Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Wings Instagram
The Philadelphia Wings showed once again what a vastly improved team they are with a heart-stopping overtime victory in Saskatoon Saturday night. While the first quarter had a lot of back and forth action, the second quarter is where the Wings came to life scoring five times for an 8-5 lead.
Brennan O’Neil keeps improving in the box game, scoring a pair of goals in the half, showing again why Paul Day used their first overall pick to get him. The first while diving across the crease, and the second firing a howitzer from the outside.
https://twitter.com/NLL/status/1873181201814483043?t=k0X5a-ugbrcTA6rMXouwUw&s=19
The Rush battle back in the second half:
Rookie of the week last week, Brock Haley got the Rush on the board followed by Mike Triolo scoring on the power-play to bring the game within one. The Wings gave themselves a bit of breathing room with Cattoni scoring again, but a Jake Boudreau goal in transition kept it a one goal game. Late goals from Cattoni and Mitch Jones had the Wings up by three and cruising heading to the fourth quarter.
What has been a repeating storyline this season is Saskatchewan battling back in the fourth quarter, and this game was no exception. Two more goals from Mike Triolo as well as one from sniper, Zach Manns tied the game with almost ten minutes left in the quarter.
Both goalies were spectacular down the stretch and a big reason why this game went to overtime. Time and time again Frank Scigliano for Saskatchewan, and Nick Damude for the Wings, made game saving stops in the quarter sending this game to overtime.
In overtime, Joe Resetarits found the man with the hot stick, Holden Cattoni, who made no mistake 1:35 into the extra period sending the Wings to victory.
https://twitter.com/NLL/status/1873207146713633228?t=yLZPB3sAXBYqaPc9y4JBwA&s=19
Wings are scoring by committee:
With Holden Cattoni scoring five goals, a pair each from Joe Resetarits and Brennan O’Neil, and singles from Mitch Jones, Phil Caputo, and Blaze Riorden make it difficult on opponents defenses. A play that stood out was Mitch Jones fighting off two defenders, finding Joe Resetarits with a one hand pass, who finished the play beating Frank Scigliano with a blaze to the corner.
https://twitter.com/NLL/status/1873190085203808323?t=03Su4lpGEYdFaICfIlzf5A&s=19
With each game the chemistry becomes more and more apparent. Honorable mention goes to Scott Dominey, who dug out eleven loose balls in this game. However, if there is one area still to work on, it would be taking needless penalties. The Wings gave the Rush five power-plays in the game.
The Rush get a taste of defeat:
Until this game, the Saskatchewan Rush (3-1) were one of only a few undefeated teams in the league. Winning tight games had been their specialty this season, especially overtime victories (winning twice already). Philadelphia gave them their first taste of defeat, blemishing their perfect OT record as well.
The Wings jump to 3 and 1 on the season, winning their last three games after a week one defeat. Heading back home to face the Warriors after a bye week, this will be another big test for this up and coming team.
Don’t forget to check out the crew every Sunday night at 8pm (ET) on StreamPunkEnt.com
