto (12-11 in overtime) and Buffalo (13-12).
Next Game
The Wings return home on March 3 to face the Rochester Knighthawks and retire Dallas Eliuk’s #35.
The Philadelphia Wings (4-2) will look to extend their road and overall win streaks to three games when they travel to visit the Edmonton Rush (1-4) Friday night at Rexall Place. Game time is at 9 PM and the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 1-1 all time against the Rush with both games having taken place in Edmonton. In the teams’ first meeting in 2007 Edmonton’s Randy Daly scored with one second left in regulation to lead the Rush to a season opening 13-12 victory. In 2009 the Wings were 14-9 victors behind six goals from Merrick Thomson and four from A.J. Shannon and 39 saves from Brandon Miller.
Last Game
After being embarrassed at home by the Toronto Rock two weeks before, the Wings turned the tables on the Rock with a 14-8 victory at the Air Canada Centre last Saturday. Brendan Mundorf scored five goals while Dan Dawson added three goals and seven assists and Kevin Crowley notched three goals to lead the Wings offense. Brandon Miller was sharp in net with 32 saves. The win was the Wings first in Toronto since the regular season finale in 2008.
The Opponent
The Rush scoring leaders are Shawn Williams and Corey Small, each with 21 points. Zack Greer and Scott Evans are Edmonton’s goal leaders with eight apiece. Aaron Bold has played every minute in goal for Edmonton this season.
Familiar Faces
The following members of the Wings have also suited up for the Rush: G Kurtis Wagar (2007-08), F Mike Hominuck (2008-09) and T Brodie Merrill (2010-11). Former Wings now with Edmonton are Ryan Ward (2004-05) and 2010 2nd round draft pick Brodie MacDonald. Edmonton’s Defensive Coach, Devan Wray is the bother of Wings defenseman Taylor Wray.
Wings Stats
Goals: Kevin Crowley (17)
Assists: Dan Dawson (34)
Points: D. Dawson (41)
Goals Against Avg.: Brandon Miller (12.01)
Loose Balls: Brodie Merrill (58)
Faceoff Wins: Jeff Reynolds (84)
Power Play Goals: Brendan Mundorf (5)
On this date
The Wings are 3-2 on February 24. In 1989 the Wings defeated the New England Blazers 16-11 at the Centrum in Worcester. In 1996 the Wings defeated the Boston Blazers 12-10 at the Spectrum. In 2001 the Wings defeated the Buffalo Bandits 17-12 at the First Union Center. In 2006 and 2007 the Wings lost on the road to Toronto (12-11 in overtime) and Buffalo (13-12).
Next Game
The Wings return home on March 3 to face the Rochester Knighthawks and retire Dallas Eliuk’s #35.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Wings earn win in house of horrors
by Tom Hoffman
Normally when the Philadelphia Wings visit Toronto's Air Canada Centre, the result isn't usually one fans like to talk about. Yeah, they did win the 2001 National Lacrosse League title here but regular season success has been very little. And after the woeful effort two weeks ago against the Rock in Philadelphia most fans could be forgiven for not exactly being positive for Saturday's rematch. But the old cliche of "that's why they play the game" was quite evident as the Wings owned the game's last 45 minutes en route to a convincing 14-8 victory over the Rock in their barn.
The Wings trailed 3-2 after the opening stanza and were behind 4-3 in he second when the offense and defense both woke up. Brendan Mundorf, Kevin Crowley and Dan Dawson were just about unstoppable as they combined for 11 goals and 15 assists. Brandon Miller had a stellar game in net for the Wings making 32 saves while former Wing Matt Roik gave up 13 of the Wings scores and was eventually replaced by Pat Campbell just about halfway through the fourth quarter. Drew Westervelt (two goals) and Ned Crotty completed the Wings scoring on the night.
With two wins in a row, the Wings will look to add to and build on these recent efforts in next week's visit to Edmonton to face the Rush.
Normally when the Philadelphia Wings visit Toronto's Air Canada Centre, the result isn't usually one fans like to talk about. Yeah, they did win the 2001 National Lacrosse League title here but regular season success has been very little. And after the woeful effort two weeks ago against the Rock in Philadelphia most fans could be forgiven for not exactly being positive for Saturday's rematch. But the old cliche of "that's why they play the game" was quite evident as the Wings owned the game's last 45 minutes en route to a convincing 14-8 victory over the Rock in their barn.
The Wings trailed 3-2 after the opening stanza and were behind 4-3 in he second when the offense and defense both woke up. Brendan Mundorf, Kevin Crowley and Dan Dawson were just about unstoppable as they combined for 11 goals and 15 assists. Brandon Miller had a stellar game in net for the Wings making 32 saves while former Wing Matt Roik gave up 13 of the Wings scores and was eventually replaced by Pat Campbell just about halfway through the fourth quarter. Drew Westervelt (two goals) and Ned Crotty completed the Wings scoring on the night.
With two wins in a row, the Wings will look to add to and build on these recent efforts in next week's visit to Edmonton to face the Rush.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (2-18-12 at Toronto)
by Tom Hoffman
Hitting the road for just the second time this season, the Philadelphia Wings (3-2) will look to add to their win total when they visit the defending NLL Champion Toronto Rock (3-2) Saturday night at the Air Canada Centre. Game time is at 7 PM and can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 10-22 all time against the Rock and 0-1 in 2012 following a 15-6 loss at the Wells Fargo Center on February 4. The Wings are 3-11 on the road in the regular season vs. Toronto (1-0 at Copps Coliseum, 0-1 at Maple Leaf Gardens and 2-10 at the Air Canada Centre). The Wings last victory in Toronto was on April 27, 2008 (15-14). The Wings only other road win against the Rock came in the 2001 National Lacrosse League championship game (9-8).
Last Game
Dan Dawson had a goal and nine assists, Kevin Crowley tallied four goals while Brodie Merrill and Drew Westervelt each notched hat tricks as the Wings defeated the Buffalo Bandits 14-13 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Dawson earned the National Lacrosse League’s Offensive Player of the Week award while Merrill was named Transition Player of the Week.
The Opponent
Toronto has been idle since defeating the Wings 15-6 in Philadelphia on February 4. The two teams will meet one more time in Toronto on March 9. In the game two weeks ago Toronto was led by Garrett Billings (1G, 8A) and Josh Sanderson (3G, 6A) with nine points each. Stephan Leblanc added four goals while Matt Roik shut out the Wings in the second half.
