Wings vs. Riptide: Preview, Odds, How to Watch

Just over a week ago, the Philadelphia Wings (2-2) celebrated their biggest win of the season. In overtime, they defeated the Halifax Thunderbirds on the road, 16-15.

Dramatically, Jack Jasinski scored the game-winner. Jasinski accepted the feed from Joe Resetarits at the extended goal line, then cleared the crease in a single bound like Superman. For Jasinski, his first goal with the Wings was about as clutch as it gets in the NLL.

Today, Philadelphia hosts the New York Riptide (0-3) with a chance to sweep the season series.

New York Riptide

Winless, the Riptide don’t have history on their side. They’re 1-3 at the Wells Fargo Center.

Connor Kearnan scored the game-winner on January 23rd, 2022. He had five points (4G, 1A) in the only victory for New York on the road against the Wings. This season, Kearnan leads the Riptide in total points (13) and assists (9). He leads the team in turnovers, too. Earlier this season against Philadelphia on December 2nd, Kearnan totaled five points (2G, 3A) in a 13-10 loss.

Jeff Teat also tallied five points (1G, 4A) earlier this season versus the Wings. He and Kearnan had fingerprints on the same scoring plays throughout the losing effort. Ironically, if Teat and Kearnan weren’t creating the scoring play with their chemistry, then Kiel Matisz was nearby to help.

Matisz, formerly, was a vital gear to the leadership group in the Philadelphia locker room as team captain.

Underdogs, New York is 5/11 (45%) on the powerplay and 6/14 (42%) on the penalty kill. They’re in last place in the NLL standings. Cameron Dunkerley will likely start for the Riptide. He saved 36/49 (73.4%) shots on goal when the Wings visited Long Island.

Philadelphia Wings

The 2023-2024 season isn’t all sunny for Philadelphia, either. They’re 0-1 at the Wells Fargo Center, dropping their home opener to the Albany Fire Wolves.

After reviewing the history, perhaps the schedule unfolded on time for the Wings.

A win gives Philadelphia a winning record. Those are the baby steps that must be taken before looking at where other teams in the NLL rank ahead of them. Paul Day would like to earn a victory today when the Wings are favored.

Mitch Jones led the way recently with a balanced attack. During the win on the road against the Thunderbirds, Jones tallied eight points (4G, 4A). He continuously peppers goaltenders with hard, quality shots. Jones also contributed eight points (2G, 6A) when Philadelphia conquered New York at the 2023-2024 NLL Faceoff Weekend.

Curtis Romanchych (lower body) and Mitchell Armstrong (upper body) are ruled out of the lineup. Holden Cattoni (upper body), Blaze Riorden (upper body), Ryan Wagner (lower body), and Marcus Minichiello (upper body) are listed as questionable.

Favored, the Wings are 10/18 (55%) on the powerplay and 7/12 (58%) on the penalty kill. Philadelphia is seventh in the NLL standings, middling amongst the league. Zach Higgins will likely start. He saved 53/68 (77.9%) shots on goal in Halifax.