Minnesota Swarm Looking To Clinch A Playoff Spot This Weekend

Published on April 14, 2010 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Minnesota Swarm News Release


SAINT PAUL, MN - The National Lacrosse League's (NLL) Minnesota Swarm (5-9) will attempt to snap a four-game losing streak when they host the Philadelphia Wings (4-10) this Saturday, April 17 at 7:35 p.m. CST at Xcel Energy Center. Minnesota can clinch the West's fourth and final playoff spot with a win or a Colorado (4-10) loss in any of the final two remaining regular season games for both clubs. The Swarm also holds the tiebreaker advantage over Colorado after winning the season series, 2-1.

Despite dropping both of their back-to-back games last weekend, several team records were shattered. Six-year veteran F Sean Pollock became the team's all-time leading goal scorer on Friday night after notching two goals against Rochester. Pollock surpassed Ryan Ward's career mark of 114 goals. The native of Wallaceburg, Ontario added another two goals the following night in Boston, and finished the weekend with 118 career goals.

"Becoming the all-time goal scorer in team history is a testament to Sean's durability over the past six years," said General Manager Marty O'Neill. "He brings a lot to this team and that's why we gave him a three-year contract extension in the offseason."

The duo of F Callum Crawford and F Aaron Wilson also did some record setting in the two-game span. Crawford notched 12 points (2g, 10a) and set a new franchise record for points (85) and assists (57) in a season. Crawford currently ranks second in the league in scoring and trails Roughnecks F Josh Sanderson (91) by six points for the scoring crown. Wilson, who ranks sixth in the NLL in scoring with 79 points, tallied six goals, which set a new team record for goals in a season (35). The native of Kitchener, Ontario currently leads the league in power play goals with 12.

O'Neill explained that the team is looking to finish the season strong and clinch a playoff spot against Philadelphia after a tough outing last weekend.

"We are trying to stayed composed to the best of our ability," O'Neill said. "Everyone is a little beside themselves right now because we've worked hard and fate hasn't favored us, but we just have to keep doing the things we do well. Hopefully our consistency on offense and goaltending will continue. If we can cut down some mistakes in transition and on face-offs as well as tighten up on defense, I think we will be right where we need to be."

Philadelphia stunned the Swarm earlier this season on Mar. 13 at the Wachovia Center with a 20-11 win. F Ryan Benesch posted a hat trick in the first quarter and led the Swarm with seven points (3g, 4a), but T Geoff Snider (4g, 1a), F Dan Teat (4g, 6a) and F Kyle Wailes (4g, 5a) all scored four goals for the Wings.

"Honestly our focus is more on ourselves this week," O'Neill said. "All of the guys on this team have been around this league long enough to not use any excuses. We are holding everyone accountable and trying to finish the season strong and put together a run in the playoffs."

For the first time in it's six-year history, the Swarm will provide dog owners and dogs alike the opportunity to enjoy a lacrosse match together. Fans can bring their dogs to the arena for "Dog Night at the Hive" this Saturday and sit exclusively with their dogs and other dog owners in the Upper Level of Xcel Energy for only $10. From 5 to 6:30 p.m., owners will be able to walk their dogs around the concourse area as well as visit booths and dog friendly exhibits set up by local organizations such as Can Do Canines, Pet Yard Pick-Up, Pet Project, and MNSNAP. For more information on "Dog Night at the Hive" visit mnswarm.com or call 1-888-MN-SWARM.

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