Notes and Stuff
Thomas Hajek is the only current member of the Wings who has played in both regular season Wings victories at the Air Canada Centre. Including the game in Hamilton in 1998 and the 2001 championship game, Jake Bergey is the lone Wings player to have appeared in all four Wings road wins vs. the Rock
On this date
The Wings are 1-2 in games played on February 4. The Wings defeated the Detroit Turbos 19-10 at the Spectrum in 1989 while losing at home to the Rochester Knighthawks 14-13 in 2005 and to the Portland Lumberjax 15-12 in 2006.
Next Game
The Wings will head to Edmonton on February 24 to face the Rush.
Hitting the road for just the second time this season, the Philadelphia Wings (3-2) will look to add to their win total when they visit the defending NLL Champion Toronto Rock (3-2) Saturday night at the Air Canada Centre. Game time is at 7 PM and can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 10-22 all time against the Rock and 0-1 in 2012 following a 15-6 loss at the Wells Fargo Center on February 4. The Wings are 3-11 on the road in the regular season vs. Toronto (1-0 at Copps Coliseum, 0-1 at Maple Leaf Gardens and 2-10 at the Air Canada Centre). The Wings last victory in Toronto was on April 27, 2008 (15-14). The Wings only other road win against the Rock came in the 2001 National Lacrosse League championship game (9-8).
Last Game
Dan Dawson had a goal and nine assists, Kevin Crowley tallied four goals while Brodie Merrill and Drew Westervelt each notched hat tricks as the Wings defeated the Buffalo Bandits 14-13 last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Dawson earned the National Lacrosse League’s Offensive Player of the Week award while Merrill was named Transition Player of the Week.
The Opponent
Toronto has been idle since defeating the Wings 15-6 in Philadelphia on February 4. The two teams will meet one more time in Toronto on March 9. In the game two weeks ago Toronto was led by Garrett Billings (1G, 8A) and Josh Sanderson (3G, 6A) with nine points each. Stephan Leblanc added four goals while Matt Roik shut out the Wings in the second half.
Notes and Stuff
Thomas Hajek is the only current member of the Wings who has played in both regular season Wings victories at the Air Canada Centre. Including the game in Hamilton in 1998 and the 2001 championship game, Jake Bergey is the lone Wings player to have appeared in all four Wings road wins vs. the Rock
On this date
The Wings are 1-2 in games played on February 4. The Wings defeated the Detroit Turbos 19-10 at the Spectrum in 1989 while losing at home to the Rochester Knighthawks 14-13 in 2005 and to the Portland Lumberjax 15-12 in 2006.
Next Game
The Wings will head to Edmonton on February 24 to face the Rush.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Improved effort leads to Wings victory
by Tom Hoffman
After a lackluster second half last week against the Toronto Rock, the Philadelphia Wings needed to give a much better performance in Sunday's meeting with the Buffalo Bandits. And for a good stretch of the game that effort was there as the Wings would pull out a 14-13 win over the reeling Bandits in front of a crowd of 8,119 at Wells Fargo Center.
"It's a better feeling this week than last week," Said Wings Coach Johnny Mouradian. "I thought our desire to win was really there, our determination, our effort was there."
The Wings, whose last goal was scored with 1:56 to play in the second quarter against Toronto, would not need to wait very long to get on the board in this game as Brendan Mundorf bounced a long distance shot that somehow fooled Bandits goalie Mike Thompson. The teams then spent the rest of the first quarter and the first half of the second stanza trading goals until Buffalo's John Tavares scored to give the Bandits their lone lead of the evening at 5-4. Kevin Crowley would tie the game at five while Brodie Merrill scored the following two goals to give the Wings a 7-5 halftime lead.
Crowley opened the second half with his third goal of the night before Chad Culp would answer for Buffalo. The Wings then scored the game's next three goals (Dan Dawson, Crowley and Drew Westervelt) to chase Thompson from the Buffalo goal in favor of Angus Goodleaf. The move appeared to stop the momentum gained by the Wings as the Bandits scored the final two goals of the third quarter and got the first score of the fourth before Merrill tallied with the Wings a man down to make the score 12-9 Wings. Buffalo would not go quietly though and would tie the game with three goals in a span of 1:27. There was still plenty of time left in regulation after Buffalo evened the score and the Wings would regroup for the next two scores from the stick of Westervelt and take a 14-12 lead. A bench minor penalty with 69 seconds to play gave the Bandits, per Rule 43.2, a penalty shot that Tavares would bury past Brandon Miller to make it a one goal game. The Wings defense would hold tight though and kept the Bandits from forcing overtime en route to handing Buffalo their fourth straight defeat.
One key for the Wings in this game was having success in the third quarter. Philly outscored the Bandits 4-3 in the third tonight after being outscored in that frame in each of the first four games of the 2012 season. Both Mouradian and Westervelt felt that was a key to the victory.
"That's a very important step for us to outscore them 4-3 when we've been outscored every third quarter this year," said Mouradian. Westervelt added, "As a team we just needed to put something together after last week. I thought we had a good third quarter."
While Westervelt scored three goals on the night, he tossed praise to several of his teammates instead.
"Three goals from Brodie is huge for us," said Westervelt. "Kevin (Crowley) continues to shoot the ball really well and Dan (Dawson)just keeps us all together. Each game it's getting more comfortable."
Dawson had a huge game with a goal and nine assists while Crowley tallied four goals. Brandon Miller made 48 saves for the Wings to bounce back from last week's Toronto debacle. Now the Wings will get a second chance against the defending champion Rock in yet another battle for first place in the East, this time in a building (Air Canada Centre) that has been quite unkind to the Wings. To Westervelt, it all means folllowing a "simple" piece of advice.
"The more simple we keep it, the more effective we are," Westervelt said.
After a lackluster second half last week against the Toronto Rock, the Philadelphia Wings needed to give a much better performance in Sunday's meeting with the Buffalo Bandits. And for a good stretch of the game that effort was there as the Wings would pull out a 14-13 win over the reeling Bandits in front of a crowd of 8,119 at Wells Fargo Center.
"It's a better feeling this week than last week," Said Wings Coach Johnny Mouradian. "I thought our desire to win was really there, our determination, our effort was there."
