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Philadelphia Wings Seek to Secure Home Playoff Game

April 18, 2012 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Philadelphia Wings News Release


The Philadelphia Wings will continue their quest to host their first home playoff game since 2002 as they play the Swarm at Minnesota's XcelEnergy Center Saturday at 8 p.m.

Fresh off the bye week, the Wings can secure a home playoff game at Wells Fargo Center with a win and a Toronto Rock loss to the Stealth on Friday or a Rochester Knighthawk loss to the Buffalo Bandits on Saturday.

Wings Head Coach Johnny Mouradian said the bye week came at the perfect time for his team after Philadelphia lost 13-9 to Minnesota and 17-7 to Buffalo during the prior weekend.

"We were able to spend some time together as a team. We had to spend some time cleaning up some things so we were able to clean up and we're ready," said Mouradian. "We had a really good season, we had a great series with Colorado and we have to remember how well we can play."

The Wings will seek to avenge a home loss suffered to the Swarm at Wells Fargo Center on April 6, in which the team was tied 7-7 through three quarters. Mouradian hopes the Wings can improve their shot selection and put together four complete quarters in the rematch.

"I think everybody knows that Minnesota brings a lot of desire and grit," Mouradian said. "They pressure you and play aggressive games. I thought last time we did a reasonable job managing their transitions. We just have to make sure when we get transition we do a better job with our shot selection. I think we matchup very well but we're still different. We have more of a veteran presence but it's going to be another close game."

Currently leading the East Division at 7-7, the Wings have been led this season by veteran forward Dan Dawson who was acquired with the first overall pick in the Boston Blazers' dispersal draft this offseason.

Dawson set the league record for most assists in a season during the loss to Buffalo when he notched his 75th assist of the season. He'll look to add to that total and get the Wings back on the winning track Saturday night.

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