In just 53 days (Dec 28) the NLL along with the Philadelphia Wings will open their 28th season. And since 2001 the Wings have only made it to the first round of the playoffs four of the last twelve years, and only in 2008 they finished with a record above .500 (10-6).
The teams of 2001 and prior are gone; the fear of opponents coming to Philadelphia is gone, and the once feared “Jungle” has been nothing more then a backyard at sunset. That’s how opponents look at coming to Philadelphia.
So far this off-season the Wings have picked up help at goaltending by acquiring Evan Kirk, and also have help on the right side of the offense in Luke Wiles.
The Wings will look for Luke Wiles to replace Drew Westervelt who was traded to Colorado prior to the draft. Last season Wiles tallied 10G/11A in twelve games with the Bandits. Obviously an off year for Wiles due to work commitments and being on a line with Tavares and Steenhuis, opportunities are limited. The Wings are hoping Wiles has a season like he did in 2012 when he recorded 39G/31A.
Brendan Mundorf will be another player that will be looked at to step up the game. After missing the first ten games of last season Mundorf came back and registered 8G/14A in only six games. After being paired with Westervelt the last couple years, it will be interesting to see how he pairs with Wiles and or Crowley on the right side.
Others that will be looked at to light the lamp more, Kevin Buchanan (16), Kevin Ross (20), Paul Rabil (17) and Jordan Hall (14).
The Wings picked up speed on transition last season, and this will also need to be improved. Wings will need to convert more on the transition. They force turnovers and get the ball up the floor quick but just weren’t scoring as they should.
On defense they picked up some youth to help them out. They will need to be stronger then ever this season and score a goal every chance they get.
As far as team improvements, the Wings were outscored by 20 in 1st qtr, 24 in the 2nd, and 5 in the 4th. The 3rd qtr they were a +5. If the Wings want to make the playoffs this season they will obviously need to improve in the first half
On special teams the power play converted on 44.7%, and the penalty kill was at 48.1% both will need to improve this season.
With the new playoff format and division alignment, all these will need to happen if the Wings and their fans want to see the playoffs this season.