The Wings, whose last goal was scored with 1:56 to play in the second quarter against Toronto, would not need to wait very long to get on the board in this game as Brendan Mundorf bounced a long distance shot that somehow fooled Bandits goalie Mike Thompson. The teams then spent the rest of the first quarter and the first half of the second stanza trading goals until Buffalo's John Tavares scored to give the Bandits their lone lead of the evening at 5-4. Kevin Crowley would tie the game at five while Brodie Merrill scored the following two goals to give the Wings a 7-5 halftime lead.
Crowley opened the second half with his third goal of the night before Chad Culp would answer for Buffalo. The Wings then scored the game's next three goals (Dan Dawson, Crowley and Drew Westervelt) to chase Thompson from the Buffalo goal in favor of Angus Goodleaf. The move appeared to stop the momentum gained by the Wings as the Bandits scored the final two goals of the third quarter and got the first score of the fourth before Merrill tallied with the Wings a man down to make the score 12-9 Wings. Buffalo would not go quietly though and would tie the game with three goals in a span of 1:27. There was still plenty of time left in regulation after Buffalo evened the score and the Wings would regroup for the next two scores from the stick of Westervelt and take a 14-12 lead. A bench minor penalty with 69 seconds to play gave the Bandits, per Rule 43.2, a penalty shot that Tavares would bury past Brandon Miller to make it a one goal game. The Wings defense would hold tight though and kept the Bandits from forcing overtime en route to handing Buffalo their fourth straight defeat.
One key for the Wings in this game was having success in the third quarter. Philly outscored the Bandits 4-3 in the third tonight after being outscored in that frame in each of the first four games of the 2012 season. Both Mouradian and Westervelt felt that was a key to the victory.
"That's a very important step for us to outscore them 4-3 when we've been outscored every third quarter this year," said Mouradian. Westervelt added, "As a team we just needed to put something together after last week. I thought we had a good third quarter."
While Westervelt scored three goals on the night, he tossed praise to several of his teammates instead.
"Three goals from Brodie is huge for us," said Westervelt. "Kevin (Crowley) continues to shoot the ball really well and Dan (Dawson)just keeps us all together. Each game it's getting more comfortable."
Dawson had a huge game with a goal and nine assists while Crowley tallied four goals. Brandon Miller made 48 saves for the Wings to bounce back from last week's Toronto debacle. Now the Wings will get a second chance against the defending champion Rock in yet another battle for first place in the East, this time in a building (Air Canada Centre) that has been quite unkind to the Wings. To Westervelt, it all means folllowing a "simple" piece of advice.
"The more simple we keep it, the more effective we are," Westervelt said.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (2-12-12 vs. Buffalo)
by Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (2-2) will look to get back on the winning side Sunday afternoon when they host the Buffalo Bandits (2-3) at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 4 PM and can be seen on the Comcast Network as well as the NLL Network at NLL.com. The game will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 21-22 all time against the Bandits. The Wings have a record of 11-10 at home against Buffalo but have lost their last three meetings in Philadelphia. The Wings last home win against Buffalo was on February 6, 2009 (13-11). The Wings defeated the Bandits 13-10 on January 27 at Buffalo’s First Niagara Center.
Last Game
The Wings led 4-3 in the first quarter and trailed 9-6 at halftime but could not score in the second half as they fell 15-6 to the Toronto Rock last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Goal scorers for the Wings were David Brock, Ned Crotty, Brodie Merrill, Kevin Crowley, Drew Westervelt and Dan Dawson.
The Opponent
The Bandits have lost three straight games after a 2-0 to the 2012 season. Last Saturday the Bandits lost at home in overtime to the Washington Stealth 11-10. Buffalo is 1-1 on the road in 2012.
All Stars
The Wings will have four representatives in the 2012 All Star Game that will take place on February 25 at Buffalo’s First Niagara Center. Brodie Merrill was voted to start for the East Division team while Kevin Crowley, Dan Dawson and Max Seibald were added as reserves.
Stats and Stuff
The Wings are 2-0 this season when tied at halftime and 0-2 when trailing at halftime. In both of those games they trailed, the score at half was 9-6.
On this date
The Wings are 1-2 in games played on February 12. In 1989 they defeated the Baltimore Thunder 14-9 at the Spectrum, in 2005 they lost to the Rochester Knighthawks 16-15 at Blue Cross Arena and in 2011 lost to the Buffalo Bandits16-7 at the Wells Fargo Center.
Next Game
The Wings will head North of the Border to face the Toronto Rock on February 18.
The Philadelphia Wings (2-2) will look to get back on the winning side Sunday afternoon when they host the Buffalo Bandits (2-3) at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 4 PM and can be seen on the Comcast Network as well as the NLL Network at NLL.com. The game will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 21-22 all time against the Bandits. The Wings have a record of 11-10 at home against Buffalo but have lost their last three meetings in Philadelphia. The Wings last home win against Buffalo was on February 6, 2009 (13-11). The Wings defeated the Bandits 13-10 on January 27 at Buffalo’s First Niagara Center.
Last Game
The Wings led 4-3 in the first quarter and trailed 9-6 at halftime but could not score in the second half as they fell 15-6 to the Toronto Rock last Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Goal scorers for the Wings were David Brock, Ned Crotty, Brodie Merrill, Kevin Crowley, Drew Westervelt and Dan Dawson.
The Opponent
The Bandits have lost three straight games after a 2-0 to the 2012 season. Last Saturday the Bandits lost at home in overtime to the Washington Stealth 11-10. Buffalo is 1-1 on the road in 2012.
All Stars
The Wings will have four representatives in the 2012 All Star Game that will take place on February 25 at Buffalo’s First Niagara Center. Brodie Merrill was voted to start for the East Division team while Kevin Crowley, Dan Dawson and Max Seibald were added as reserves.
Stats and Stuff
The Wings are 2-0 this season when tied at halftime and 0-2 when trailing at halftime. In both of those games they trailed, the score at half was 9-6.
On this date
The Wings are 1-2 in games played on February 12. In 1989 they defeated the Baltimore Thunder 14-9 at the Spectrum, in 2005 they lost to the Rochester Knighthawks 16-15 at Blue Cross Arena and in 2011 lost to the Buffalo Bandits16-7 at the Wells Fargo Center.
