Justin Ivey, Correspondent New England Black Wolves
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Featured Image Photo Credit: NLL
The Philadelphia Wings (3-10) held on to their playoff shot by defeating the New England Black Wolves (7-6) in their third matchup of the season Saturday night. The Black Wolves took the lead with the first goal of the night, but Philadelphia led for the rest of the evening in a strong home game. They need a lot to happen to make the playoffs, but statistically it is still possible after the win. This game was one of the best 60 minutes of lacrosse they have put together this year. On the other side, New England failed to clinch a playoff spot and their road woes continue, now dropping to 1-5 away from Mohegan Sun Arena. With the win, the new Philadelphia Wings franchise has also secured their first series win, having won two of three against their old franchise. Final Score: New England-8, Philadelphia-13.
Tyler Digby (3G, 3A) opened the scoring just 49 seconds in to give the Black Wolves the early 1-0 lead. The set play got Digby cutting to the middle with great ball movement. The big man caught the ball on the crease and easily finished, a trend starter for the rest of his goals on the evening. But that was all the offense New England could muster in the first quarter. Blaze Riorden (1G, 1A) tied the game 5:59 in, and just 22 seconds later Josh Currier (2G, 2A) dodged from the side and dove high across the crease, beating New England net-minder Doug Jamieson to give Philadelphia the lead. The lead stretched to 3-1 when Liam Patten (1G, 1A) scored unassisted with 1:18 left in the opening quarter. At the end of the first quarter, Philadelphia led New England 3-1.
The Wings stretched it to a four-goal run 3:37 into the second. Jordan Hall (1G, 1A) picked up a rebound off a Matt Rambo (2G, 2A) shot and had a clear run to the goal. He took it all the way in for the diving finish. After 20:21 of game time, New England finally got another goal. Stephan Leblanc (2G, 3A) scored twice in a row, the second on the power play to bring the Black Wolves back within one and 6:37 left in the half. But again, Philadelphia answered with a run while the defense shut down New England for the rest of the half. They benefited from two power play opportunities and excellent ball movement. Rambo scored twice, Kevin Crowley (3G, 5A) found the back of the net once and assisted on three of the four goals, and the last was scored by Vaugh Harris (1G, 1A) with 2:18 remaining. At the half, Philadelphia led New England 8-3.
The Black Wolves outscored the Wings by one in the third quarter, not enough to get back into the game. Joe Resetarits (3G, 2A) scored twice, the second shorthanded but they sandwiched a Wings goal from Frank Brown (1G). Crowley scored his second of the game from way outside with 3:11 remaining before Digby scored again from the middle with a man advantage and 1:14 remaining. At the end of three quarters, Philadelphia led New England 10-6.
Currier stretched the lead to five with his second goal of the night 4:43 in, but under a minute later Digby scored his hat trick goal dodging from straight up top. Resetarits made it a three-goal game with 3:52 remaining dodging from the side and beating goalie Doug Buchan over his left shoulder. Again, the Wings defense buckled down and held New England scoreless in a crucial point while they also rattled off two more goals before the game ended. Crowley scored on the power play and with under a minute remaining Anthony Joaquim (1G, 1A) scored the empty netter to bring us to our final. Final Score: New England-8, Philadelphia-13.
Up Next:
The Philadelphia Wings (3-10) travel to play the Toronto Rock (8-5) on Saturday, March 30 at 7:00 PM EST where Toronto will try once more to clinch a playoff spot.
The New England Black Wolves (7-6) return home to host the Rochester Knighthawks (2-11) on Sunday, March 31 at 1:00 PM EST.
Justin Ivey, Correspondent New England Black Wolves
Lacrosse is Awesome©