Minnesota Swarm Hope To Extend Winning Streak To Four

Published on March 10, 2010 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, MN - Last month, the National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm (4-4) were determined to turn their season around after a slow 1-4 start. Three games later, they did exactly that. With a statement victory over the West's top team, Washington, followed by consecutive wins over Colorado, the Swarm moved into the West's final playoff spot with eight games remaining.

"The whole season comes down to streaks just like in games," said Head Coach Mike Lines. "Everybody can have their good and bad streaks. There's a bunch of teams that started out great but are hurting right now. Calgary was having trouble early like we were, but now they have gone on a run. We have to keep the momentum going and build off that."

This weekend, Minnesota will be looking for their fourth straight win when they travel to Wachovia Center to take on the Philadelphia Wings (2-7) on Saturday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m. CST.

Regardless of their record, the Wings defeated a physical Bandits team two weeks ago in front of a hostile Buffalo crowd, 15-11. This past week however, Philadelphia fell victim to a surging Calgary team, 15-7. Minnesota on the other hand, enjoyed some time to rest. Lines called last week's the time off a "welcomed break," but realizes it's time for his team to get back to work.

"You can't take anybody lightly," Lines said. "The Wings were able to walk into Buffalo and pull out a win. That's something we weren't able to do this season. They have a tough barn to play in so we have to be prepared for them."

Minnesota finished the month of February with a 3-1 record and outscored their opponents 44-29 during their three game winning streak. Most recently, the Swarm defeated the Colorado Mammoth (2-6), 13-12, on Feb. 27 in front of 15,427 fans at Pepsi Center. F Tim Campeau (2g, 3a) scored the game-winning goal with 32 seconds remaining in the fourth to give the Swarm a two-game advantage over their division rival in the standings.

"We were fortunate," said Lines on Campeau's last second goal. "It was great to see him get rewarded for the way he has played in the last few games."

The Swarm defeated the Wings last season at Wachovia Center, 13-12, in almost identical fashion to their recent win over Colorado. That time, it was F Dan Marohl (4g) who played hero and scored a goal in the final seconds of the fourth quarter to give the Swarm a narrow victory on the road. Minnesota holds a 7-5 all-time series lead over Philadelphia.

Minnesota has only faced one other East Division opponent this season in the Buffalo Bandits. The Swarm lost that game, 11-7, on the road in late January. While Minnesota will enter Saturday's game well rested, the Wings might be playing with tired legs. Philadelphia plays in Orlando on Friday night in part of a back-to-back and will have little time to regroup before they take on the Swarm.

"Right now every game is huge for us," explained Lines. "Obviously division games are more important, but we are playing against a team that is struggling right now. It's a game we should have a good chance of winning. It doesn't matter if it's an East or West opponent, we just need to pick up the win."

Fans can watch this week's game LIVE on mnswarm.com with Swarm Vision and can also join the Swarm's gameday blog powered by CoveritLive for additional insights on the action. Fans not near a computer during the game can text "SWARM TURF" to 91944 to receive halftime and final score updates.

Minnesota returns home against the Edmonton Rush on Saturday, April 3 at 7:35 p.m. CST at Xcel Energy Center. The team will be wearing pink and black uniforms in addition to specially made pink Reebok helmets for Hive Cares night.

Fans can purchase the Onword Spirit "Swarm On" T-Shirt Ticket Package for $25 and receive a ticket to the game along with a special commemorative Hive Cares T-shirt. Tickets are available online at mnswarm.com or by calling 888-MN-SWARM.

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National Lacrosse League Stories from March 10, 2010


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