History repeated itself.
The Philadelphia Wings haven’t defeated the Toronto Rock since returning to the City of Brotherly Love in 2019. They’re winless in five attempts.
It is this Rock team that presents the steepest challenge. Before this season, the Wings were zero for three, but all losses were decided by one. Now, Toronto is distancing ahead of Philadelphia.
Before Saturday, the Wings were ready to capture their sixth win. They were among elite teams. Now, they’re in the postseason hunt by the skin of their teeth. Philadelphia began this season as a heavy favorite, but they’re currently hanging on to the eighth seed.
“It’s a good look in the mirror for us. We’ve gotta’ be much better at all parts of the game.”
Paul Day; 2/5/2022
Can’t Stop The Rock
At halftime, the score was 7-7.
As advertised, Rob Hellyer broke through on special teams. Both defenses were holding their ground, but the Rock was more disciplined. Then, he contributed four more points. Again, Hellyer was the catalyst for Toronto.
Less than a minute into the fourth quarter, Dan Craig scored. He scored two goals in under the first two minutes. In the final quarter, Craig tallied a hat trick, extending his goal total to five.
“I thought our effort level was there in the second half. There was a lot of blocked shots, we had some good chances, and once we missed a couple, they really capitalized. They stepped on our throats and we couldn’t recover.”
Ben McIntosh; 2/5/2022
Zach Higgins didn’t finish. It was the second time he didn’t finish his start against the Rock this season. Hellyer and Craig had their fingerprints on nearly every scoring play against the Wings. Philadelphia couldn’t figure out Nick Rose in the second half, losing 14-7. All-time, they’re 0-5 versus Toronto.
“We’re looking for a little momentum change. Penney went in, stopped two in a row, and we got Higgy back in there and he had a good finish. Anything to slow the momentum down. It gives him a time to reset, too.”
Paul Day; 2/5/2022
Kevin Crowley and Blaze Riorden led the team in points (4.) Ben McIntosh scored a first-quarter hat trick.
Next Up
The Philadelphia Wings travel to the First Ontario Centre to take on the Halifax Thunderbirds. Faceoff will be at 1pm, and you can watch on ESPN+ or TSN.
(Photo Credit: Alex McIntyre)