Next Game
The Wings will head North of the Border to face the Toronto Rock on February 18.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Wings fall flat in loss to Rock
by Tom Hoffman
In a game that was being billed as an early showdown for first place in the National Lacrosse League's Eastern Division, the Toronto Rock showed why they are the league's defending champions. Despite missing big guns Colin Doyle and Blaine Manning from their lineup due to injury, the Rock got plenty of offense from Josh Sanderson, Stephan Leblanc and Garrett Billings and more than enough defense to handily defeat the Philadelphia Wings 15-6 Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
"We didn't do the things that we needed to do to be successful," Wings Coach Johnny Mouradian said.
Former Wings Brenden Thenhaus and Jamie Rooney got the Rock on the board early before the Wings scored four of the next five goals to take their only lead of the evening at 4-3 with just over five minutes to play in the first quarter. Toronto took over the game after that by not only outscoring the Wings 12-2 the remainder of the game but putting an exclamation on the night by shutting them out in the second half. That part did not sit well in the Philly locker room.
"Being held scoreless in a half of lacrosse is unacceptable," Wings forward Dan Dawson said. "Bottom line is we got outworked, we got outplayed and that is unacceptable. When they run you out of your own building like that it's pretty embarrassing."
Six different Wings scored goals in this game while Brandon Miller made 31 saves in the losing effort. Josh Sanderson led the Rock with a nine point night (3G, 6A) while Leblanc scored four goals and Billings added eight assists. Another former Wing was present as goalie Matt Roik made 38 stops in the Toronto goal.
The Wings will look to rebound next Sunday, while avoiding another home clunker, when they host the Buffalo Bandits.
"We're trying to establish something here at home and we haven't done it yet," Dan Dawson said.
In a game that was being billed as an early showdown for first place in the National Lacrosse League's Eastern Division, the Toronto Rock showed why they are the league's defending champions. Despite missing big guns Colin Doyle and Blaine Manning from their lineup due to injury, the Rock got plenty of offense from Josh Sanderson, Stephan Leblanc and Garrett Billings and more than enough defense to handily defeat the Philadelphia Wings 15-6 Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center.
"We didn't do the things that we needed to do to be successful," Wings Coach Johnny Mouradian said.
Former Wings Brenden Thenhaus and Jamie Rooney got the Rock on the board early before the Wings scored four of the next five goals to take their only lead of the evening at 4-3 with just over five minutes to play in the first quarter. Toronto took over the game after that by not only outscoring the Wings 12-2 the remainder of the game but putting an exclamation on the night by shutting them out in the second half. That part did not sit well in the Philly locker room.
"Being held scoreless in a half of lacrosse is unacceptable," Wings forward Dan Dawson said. "Bottom line is we got outworked, we got outplayed and that is unacceptable. When they run you out of your own building like that it's pretty embarrassing."
Six different Wings scored goals in this game while Brandon Miller made 31 saves in the losing effort. Josh Sanderson led the Rock with a nine point night (3G, 6A) while Leblanc scored four goals and Billings added eight assists. Another former Wing was present as goalie Matt Roik made 38 stops in the Toronto goal.
The Wings will look to rebound next Sunday, while avoiding another home clunker, when they host the Buffalo Bandits.
"We're trying to establish something here at home and we haven't done it yet," Dan Dawson said.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (2-4-12 vs. Toronto)
by Tom Hoffman
As they reach the season’s quarter point, the Philadelphia Wings will look to extend their winning streak to three games when they host the defending NLL Champion Toronto Rock Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM and can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and ESPN 3 and will be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 10-21 all time against the Rock including their initial season in Hamilton, Ontario in 1998. The Wings are 7-10 at home vs. Toronto. In 2011 the Rock won the season series 2-1. Toronto took the first two games winning 16-13 on February 26 in Philadelphia and 15-10 on March 4 in Toronto. The third matchup went to the Wings 12-11 on April 2 at the Wells Fargo Center after the Wings outscored Toronto 6-1 in the fourth quarter.
Last Game
Brendan Mundorf and Drew Westervelt combined for seven goals as the Wings defeated the Buffalo Bandits last Friday at Buffalo’s First Niagara Center. Dan Dawson had seven assists while Brandon Miller made 30 saves in net. The Wings trailed 9-7 entering the fourth quarter and scored the game’s last four goals while shutting out the Bandits over the last 9:13 of play.
The Opponent
The Rock won twice last weekend to improve to a 2-2 record in 2012. Last Friday they defeated the Rochester Knighthawks 13-11 and then went to Calgary on Saturday and defeated the Roughnecks in overtime 14-13 on a goal by Cam Woods. Former Wing Matt Roik (2006-2007) has an 11.89 GAA for the Rock while Garrett Billings (7-13-20) and Josh Sanderson (7-12-19) lead the Toronto offense
Familiar Faces
In addition to Roik, other former Wings on the Toronto roster include Jamie Rooney and Brenden Thenhaus, both played for the Wings in 2008. Current Wing Mike Hominuck played for the Rock in 2010.
Notes and Stuff
On March 5, 2008 the Wings sent Matt Roik to the Chicago Shamrox as part of a deal that brought Brandon Miller to the Wings. Roik served as the #3 goaltender (behind Bob Watson and Anthony Cosmo) in 2001 after being drafted in the 9th round in 1999 by Toronto.
On this date
This will be the first time the Wings have ever played on February 4 in their history.
Stats
The Wings record at the season quarter mark the last 5 years:
2011: 2-2
2010: 1-3
2009: 1-3
2008: 4-0
2007: 2-2
Next Game
The Wings will be home on February 12 when they host the Buffalo Bandits.
As they reach the season’s quarter point, the Philadelphia Wings will look to extend their winning streak to three games when they host the defending NLL Champion Toronto Rock Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM and can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and ESPN 3 and will be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 10-21 all time against the Rock including their initial season in Hamilton, Ontario in 1998. The Wings are 7-10 at home vs. Toronto. In 2011 the Rock won the season series 2-1. Toronto took the first two games winning 16-13 on February 26 in Philadelphia and 15-10 on March 4 in Toronto. The third matchup went to the Wings 12-11 on April 2 at the Wells Fargo Center after the Wings outscored Toronto 6-1 in the fourth quarter.
Last Game
Brendan Mundorf and Drew Westervelt combined for seven goals as the Wings defeated the Buffalo Bandits last Friday at Buffalo’s First Niagara Center. Dan Dawson had seven assists while Brandon Miller made 30 saves in net. The Wings trailed 9-7 entering the fourth quarter and scored the game’s last four goals while shutting out the Bandits over the last 9:13 of play.
