There was possibly just one positive from tonight's Wings game versus the Rochester Knighthawks, that 10,019 made their way to the Wachovia Center. Judging by the boos and "Let's go Phillies", "Let's go Flyers" and "Fire Huntley" chants heard during the fourth quarter, many did not go home happy. After staying in the game for most of three quarters, the Wings allowed the Knighthawks to score the game's final six goals enroute to a 12-6 victory that further cemented the Wings spot in the Eastern Conference cellar.
As they did last week against Buffalo, the Wings started fast by taking a 3-0 lead just 3:51 into the first quarter. Rochester would score the next two goals and would keep Philly off the board until Dan Teat's second score of the night 8:02 into the second gave the Wings a 4-2 lead. Kyle Wailes would make it a three goal lead 53 seconds later before Rochester's Steve Toll and Gary Gait cut the Philly lead to one at halftime.
The Knighthawks would take a 6-5 lead on powerplay goals from Chris Schiller and Shawn Williams before John Christmas tied the game at 6. That would be all for the Wings who mustered very little in the way of offense in the second half taking only 15 shots at Pat O'Toole, who didn't have to do very much in the Rochester net. Aiding the Knighthawks was the Wings poor play on special teams. In addition to allowing Rochester eight goals on ten powerplay opportunities, the Knighthawks also added a shorthanded goal while holding the Wings punchless offense to just one extra man goal in seven chances. Also hurting the Wings were two scores (Josh Sims in the third on a breakaway and Kevin Huntley in the fourth on one of the few times the Wings went to the net) disallowed for crease violations and continuing problems with passing, catching and picking up loose balls.
Brandon Miller could've sued his teammates tonight for lack of offensive support. Miller made 39 saves and was probably the Wings best player on this forgettable night of lacrosse. Teat, Wailes and Christmas were the sole offensive threats for the Wings accounting for 10 points combined. The defense didn't play badly either holding John Grant Jr. to just a last minute goal and five assists. It was former Wing Gary Gait who did the most damage with a four goal night that gave him game MVP honors. O'Toole yawned his way to 34 saves while seeing a number of shots that may not have hit an outdoor soccer goal.
For the Wings, their next three games are on the road, none of which (Buffalo, Calgary and Orlando) seem to be good candidates for a second win. This was a game that should have many in the Wings organization looking in the mirror and not liking what they see. How they play here on out will give an idea of what they think they can do with the remainder of a 2010 season that is spiralling quickly out of control, even with the built in excuse of missing their top two scorers (Athan Iannucci and Merrick Thomson) and top defender (Shawn Nadelen).
