In a game that was big to both teams, the Minnesota Swarm used a 15 goal second half explosion to rout the Philadelphia Wings 20-11. After trailing 4-1 the Wings took advantage of a five minute major penalty to Tyler Hass and scored 3 goals to help tie the game at five as the first half ended. And that’s when the roofed caved in on the Philadelphia Wings.
The Wings took their only lead at 1:11 of the third quarter on a goal by former Swarm player Kevin Ross. Then a minute and a half later the Swarm hit a switch and went on a five goal run and outscore the Wings 6-2 in the third quarter. The fourth was even worse as Minnesota scored nine more times in the final frame.
The Swarm used their speed to their advantage over the bigger Wings defenders which at times made it look as if the Wings were standing still. Rookie goalie Angus Dineley (Dine-Lee) was hit with the loss and at times was hung out to dry as the Swarm just seemed to go in untouched. This was a huge win for the Swarm as they are now 5-7 as they prepare for a home game next Saturday against Buffalo before flying to Philadelphia for a Sunday afternoon rematch. With four games remaining and five teams all within a game or two of each other, every game is being considered a playoff game.
Leading the way for the Swarm was Callum Crawford (4G/3A), Ryan Benesch (2G/4A) and Jordan MacIntosh (4G). Evan Kirk played spectacular in net for the Swarm as “The Hive” was buzzing all night long.
The Wings were led by Kevin Crowley (3G/2A) and Drew Westervelt (3G/1A). Brendan Mundorf returned to action for the Wings after ankle surgery in September, and registered 2G/2A in the loss. Wings were without goaltender Brandon Miller and Mike Manely as they served their one game suspension from an altercation versus the Washington Stealth on March 9th. Both will be eligible to be in the lineup tonight as the Wings go to Colorado for a rematch with the new and improved Mammoth. The Wings had a chance to get a step closer to a playoff berth last night but failed to take that step. Tonight they have another chance to draw closer. With a win the Wings magic number for a playoff berth will be 1. A lot can be decided tonight in the east as three of the four teams are in action.
Tonights East Division match-ups: Toronto vs Rochester. Philadelphia vs Colorado.
Scenarios:
1—Toronto Win, clinch at least 1 home playoff game
2—Toronto Win, Wings loss, Toronto clinches Eastern Division
3—Wings loss, Rochester Win. Rochester jumps to second place, Wings drop to third
4—Wings win, they hold onto second place and the Stealth clinch a playoff berth.
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