The Wings will start their 2014 home season today at 4 pm with a rematch against the Buffalo Bandits from opening week as they defeated Buffalo 17-13. This will be the 5oth meeting between the two clubs with the Wings holding a 25-24 advantage.
All time the Wings are 13-10 at home versus the Bandits. The Wings return home to start their home season. This is year 28 for the Philadelphia Wings who are 15-12 (8-9 at Wells Fargo). Last season the Wings defeated Buffalo 13-8 in the home opener back on January 11, 2013.
In the first meeting between the two teams, the Wings never trailed and controlled the games tempo. Jordan Hall registered five goals and two assists. Kyle Buchanan led all scorers with eight points (5 G, 3 A), while Tracey Kelusky (2 G, 4 A), Kevin Ross (3 G, 2 A) and Kevin Crowley (2 G, 3 A) also scored. Ryan Ward chipped in with five assists in his first game back with the team that drafted him back in 2003 (third overall).
In 2005 Ward was traded to Minnesota, then in the offseason of 2009 Ward was traded to the Edmonton Rush. The Wings signed the unrestricted free agent away from Edmonton on December 6, 2013, inking Ward to a two year deal.
Buffalo is coming off a big win as they defeated the Rock 12-10 Friday night. After trailing 6-2 at the half, the Bandits came to life by outscoring the Rock 10-4 in the final thirty minutes. Ryan Benesch (3 G, 2 A) , Mark Steenhuis (2 G, 1 A) and defenseman Steve Priolo (2 G) led the way for Buffalo.
Wings are coming off a 13-9 defeat to the Knighthawks last night. The Wings were held scoreless in the second quarter while Rochester went on an eight goal run from the end of quarter one thru the second quarter. Kyle Buchanan registered 2 G, 3 A.
Wings will need to tighten up the defense and not allow the opposition to go on runs as they did tonight.
