PHILADELPHIA, PA – January 26, 2019 – The Philadelphia Wings got off to their best start of the season and held a four-goal lead at the end of the fourth quarter, but the Toronto Rock went on a 5-0 run to start the final period and eked out a 13-12 win on a goal by Rob Hellyer with 2:59 to play. Kevin Crowley and Kiel Matisz led the way for the second consecutive week, posting 10 and seven points respectively, but it wasn’t enough to offset hat tricks by three Toronto players and a 40-save night for goaltender Nick Rose.
Philadelphia sported throwback jerseys honoring the original Wings and started out with an offensive outburst appropriate for the attire, as they took a 4-0 lead in less than four minutes. That lead was 6-1 early in the second quarter, but Toronto chipped back a bit to pull within two at 6-4. A late goal by Blaze Riorden made it 7-4 at the intermission.
The teams traded goals throughout the third quarter, but the Wings had one extra tally to make it a four-goal lead headed into the final 15 minutes. That’s when Toronto charged back, with Helleyer’s game-winner completing a hat trick registered solely in the final period.
Crowley had four goals and six assists while Matisz had three goals and four assists. Matt Rambo (2), Riorden, Josh Currier and Vaughn Harris accounted for the other goals. Doug Buchan went the distance for Philadelphia, stopping 33 of 46 shots faced.
The Wings continue their four-game home stand on Friday, February 1 against Rochester for College Night. Tickets for all Wings home games are available at WingsLAX.com or by calling 215-952-LAX1.
