By Tom Hoffman
The Philadelphia Wings (7-9) return to the National Lacrosse League playoffs for the second consecutive season seeking to win their 7th pro lacrosse championship (1989, 1990, 1994, 1995, 1998, 2001) when they take on the defending champion Rochester Knighthawks (8-8) on April 27 at Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena. Game time is at 5 PM and the game can be seen live on the CBS Sports Network.
Playoff History
The Wings and Knighthawks will be meeting for the fifth time in the postseason having split the previous four games. In 1995 the Wings won their fourth title defeating the Knighthawks 15-14 in overtime at the Spectrum. In 1997 Rochester defeated the Wings at the Core States Center 15-13 while the Wings returned the favor with a 12-11 victory in 2001 at the First Union Center. Last season the Knighthawks held on for a 14-13 win at Blue Cross Arena. All time in the postseason the Wings have a 16-11 record and are 6-7 on the road. The Wings have lost three straight playoff games since winning the 2001 championship in Toronto. Rochester is 15-13 in the postseason, 8-2 at Blue Cross Arena and has won three championships (1997, 2007 and 2012).
Playoff History
The Wings and Knighthawks will be meeting for the fifth time in the postseason having split the previous four games. In 1995 the Wings won their fourth title defeating the Knighthawks 15-14 in overtime at the Spectrum. In 1997 Rochester defeated the Wings at the Core States Center 15-13 while the Wings returned the favor with a 12-11 victory in 2001 at the First Union Center. Last season the Knighthawks held on for a 14-13 win at Blue Cross Arena. All time in the postseason the Wings have a 16-11 record and are 6-7 on the road. The Wings have lost three straight playoff games since winning the 2001 championship in Toronto. Rochester is 15-13 in the postseason, 8-2 at Blue Cross Arena and has won three championships (1997, 2007 and 2012).
Regular Season
Rochester won two of the three meetings with the Wings during the 2013 season. On February 8 the Knighthawks defeated the Wings 20-10 at the Wells Fargo Center. The Wings ended a long losing streak to Rochester on February 23 with a 10-8 victory at Blue Cross Arena. The teams met again at the BCA on April 6 with the Knighthawks taking a 14-7 decision. The Wings were led by Kevin Buchanan (4G, 8A) and Drew Westervelt (4G, 8A) with 12 points each while Kevin Crowley added 10 points (4G, 6A) and Brodie Merrill added five goals. Rochester was led by Cody Jamieson with 18 points (5G, 13A) while Dan Dawson had 17 points (6G, 11A). Mike Accursi and Johnny Powless also added six goals each.
Last Time Out
The Wings closed the regular season with a 17-13 loss on the road to the Washington Stealth. Rochester defeated the Buffalo Bandits 10-9 in Buffalo to finish regular season play.
The Wings closed the regular season with a 17-13 loss on the road to the Washington Stealth. Rochester defeated the Buffalo Bandits 10-9 in Buffalo to finish regular season play.
Stat Leaders
Wings: Goals: Kevin Crowley (34), Assists: Crowley and Kevin Buchanan (38), Points: Crowley (72), Goals Against: Brandon Miller (11.92).
Rochester: Goals: Cody Jamieson (28), Assists: Jamieson (61), Points: Jamieson (89), Goals Against: Matt Vinc (10.17).
On this date
The Wings are 2-0 on April 27 with both wins coming at the Air Canada Centre against the Toronto Rock. In 2001 the Wings defeated the Rock 9-8 to win their sixth championship while in 2008 the Wings closed the regular season with a 15-14 win over the Rock.
Next Game
With a win in Rochester the Wings will either travel to Toronto to face the Rock or host the Minnesota Swarm next weekend. A loss and the next game is the 2014 opener.
With a win in Rochester the Wings will either travel to Toronto to face the Rock or host the Minnesota Swarm next weekend. A loss and the next game is the 2014 opener.
