Philadelphia Wings Drop to Calgary Under Friday Night Lights

April 4, 2014 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Philadelphia Wings News Release


Philadelphia, PA - Having their winning streak snapped, the Philadelphia Wings of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) lost a tight game to the Calgary Roughnecks. This was the only matchup between the two in the 2014 regular season. Calgary extended their overall series lead to 4-2 against Philadelphia.

"We didn't play very well offensively tonight," said Head Coach Blane Harrison. "The attack seemed anemic at times. We also gave up too many power play goals to Calgary on defense."

The Wings looked flat for the initial 13 minutes of the opening quarter. Calgary took advantage and went on a 3-0 scoring run to claim the lead. Wings Forward Jordan Hall struck first for Philadelphia and tallied his career high 27th goal of the season at the close of the quarter. The Wings trailed 3-1 through one.

Philadelphia went on a scoring run of their own to begin the second quarter, knotting the game at 3-3. Captain Brodie Merrill and Defender John Ranagan added the scores for the Wings. Calgary quickly matched to regain a two point lead. Philadelphia cut the Calgary advantage to one and entered the half trailing 5-4.

The Wings gained momentum and their first lead of the night at the start of the second half. Forward Pat Saunders contributed three quick goals to earn his sixth multi-goal game of the season and third hat trick of 2014. Calgary evened the game back at 7-7 with less than a minute to go. Wings Transition Player CJ Costabile scored his first career goal to give Philadelphia an 8-7 lead as time expired in the third quarter.

Calgary proved to be the better team at crunch time. The Roughnecks outscored Philadelphia 6-1 in the final frame to seal their ninth victory of the season. Calgary Forward Shawn Evans led all scorers with seven points (three goals, four assists).

"Calgary played a strong transition game," said Harrison. They go to the bench quickly and get fresh legs on the field. Their two short-handed goals when we [the Wings] were on the power play was the momentum swing in tonight's game."

Veteran Forwards Pat Saunders and Tracey Kelusky gave Philadelphia a fighting chance. Combined they added 10 points (five goals, five assists). Saunders contributed a game high four goals.

The Wings travel across the northern border to face the Toronto Rock for the final matchup in their regular season series (currently tied 1-1) at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto on Saturday, April 12 at 7 p.m. Philadelphia hosts the Colorado Mammoth for their regular season finale on Friday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Center.

Tickets for all Wings 2014 home games are available by phone at 215-389-WING or online at WingsLAX.com.



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