In one of the best games to date, the Philadelphia Wings defeated the Toronto Rock 10-9 in overtime. With the win the Wings have punched their ticket into the 2013 playoffs, and also prevented the Rock from clinching home field throughout the playoffs. An Edmonton loss on Sunday will give Toronto that honor.
The game had a playoff atmosphere from the start, hard hits, scoring chances, and outstanding goaltending. The game was up and back with the biggest lead only being 2 goals twice by Toronto (2-1/4-2) The Wings hit the locker room tied at four in a very well disciplined game in which they only allowed one power play chance to Toronto. The Wings have now put together two complete games since starting 2-0. After a combined total of 8 goals by both teams in the first forty-five minutes, the teams combined for eight goals in the final fifteen minutes of regulation. The Wings took their first lead at :21 (6-5)of the final quarter on a goal by Paul Rabil. Toronto responded quickly by netting two goals in fifteen seconds. After alternating goals to give Toronto an 8-7 lead, the Wings tied the game at 7:42 on a goal by Kevin Crowley, and took the lead 9-8 with Brendan Mundorf’s goal at 9:40
The Rock and the Wings had a lot of chances in the next four minutes, but spectacular defense & goaltending by Nick Rose and Brandon Miller kept the Wings ahead by the slimmest of margins at 9-8.
During those four minutes the Rock & the Wings were picking up the rebounds and loose balls enabling extra chances. Then with 1:12 remaining in regulation, the air was let out of the Wells Fargo Center. Wings were called for too many men, which results in a penalty shot when under two minutes in the game.
With the crowd od 7,437 all on their feet encouraging Miller, Kasey Beirnes rolled out to his left came in on Miller and fired a shot over Millers left shoulder tying the game. With the faceoff following the penalty shot, Toronto gained possession and had two chances after picking up a loose ball. But the Wings picked up the loose ball with :27 remaining. Brodie Merrill shot on goal was kicked away and the Wings fought and picked up the loose ball and called time out with :17. The final shot by Kevin Crowley was saved and we go into overtime tied 9-9.
After the face-off to start overtime both teams fought for that first possession and Toronto had the possession, but a turnover by Colin Doyle led to the Wings first chance in overtime. Once again all 7,437 rose to their feet as Brendan Mundorf who has had the hot stick since his return fired a shot off target but was able to get his own loose ball. E After feeding Drew Westervelt with a pass, he was able to find Jordan Hall cutting through the slot, and with a little spin move to the right, Hall was able to fire a bounce shot past Nick Rose through the legs giving the Wings a 10-9 victory in a thrilling game. This was another classic matchup between two franchises that combined have 17 title game appearances between them and facing each other for the Cup once back in 2001. Wings were victorious 9-8 in that match-up.
Leading the way for Toronto was Josh Sanderson with a hat trick. Toronto finishes regular season at 10-6 and will start the playoffs on April 28th
For the Wings Brendan Mundorf (2G/4A) Kevin Buchanan (2G/2A), and Jordan Hall (2G, including GWG) led the way for the Wings. Wings travel to Everett WA to face the Stealth as playoff opponent and where the opening round will be played has not been determined.