The Opponent
The Rock won twice last weekend to improve to a 2-2 record in 2012. Last Friday they defeated the Rochester Knighthawks 13-11 and then went to Calgary on Saturday and defeated the Roughnecks in overtime 14-13 on a goal by Cam Woods. Former Wing Matt Roik (2006-2007) has an 11.89 GAA for the Rock while Garrett Billings (7-13-20) and Josh Sanderson (7-12-19) lead the Toronto offense
Familiar Faces
In addition to Roik, other former Wings on the Toronto roster include Jamie Rooney and Brenden Thenhaus, both played for the Wings in 2008. Current Wing Mike Hominuck played for the Rock in 2010.
Notes and Stuff
On March 5, 2008 the Wings sent Matt Roik to the Chicago Shamrox as part of a deal that brought Brandon Miller to the Wings. Roik served as the #3 goaltender (behind Bob Watson and Anthony Cosmo) in 2001 after being drafted in the 9th round in 1999 by Toronto.
On this date
This will be the first time the Wings have ever played on February 4 in their history.
Stats
The Wings record at the season quarter mark the last 5 years:
2011: 2-2
2010: 1-3
2009: 1-3
2008: 4-0
2007: 2-2
Next Game
The Wings will be home on February 12 when they host the Buffalo Bandits.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (1-27-12 at Buffalo)
by Tom Hoffman
Coming off an exciting overtime win last Saturday, the Philadelphia Wings will hit the road for the first time in 2012 when they travel to First Niagara Center to face the Buffalo Bandits on Friday night. Game time is at 7:30 PM and can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 20-22 all time against the Bandits. In Buffalo, the Wings have a record of 9-12 but are 8-8 at First Niagara Center and have won their last two meetings there. In 2011 the Bandits won the season series 2-1 winning both games in Philadelphia (9-6 on January 15 and 16-7 on February 12) while the Wings won in Buffalo 10-9 on February 19.
Last Game
Kevin Crowley scored five goals, including the overtime winner as the Wings defeated the Washington Stealth 10-9 last Saturday at Wells Fargo Center. Drew Westervelt added a hat trick while Brendan Mundorf chipped in a pair of goals. Brandon Miller made 49 saves in goal.
The Opponent
The Bandits are 2-0 in 2012 following victories at home vs. the Toronto Rock (14-10) and on the road against the Rochester Knighthawks (12-9). John Tavares leads the team in scoring (6G, 9A) while Mike Thompson has been in goal in both games (9.50 GAA).
Familiar Faces
Former Wings on the Buffalo roster include Kyle Sweeney (played for the Wings from 2005-2011), Luke Wiles (2006), Ian Llord (2007), Jon Harasym (2009) and Mat Giles (2009-2010). Current Wing Mike Hominuck played for the Bandits in 2004 and 2005.
Stats and Stuff
John Tavares has had his greatest success in the National Lacrosse League against the Wings. In 41 regular season games against Philadelphia, Tavares has 109 goals and 142 assists. In 2011 he scored his 700th goal (2-12-110 and picked up his 1500th point (2-19-11) against the Wings.
On this date
The Wings are 3-0 on January 27 with all three wins coming at home. In 1996 the Wings defeated the New York Saints 23-8, in 2001 they defeated the Albany Attack 18-9 and in 2007 they defeated the Toronto Rock 10-9.
Next Game
The Wings return to the Wells Fargo Center to face the Toronto Rock on February 4.
Coming off an exciting overtime win last Saturday, the Philadelphia Wings will hit the road for the first time in 2012 when they travel to First Niagara Center to face the Buffalo Bandits on Friday night. Game time is at 7:30 PM and can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com.
History
The Wings are 20-22 all time against the Bandits. In Buffalo, the Wings have a record of 9-12 but are 8-8 at First Niagara Center and have won their last two meetings there. In 2011 the Bandits won the season series 2-1 winning both games in Philadelphia (9-6 on January 15 and 16-7 on February 12) while the Wings won in Buffalo 10-9 on February 19.
Last Game
Kevin Crowley scored five goals, including the overtime winner as the Wings defeated the Washington Stealth 10-9 last Saturday at Wells Fargo Center. Drew Westervelt added a hat trick while Brendan Mundorf chipped in a pair of goals. Brandon Miller made 49 saves in goal.
The Opponent
The Bandits are 2-0 in 2012 following victories at home vs. the Toronto Rock (14-10) and on the road against the Rochester Knighthawks (12-9). John Tavares leads the team in scoring (6G, 9A) while Mike Thompson has been in goal in both games (9.50 GAA).
Familiar Faces
Former Wings on the Buffalo roster include Kyle Sweeney (played for the Wings from 2005-2011), Luke Wiles (2006), Ian Llord (2007), Jon Harasym (2009) and Mat Giles (2009-2010). Current Wing Mike Hominuck played for the Bandits in 2004 and 2005.
Stats and Stuff
John Tavares has had his greatest success in the National Lacrosse League against the Wings. In 41 regular season games against Philadelphia, Tavares has 109 goals and 142 assists. In 2011 he scored his 700th goal (2-12-110 and picked up his 1500th point (2-19-11) against the Wings.
On this date
The Wings are 3-0 on January 27 with all three wins coming at home. In 1996 the Wings defeated the New York Saints 23-8, in 2001 they defeated the Albany Attack 18-9 and in 2007 they defeated the Toronto Rock 10-9.
Next Game
The Wings return to the Wells Fargo Center to face the Toronto Rock on February 4.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Wings earn gritty OT win over Stealth
by Tom Hoffman
After an awful opener last week, the Philadelphia Wings tightened up on defense, played solid transitional lacrosse and got another big production night from top draft pick Kevin Crowley as they defeated the Washington Stealth 10-9 in overtime Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Crowley tallied five goals including the OT winner 3:27 into the extra session.
"It was a great character win for our team," Crowley said. "We could've just deflated and gave up but the team brought it together. It was a good all around team win."
Crowley got the evening off to a good start with a first quarter hat trick that gave the Wings a 3-0 lead after the opening 15. The second quarter went the opposite way as the Stealth would score three goals to take the game to halftime even. Goals by the Stealth's Cam Sedgwick and Curtis Hodgson gave Washington a 5-3 lead in the third before the Wings ended an almost 35 minute scoreless drought on Drew Westervelt's first goal of the night. Paul Rabil would give the Stealth their two goal lead back but Westervelt's second of the night would take the Wings into the fourth trailing by only one goal.
