Wings rebound with 15-8 NLL victory over Minnesota

Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 1/19/14
From Press Release

The Philadelphia Wings snapped a three-game losing streak and avenged Saturday’s one-goal loss to Minnesota by defeating the Swarm, 15-8, today at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, MN.

Philadelphia opened the game with four goals and carried a three-point lead into the second period. Forwards Pat Saunders and Tracey Kelusky each contributed two goals in the first half to pace the Wings to an 8-4 lead at halftime.

Philadelphia remained in control to start the third quarter. The defense anchored by Goalie Evan Kirk kept Minnesota in check by allowing only two goals in the third. The Wings carried a four-goal advantage into the last period.

Jordan Hall continued his torrid start to the first third of the season. Hall and the Wings tallied five goals in the fourth to put the game out of reach for Minnesota. Philadelphia converted five power play goals on eight attempts. The Wings saw their largest margin of victory on the early season.

“It was nice to rebound today after a tough loss the night before,” said Wings Head Coach Blane Harrison. “A lot of guys stepped up and played like we knew they could. The team put together a whole game.”

The trio of Hall, Ryan Ward, and Kyle Buchanan combined for 22 points. Hall and Kelusky each had hat tricks on the afternoon. Kirk proved he is a starter in the NLL by allowing only eight goals and adding 35 saves. Kirk hit a career milestone by recording his 700th career, regular season save.

Callum Crawford was the bright spot for Minnesota in their home opener. Crawford had two goals and an assist to remain as the team’s leading scorer this season. Crawford also led the Swarm in scoring last year with 95 points (32 goals, 63 assists).

Up next, Philadelphia enters a bye week during week five before resuming play on Saturday, February 1 vs. the Vancouver Stealth at the Wells Fargo Center at 7:30 p.m.

Single game tickets for the Philadelphia Wings 2014 NLL season are available now. Call 215-389-WING (9464) or visit WingsLAX.com to purchase.