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.
