In atypical fashion the Philadelphia Wings fell to the New York Titans this past weekend, 11-8, breaking the Wings 7-0 streak at home for the 2008 season. The Wings’ win would have clinched Philadelphia’s first playoff berth since 2002. The Wings will now look to salvage their playoff chances as they face the Toronto Rock at the Air Canada Centre on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

“It is make or break, and although we have played well over the last month, we’re only 2-2, which is a testament to how tough the Eastern Division is,” stated Head Coach Dave Huntley. “I’m also very excited to be able to participate in Jim’s [Veltman] last game, but we have another mission. Overall, I think it will be a great afternoon in Toronto.”

This will be the final regular season game for both teams and will also mark the last game for the Rock’s Jim Veltman as a player after a 16-year professional career. Toronto will feature a pre-game ceremony to honor Veltman.

“I was involved with the league when he [Veltman] started and I also had the opportunity to coach Jim in 1998 with the Canadian World Team,” commented Huntley. “He’s a terrific guy; someone I have always enjoyed watching play, but looking forward as opposed to looking back, it’s exciting to welcome him to the other side of the floor and join all of us as a coach.”

The Wings offense is led by forwards Athan Iannucci with 95 points (67G, 28A) and Jake Bergey with 57 points (28G, 29A).  Center Geoff Snider has also been instrumental for the Wings winning 291 of 399 face-offs this season. Goaltender Brandon Miller made 43 saves against New York last weekend and has a 78.5% save percentage.

Lewis Ratcliff has recorded 21 points (10G, 11A) for the Rock in four games, and Blaine Manning leads the Rock in points with 71 (27G, 44A). Goaltender Bob Watson averages a 74.5% save percentage with 13.51 goals against average; he is expected to start in goal this weekend.

Currently there are several possible playoff scenarios that the Wings may encounter depending on the outcomes of this weekend’s games. Philadelphia will clinch a playoff berth with a win over Toronto or a Rochester loss to New York.

Wings will establish a home playoff game with a win over Toronto and two of the following:
- New York loss to Rochester
- Buffalo loss to Portland
- Two Minnesota losses to Chicago

The Wings will be able to clinch the Eastern Division title, top seed overall and final home field advantage throughout playoffs with a win over Toronto and a New York loss to Rochester and a Buffalo loss to Portland and two Minnesota losses to Chicago.