The scoring would continue for the Wings as Brendan Mundorf's first two scores of the season were followed by Westervelt's third goal of the night to give the Wings an 8-6 lead. Sedgwick's second of the night brought the Stealth to within one but the Wings looked to have the game in hand when Crowley tallied his fourth of the night to give the Wings a 9-7 advantage with 7:35 to play. The Stealth did not quit though and would force the game into overtime on goals by Lewis Ratcliff and Matt Beers, Beers tying the game with 3:05 left in regulation. The end of regulation and the overtime then became the Brandon Miller show as Miller made a number of his 49 saves during that period to keep the Wings alive and set up the final heroics from the National Lacrosse League's top draft pick in the 2011 entry draft.
"When B. Miller plays like that, he gives us an opportunity to win," Wings Coach/GM Johnny Mouradian said.
Mouradian also had high praise for Crowley.
"He's a big game player," Mouradian said. "He's a rookie in the NLL but he's not a rookie as far as being a game breaker and a game changer."
And if Crowley can somehow maintain his two game pace (8 goals, 6 assists)over the full 16 game schedule, he could be well on his way to some post season hardware from the league. As far as overall play, Mouradian definitely was happy with the effort from his club.
"Our man down was superb. I thought we ran the floor really well. I thought we made some good decisions on transition," Mouradian said.
It was a huge lift for the Wings after the crushing loss last week to Rochester and the Wings will look to feed off of this win as they travel to Buffalo on Friday to face the Bandits.
After an awful opener last week, the Philadelphia Wings tightened up on defense, played solid transitional lacrosse and got another big production night from top draft pick Kevin Crowley as they defeated the Washington Stealth 10-9 in overtime Saturday at the Wells Fargo Center. Crowley tallied five goals including the OT winner 3:27 into the extra session.
"It was a great character win for our team," Crowley said. "We could've just deflated and gave up but the team brought it together. It was a good all around team win."
Crowley got the evening off to a good start with a first quarter hat trick that gave the Wings a 3-0 lead after the opening 15. The second quarter went the opposite way as the Stealth would score three goals to take the game to halftime even. Goals by the Stealth's Cam Sedgwick and Curtis Hodgson gave Washington a 5-3 lead in the third before the Wings ended an almost 35 minute scoreless drought on Drew Westervelt's first goal of the night. Paul Rabil would give the Stealth their two goal lead back but Westervelt's second of the night would take the Wings into the fourth trailing by only one goal.
The scoring would continue for the Wings as Brendan Mundorf's first two scores of the season were followed by Westervelt's third goal of the night to give the Wings an 8-6 lead. Sedgwick's second of the night brought the Stealth to within one but the Wings looked to have the game in hand when Crowley tallied his fourth of the night to give the Wings a 9-7 advantage with 7:35 to play. The Stealth did not quit though and would force the game into overtime on goals by Lewis Ratcliff and Matt Beers, Beers tying the game with 3:05 left in regulation. The end of regulation and the overtime then became the Brandon Miller show as Miller made a number of his 49 saves during that period to keep the Wings alive and set up the final heroics from the National Lacrosse League's top draft pick in the 2011 entry draft.
"When B. Miller plays like that, he gives us an opportunity to win," Wings Coach/GM Johnny Mouradian said.
Mouradian also had high praise for Crowley.
"He's a big game player," Mouradian said. "He's a rookie in the NLL but he's not a rookie as far as being a game breaker and a game changer."
And if Crowley can somehow maintain his two game pace (8 goals, 6 assists)over the full 16 game schedule, he could be well on his way to some post season hardware from the league. As far as overall play, Mouradian definitely was happy with the effort from his club.
"Our man down was superb. I thought we ran the floor really well. I thought we made some good decisions on transition," Mouradian said.
It was a huge lift for the Wings after the crushing loss last week to Rochester and the Wings will look to feed off of this win as they travel to Buffalo on Friday to face the Bandits.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (1-21-12 vs. Washington)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings look to rebound from a disappointing season opener when they host the Washington Stealth Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM, the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 8-3 all time against the franchise that has spent time in Albany, NY (2000-2003) and San Jose, CA (2004-2009) before moving to Everett, WA for the 2010 season. All time at home the Wings are 5-0 vs. the Attack/Stealth. The last meeting between the two teams occurred on March 14, 2008 when the Wings defeated San Jose 16-13 at the Wachovia Center. Current Wings who were on the game night rosters that evening were Pat Heim, Thomas Hajek and Brandon Miller (Philadelphia) and Paul Dawson and Steve Holmes (San Jose). Holmes scored two goals that night for the Stealth.
Last Game
After tying the game at six apiece early in the second quarter, the Wings were outscored 16-6 the rest of the game as they fell 22-12 to the Rochester Knighthawks in the 2012 season opener. Top draft pick Kevin Crowley had a solid debut with three goals and five assists while Dan Dawson chipped in a goal and added six helpers. Drew Westervelt also added a hat trick for the Wings.
The Opponent
The Stealth feature several players who helped the franchise to back to back Finals appearances and their first Champion’s Cup title in 2010. Anchoring the offense for Washington is 2010 Champion’s Cup MVP Lewis Ratcliff, 2009 Rookie of the Year Rhys Duch and Jeff Zywicki. Defensively the Stealth is led by Jeff Moleski and Matt Beers while Tyler Richards mans the net. Leading the Washington transition game is Paul Rabil.
Familiar Faces
Five members of the Wings have spent time in the Attack/Stealth organization. Brandon Miller played for Albany from 2000- to 2003 and in San Jose from 2004 to 2006. Playing for the team in San Jose were Matt Alrich (2005-2006), Paul Dawson (2007-2008) and Steve Holmes (2007-2009). Brett Manney spent the 2009 season with the Stealth in San Jose and played in the team’s inaugural season in Washington in 2010. The lone former Wing on the Washington roster is Bob Snider, who played for the Wings in 2010 after being chosen 16th overall in the 2009 Entry Draft.
On this date
The Wings are 2-0 on January 21. In 1989 the Wings defeated the Baltimore Thunder 14-13 in Baltimore and in 2006 defeated the San Jose Stealth 10-7 in San Jose.
