The Philadelphia Wings travel to Rochester tonight to face the Knighthawks in round one of the 2013 NLL Playoffs. Rochester earned the home field by defeating Buffalo last week 10-9. Last season the Wings fell to Rochester in round one 14-13 and this year they look to turn that around and move on to round two.
For the Wings if they are looking to defeat the Knighthawks, they must start strong. This team can not have a slow start especially in the playoffs. Six of the team’s nine losses were by five or more goals due to slow starts. A slow start tonight can make this a very long night for the Wings and leave a very bad taste not only in their mouths but also in the mouths of the fans. It will also signal the beginning of another long off season that will have fans talking about what the team needs to do. It will also cast a very large shadow of coach Mouradian’s American concept. A Wings win will be there first playoff victory since winning the Champions Cup in 2001.
On offense the Wings are led by second year forward Kevin Crowley. Crowley registered 38 goals this season. Other goal scorers for the Wings offense Drew Westervelt (30), Kevin Ross (20), Paul Rabil (17) lead the Wings.
For the Knighthawks, Cody Jamieson leads the offense with 28 goals/89 points. Other goal scorers for the Knighthawks, Vitarelli (25), Powless (22), Dawson (23).
The Wings have scored a league low 170 goals (10.62/game) and allowed 207 goals (12.93/game).
The Knighthawks scored 179 goals (11.18/game) and only allowed 165 goals (10.31/game).
For the Knighthawks to win, they need to get out of the gate quick and have the Wings down early as Vinc gets stronger with a lead. For the Wings, a fast start is crucial, and they must take advantage of power plays and limit the penalties. Another slow start could end the game early and it could get ugly.
