Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/1/08
Athan Iannucci proved once again why he is an all-star and the most dangerous offensive player in the National Lacrosse League.
Iannucci scored six goals and added two assists Friday to help the streaking Philadelphia Wings to a 16-12 victory over New York before 11,419 at the Wachovia Center.
On an evening when four people – including former Wings player and coaching great Tony Resch – were honored for their recent induction into the NLL Hall of Fame, Iannucci continued to shine.
Recently named a starter for the March 16 All-Star Game in Edmonton, Iannucci now has 31 goals in six games. He is on pace to score 81 goals this season, which would shatter Gary Gait’s record of 61.
With the win, the Wings are 6-0, a full game ahead of second-place Minnesota (6-2) in the East Division race. Philadelphia travels to Buffalo (5-4) for a 7:30 game tonight.
Friday’s game was tight until the fourth period when the Wings scored four straight goals to ice it. Jake Bergey added two goals and five assists for the Wings while goalie Rob Blasdell made 41 saves on 53 Titan shots.
“I thought our guys had a tough first half, but we kept on doing the things we’re capable of doing ,” said Wings coach Dave Huntley. “Iannucci has been terrific all year and everybody contributes every day, even if it doesn’t show up on the scoreboard. Everyone’s chipping in and doing what they need to do.”
Iannucci scored the only goal in the first quarter, while Blasdell stopped all 10 New York shots. Philadelphia took a two-goal lead in the second quarter, but allowed the Saints to climb back after penalty trouble.
New York scored both on a power-play and penalty-shot goal. The two teams battled back and forth throughout the quarter, with the Wings taking a 6-4 edge into halftime on an Iannucci short-handed goal.
The game remained close in the third quarter with each team scoring four goals. It became a physical matchup midway through quarter with two fights and a lot of pushing and shoving, resulting in 26 minutes in penalties.
Also for the Wings, Merrick Thomson had two goals and two assists while Jason Crosbie added a goal and an assist and Rob Van Beek and Taylor Wray each had a gaol and an assist. John Christmas, Jamie Rooney and Thomas Hajek also scored.
Pat Maddalena led the Titans in scoring with seven points (3G, 4A). Goaltender Matt Vince had 42 saves on 60 shots.
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