Next Game
The Wings will be on the road for the first time in 2012 when they face the Buffalo Bandits on January 27.
The Philadelphia Wings look to rebound from a disappointing season opener when they host the Washington Stealth Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM, the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 8-3 all time against the franchise that has spent time in Albany, NY (2000-2003) and San Jose, CA (2004-2009) before moving to Everett, WA for the 2010 season. All time at home the Wings are 5-0 vs. the Attack/Stealth. The last meeting between the two teams occurred on March 14, 2008 when the Wings defeated San Jose 16-13 at the Wachovia Center. Current Wings who were on the game night rosters that evening were Pat Heim, Thomas Hajek and Brandon Miller (Philadelphia) and Paul Dawson and Steve Holmes (San Jose). Holmes scored two goals that night for the Stealth.
Last Game
After tying the game at six apiece early in the second quarter, the Wings were outscored 16-6 the rest of the game as they fell 22-12 to the Rochester Knighthawks in the 2012 season opener. Top draft pick Kevin Crowley had a solid debut with three goals and five assists while Dan Dawson chipped in a goal and added six helpers. Drew Westervelt also added a hat trick for the Wings.
The Opponent
The Stealth feature several players who helped the franchise to back to back Finals appearances and their first Champion’s Cup title in 2010. Anchoring the offense for Washington is 2010 Champion’s Cup MVP Lewis Ratcliff, 2009 Rookie of the Year Rhys Duch and Jeff Zywicki. Defensively the Stealth is led by Jeff Moleski and Matt Beers while Tyler Richards mans the net. Leading the Washington transition game is Paul Rabil.
Familiar Faces
Five members of the Wings have spent time in the Attack/Stealth organization. Brandon Miller played for Albany from 2000- to 2003 and in San Jose from 2004 to 2006. Playing for the team in San Jose were Matt Alrich (2005-2006), Paul Dawson (2007-2008) and Steve Holmes (2007-2009). Brett Manney spent the 2009 season with the Stealth in San Jose and played in the team’s inaugural season in Washington in 2010. The lone former Wing on the Washington roster is Bob Snider, who played for the Wings in 2010 after being chosen 16th overall in the 2009 Entry Draft.
On this date
The Wings are 2-0 on January 21. In 1989 the Wings defeated the Baltimore Thunder 14-13 in Baltimore and in 2006 defeated the San Jose Stealth 10-7 in San Jose.
Next Game
The Wings will be on the road for the first time in 2012 when they face the Buffalo Bandits on January 27.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
For Wings, another makeover, another opening game loss
By Tom Hoffman
Much like last season the Philadelphia Wings entered their Natioanl Lacrosse League season opener following a massive roster overhaul that again included a trade of a fan favorite. And once again the Wings gave their remaining faithful a sign that change doesn't grant immediate success. Except for a five minute flurry in the 2nd quarter and a Broad Street Bully-like final 26 seconds of play, the Wings looked lost in their 22-12 defeat to the Rochester Knighthawks before 8,813 at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night.
There were very few bright spots in a game in which the Wings never led. After Max Seibald brought the Wings within a goal just under six minutes into the first stanza, the Wings were lit up for four consecutive scores to trail 6-1 after the opening 15. Philly then had its first highlight moment of the evening when they ripped off five goals in a stretch of 4:28 to tie the game at six. Included in this run were the first Wings goals for Kevin Crowley, Mike Hominuck and Dan Dawson. Crowley's first NLL goal came 2:15 after his first NLL point, an assist on a Drew Westervelt goal. The good vibes on offense would end there as the Knighthawks would counter with three goals to take a 9-6 halftime lead and then add four more to start the third and turn the game into a rout and chase Wings goalkeeper Brandon Miller.
The remainder of the second half belonged to Rochester on the scoreboard and to the Wings on the penalty sheet. With 26 seconds to play in a game that was already settled the Wings decided to take a page from the Flyers old playbook and goon it up with the Knighthawks. In round one the Wings David Brock and Rochester's Kyle Laverty went at it twice while Thomas Hajek, in his return to the Wings, and Tyler Burton of Rocheste also squared off. Just nine seconds after that a second donnybrook took place, one which ended in a ridiculous goalie fight between the Wings Kurtis Wagar and the Knighthawks Jake Henhawk. When the dust cleared the two teams combined for over 210 penalty minutes and some likely suspensions.
Crowley tallied three goals and five assists in his NLL debut to highlight the game for the Wings. For the Wings it was the first time giving up 20+ goals in agame since the Knighthawks did it to them on March 29, in a 20-12 final. It was also the second most goals the Wings have given up in a game, the worst being a 26 goal pounding in 2001 at Buffalo. The Wings will need to tighten up on defense and look for more consistency next week as the Washington Stealth will be coming into town on Saturday.
Much like last season the Philadelphia Wings entered their Natioanl Lacrosse League season opener following a massive roster overhaul that again included a trade of a fan favorite. And once again the Wings gave their remaining faithful a sign that change doesn't grant immediate success. Except for a five minute flurry in the 2nd quarter and a Broad Street Bully-like final 26 seconds of play, the Wings looked lost in their 22-12 defeat to the Rochester Knighthawks before 8,813 at the Wells Fargo Center on Saturday night.
There were very few bright spots in a game in which the Wings never led. After Max Seibald brought the Wings within a goal just under six minutes into the first stanza, the Wings were lit up for four consecutive scores to trail 6-1 after the opening 15. Philly then had its first highlight moment of the evening when they ripped off five goals in a stretch of 4:28 to tie the game at six. Included in this run were the first Wings goals for Kevin Crowley, Mike Hominuck and Dan Dawson. Crowley's first NLL goal came 2:15 after his first NLL point, an assist on a Drew Westervelt goal. The good vibes on offense would end there as the Knighthawks would counter with three goals to take a 9-6 halftime lead and then add four more to start the third and turn the game into a rout and chase Wings goalkeeper Brandon Miller.
The remainder of the second half belonged to Rochester on the scoreboard and to the Wings on the penalty sheet. With 26 seconds to play in a game that was already settled the Wings decided to take a page from the Flyers old playbook and goon it up with the Knighthawks. In round one the Wings David Brock and Rochester's Kyle Laverty went at it twice while Thomas Hajek, in his return to the Wings, and Tyler Burton of Rocheste also squared off. Just nine seconds after that a second donnybrook took place, one which ended in a ridiculous goalie fight between the Wings Kurtis Wagar and the Knighthawks Jake Henhawk. When the dust cleared the two teams combined for over 210 penalty minutes and some likely suspensions.
