Wings Upend Bandits in Overtime
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Veteran Jake Bergey scored 20
seconds into overtime to lead the Wings past Buffalo, 15-14, Saturday at the
Wachovia Center in front of 10,542 fans. The Wings gave up their lead late
in the fourth quarter, but were able to force overtime with less than two
minutes left on the clock. Bergey scored four goals in the win, while
Athan Iannucci had another strong night with four goals and three assists.
Goalie Rob Blasdell made 48 saves on 62 shots.
“I thought our veterans were terrific,” said
Wings' Head Coach Dave Huntley. "Bergey, Hajek, and Van Beek did a great
job and so did our defense."
The Wings scored two goals in the
first two minutes to take the quick lead. The two teams battled back and
forth until late in the half when the Wings scored five unanswered goals to take
a 9-5 lead into the locker rooms. Iannucci and Bergey each scored a hat trick
for Philadelphia in the first half.
Buffalo outscored Philadelphia,
5-4, in the third quarter, but the Wings preserved their lead with four power
play goals. It was a physical quarter, with 28 minutes in penalties. Buffalo
didn’t give up as they fought back to take a 14-13 lead. Jamie Rooney was able
to tie the game for Philadelphia and force overtime with a goal at
13:07.
Athan Iannucci (4G, 3A) led the Wings in scoring with
seven points. Six other players scored goals for Philadelphia, including Geoff
Snider (2G), Jamie Rooney (2G,1A), Merrick Thomson (1G,4A), Dan
Marohl (1G,3A), Taylor Wray (1G,1A), and Jake Bergey (4G ). Goaltender Rob
Blasdell made 48 saves.
Mark Steenhuis led the Bandits in scoring
with five points (4G,1A). Six other players scored for Buffalo,
including John Tavares (2G,5A), Clay Hill (1G), Kevin Dostie (4G,1A), Cory
Bomberry (1G,5A), Dan Teat (1G,3A), and Roger Vyse (1G,5A). Goaltender
Michael Thompson had 37 saves on 52 shots.
Click
Here to Watch a Post-Game Interview with Head Coach Dave Huntley
NOTES: The
Philadelphia Wings’ Merrick Thomson was named the NLL’s Rookie of the Week for
his performance in last Friday’s 15-14 win over the National Lacrosse League’s
defending champions, the Rochester Knighthawks at the Wachovia Center.
Thomson recorded three goals and three assists, while picking up five loose
balls.
For a complete scoring of tonight's game, log on to
www.pointstreak.com
<http://www.pointstreak.com>.