Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 4/28/08
The Philadelphia Wings gained some momentum entering the National Lacrosse League playoffs Sunday by defeating the host Toronto Rock, 15-14, on a shorthanded goal by Athan Iannucci with 44 seconds left in the game.
The win capped a 10-6 season for the Wings and their first playoff berth since 2002. The Wings face the East Division Champion Buffalo Bandits (also 10-6) in the first round of the NLL Playoffs at HSBC Arena on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
“We have to play four consistent quarters to be successful during the playoffs,” said Wings coach Dave Huntley. “Fortunately our offense had a great start this afternoon, and we were able to hang on for the win.”
The Wings offense came out strong, outscoring the Rock 8-2 in the first quarter. Toronto drew within 13-11 after three periods and tied it, 14-14, on a goal by Aaron Wilson with 4:40 to play.
Iannucci’s game-winner gave him 71 goals for the year, 10 more than the former league record of 61 by Colorado’s Gary Gait.
Iannucci finished the game with four goals while Jason Crosbie and A.J. Shannon each had two goals and an assist. Jake Bergey and Merrick Thomson had a goal and two assists apiece while goalies Rob Blasdell (30 saves) and Brandon Miller (29 saves) split the goaltending duties.
