The Washington Stealth flew into Philadelphia and bombed the Wings 16-10. The Stealth were led by Rhys Duch (5G/3A) & Lewis Ratlcliff (4G/3A). The Stealth took a 4-2 lead after the first quarter and blew the game wide open by scoring six of the seven goals before half time making the score 10-3. Ratcliff’s third goal of the game at 12:02 of the second quarter was his 400th of his NLL career. The Stealth dominated this game in just about every aspect. Shots on goal 59-52, Loose balls 91-66, Face-offs 26-30. Stealth VP/GM Doug Locker said, “This was a humbling win. When you face a team with out three of their main components (Merrill-Transition, Reynolds-Face-offs, Manney-Defense) you should come out with the win. We know on April 20 if they are all healthy, it will be a battle.”
Washington now has a three game winning streak and winners of 4-5 as they head to the Hive to face the Swarm Saturday night at 7:30.
The Wings drop to 5-4 a gme and a half out of first place and it also ended their three game winning streak. Wings were led by Drew Westervelt (1G/3A) & Kevin Crowley (4A). Paul Rabil & Kevin Ross led the team with two goals apiece. The Wings were without three main players in this game. Brodie Merrill (concussion), Jeff Reynolds (ankle) and Brett Manney (hamstring). Wings plan to get back on track Saturday afternoon as the division leading Toronto Rock come into town for a 1pm game.
In my eyes and in many fans eyes, GM/Coach Johnny Mouradian has zero confidence in back-up Kevin Crosswell. Goaltender Brandon Miller was getting beat on shots, some of them weak, and usually you would see a team change goalies just so the starter regains his focus. Well the only time Croswell saw action was the final 1:12 when Miller was ejected for 3rd man in on a fight. Nick Patterson is available as he was released by Washington last week after the Stealth signed Matt Roik. He wont cost anything and he may give a spark as a back-up if Miller needs a break during the game.
Trading deadline is Wednesday March 13 5pm. What moves will be made, not only by the Wings, but by other teams?
