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.