The Philadelphia Wings fell again to the Rochester Knighthawks this time by a score of 13-8. The Wings started out quick in this game building a 4-2 lead at the end of the first quarter and looked like they were carrying the pace of the game, much to the delight of the 300+ Wings fans that made the trip north.
The second quarter was a pure defensive battle compared to the first quarter, but by the time the second quarter buzzer went we were tied at five. Both Matt Vinc and Evan Kirk were making saves that could take all ten spots of the top ten plays of the week.
The third quarter seemed much like the second, but Rochester outscored the Wings in the quarter 3-2 to take a one goal lead into the final 15 minutes.
As the fourth quarter began, Cody Jamieson(4 goals) scored at 1:09 and 4:17 to increase the Hawk lead to three. Kevin Crowley put his second goal of the game in at 5:53 to get his team back on the board. Johnny Powless’ goal just 57 seconds later gave Rochester their three goal lead back, a lead that would not shrink. For the next six minutes the Wings threw everything including the kitchen sink at Vinc, but he just kept turning them away. A goal by Dan Dawson at 13:33 increased it to four as Kirk rushed back into the net but wasn’t really set. Stephen Keogh finished the scoring at 14:27 with the goalie pulled and a runner trying to stop the shot.
Hawks were 3-4 on the power play something that kept them in the game. During the first 30 minutes, the Hawks had 2 power play goals and another scored on a delayed call and the extra attacker came on.
Wings were 2-4 on the night with the man advantage. The penalty kill has been terrible for the Wings as they are last in the league.
This is now the third tie-breaker they have lost. Buffalo (2-1), Minnesota (2-1), Rochester(2-0, last game Sunday) and they trail Toronto 1-0, with second matchup March 22nd.
Wings are now 1.5 games from the final playoff spot (Toronto). A Toronto win over Rochester Friday and a loss by the Wings Sunday will place them 2.5 out with 6 games left. A very tough hill to climb.
To remember the last Wings victory over the Knighthawks at home, you have to go back to January 18,2008 a 15-14 victory.
Trading deadline in March 18th. Should be interesting what the Wings do with a win or a loss this weekend. March 20th is deadline to sign players off waivers/free agent list for playoff rosters.
