On Sunday the Philadelphia Wings (5-8) face off against the Minnesota Swarm (6-7). Both of these teams are in need of a win in order to keep their playoffs hopes alive. So expect for the two teams to be hungry for a win which should make for an exciting game. In the last meeting between these teams the Swarm dominated the Philadelphia Wings and won the game 20-11.
The keys to victory for the Swarm are to take control of this game from the beginning so that they can implement their game plan against the Wings. The Swarm will look towards Jordan MacIntosh to enable them to control the game as MacIntosh sits fourth in faceoff wins in the league and fourth in loose balls. If Macintosh can continue his dominance in the faceoff circle along with his dominance in getting loose balls he should allow the Swarm to control the pace of the game. On offense Callum Crawford and Ryan Benesch to create offensive pressure against the Wings. Crawford has shown his play making skills this year as evident by him sitting fourth in the NLL in assists and making him one of the most dangerous players on the floor for the Swarm. If the Swarm can control time of possession they have all the tools necessary to win this game.
In order for the Wings to win they need to be ready to get down and dirty and fight for loose balls. The Wings will need to fight for every loose ball as they cannot afford to let the Swarm control time of possession. The Swarm are a team that wins due to their ability to control the game so if the Wings can throw a wrench in the Swarms plan they will have a chance to win. The Wings will need their offensive trio of Kevin Crowley, Kevin Ross and Drew Westervelt to get going early and try to put some pressure on the Swarm. The Wings will have to win the technical aspects of this game in order to win if they can win face offs and win loose balls then they should be able to beat the Swarm.
In the end I think this will wind up being a close game between two desperate teams. When the dust clear though Minnesota should come away with the win due to their ability to control the time of possession and their ability to score thanks to Callum Crawford’s play making skills.