Crowley tallied three goals and five assists in his NLL debut to highlight the game for the Wings. For the Wings it was the first time giving up 20+ goals in agame since the Knighthawks did it to them on March 29, in a 20-12 final. It was also the second most goals the Wings have given up in a game, the worst being a 26 goal pounding in 2001 at Buffalo. The Wings will need to tighten up on defense and look for more consistency next week as the Washington Stealth will be coming into town on Saturday.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
2012 Wings Lacrosse (1-14-12 vs. Rochester)
By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings open their 26th season of play this Saturday evening when they host the Rochester Knighthawks at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM, the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 15-23 all time against the Knighthawks, 10-9 at home. Rochester won all three meetings in 2011 (11-6 and 13-10 at Rochester, 10-6 at Philadelphia) and has won six straight against the Wings. The last Wings victory over Rochester was on January 10, 2009 (16-13 at Rochester) while the last time the Wings beat the Knighthawks in Philadelphia was a 15-14 decision on January 18, 2008.
Openers
The Wings have a 12-13 record in season openers but have lost their last three and four of the last five. At home, the Wings are 14-11 in openers yet are just 7-8 in openers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Wings have previously opened the regular season twice against the Knighthawks (2001 and 2004, both in Rochester and both victories for the Wings) while this game will be the third time opening at home vs. Rochester (18-17 win at the Spectrum in 1995 and a 17-11 loss in 2004).
Changes
Another year means more changes to the Wings roster. Notable additions for 2012 were the acquisitions of Dan Dawson (via the Boston Blazers dispersal draft), Brodie Merrill (from the Edmonton Rush in the Athan Iannucci deal) and Kevin Crowley (#1 pick in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft). Other new faces include Jordan Sealock (acquired from the Calgary Roughnecks), Steve Fryer (4th round selection in the 2011 Entry Draft), Ned Crotty (acquired from the Colorado Mammoth) and Mike Hominuck (free agent signing). Returning to the Wings after a year away is former captain Thomas Hajek. Besides Iannucci, other notables not back this season are Alex Turner (part of the Merrill trade), Ryan Boyle (released), Taylor Wray (Head Coach at St. Joseph’s University) and Shawn Nadelen (retired).
Changes have also taken place behind the Wings bench as GM Johnny Mouradian has taken over the coaching duties from John Tucker, who remains in the organization as a scout. Blane Harrison moves from offense to defense as Jim Milligan of the Major Series Lacrosse Peterborough Lakers will handle the offense.
The Visitors
Top returnees for the Knighthawks are 2010 top draft pick Cody Jamieson (28G, 25A), Jordan Hall (18G, 22A), Pat McCready (101 loose balls) and Matt Vinc (9.77 GAA). Key losses are Shawn Williams (traded to the Edmonton Rush) and Shawn Evans (traded to Calgary).
On this date
The Wings are 2-1 on January 14. In 1989 the Wings defeated the New England Blazers 19-8 at the Spectrum, in 1995 defeated the New York Saints 11-10 at Nassau Coliseum and lost 13-10 to the Minnesota Swarm in 2006 at the Wells Fargo (then Wachovia) Center.
Next Game
The Wings will return to action on January 21 when the face the Washington Stealth.
The Philadelphia Wings open their 26th season of play this Saturday evening when they host the Rochester Knighthawks at the Wells Fargo Center. Game time is at 7 PM, the game can be seen on the NLL Network at NLL.com and will also be broadcast on Z88.9 (Burlington County College) and online at www.z889.org.
History
The Wings are 15-23 all time against the Knighthawks, 10-9 at home. Rochester won all three meetings in 2011 (11-6 and 13-10 at Rochester, 10-6 at Philadelphia) and has won six straight against the Wings. The last Wings victory over Rochester was on January 10, 2009 (16-13 at Rochester) while the last time the Wings beat the Knighthawks in Philadelphia was a 15-14 decision on January 18, 2008.
Openers
The Wings have a 12-13 record in season openers but have lost their last three and four of the last five. At home, the Wings are 14-11 in openers yet are just 7-8 in openers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Wings have previously opened the regular season twice against the Knighthawks (2001 and 2004, both in Rochester and both victories for the Wings) while this game will be the third time opening at home vs. Rochester (18-17 win at the Spectrum in 1995 and a 17-11 loss in 2004).
Changes
Another year means more changes to the Wings roster. Notable additions for 2012 were the acquisitions of Dan Dawson (via the Boston Blazers dispersal draft), Brodie Merrill (from the Edmonton Rush in the Athan Iannucci deal) and Kevin Crowley (#1 pick in the 2011 NLL Entry Draft). Other new faces include Jordan Sealock (acquired from the Calgary Roughnecks), Steve Fryer (4th round selection in the 2011 Entry Draft), Ned Crotty (acquired from the Colorado Mammoth) and Mike Hominuck (free agent signing). Returning to the Wings after a year away is former captain Thomas Hajek. Besides Iannucci, other notables not back this season are Alex Turner (part of the Merrill trade), Ryan Boyle (released), Taylor Wray (Head Coach at St. Joseph’s University) and Shawn Nadelen (retired).
Changes have also taken place behind the Wings bench as GM Johnny Mouradian has taken over the coaching duties from John Tucker, who remains in the organization as a scout. Blane Harrison moves from offense to defense as Jim Milligan of the Major Series Lacrosse Peterborough Lakers will handle the offense.
The Visitors
Top returnees for the Knighthawks are 2010 top draft pick Cody Jamieson (28G, 25A), Jordan Hall (18G, 22A), Pat McCready (101 loose balls) and Matt Vinc (9.77 GAA). Key losses are Shawn Williams (traded to the Edmonton Rush) and Shawn Evans (traded to Calgary).
On this date
The Wings are 2-1 on January 14. In 1989 the Wings defeated the New England Blazers 19-8 at the Spectrum, in 1995 defeated the New York Saints 11-10 at Nassau Coliseum and lost 13-10 to the Minnesota Swarm in 2006 at the Wells Fargo (then Wachovia) Center.
Next Game
The Wings will return to action on January 21 when the face the Washington Stealth.
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