Kevin.M. Neibauer
LaxPhilly-Part of the Edge of Philly Sports Network
Philadelphia became New England who became Albany so, would this game be Philadelphia vs. Philadelphia?
Of course not, but, thought provoking in a way?
Sub-plots a plenty in this one.
The main story was the combined 12 points from Joe Resetarits and Andrew Kew with a game flat out stolen by Albany net-minder, Doug Jamieson and a blanketing Fire Wolves defense.
Philadelphia matched Albany for the first 9:03, keeping shooters to the perimeter with both Goalies being able to knock awy low percentage chances.
This Could be Good or Boring
Depending on what you want in a game, if you like goaltending and defense and an occasional oddity, this was for you..
Resetarits (3g, 3a) finally solved Zach Higgins, who returned for the Philly nets, at 9:03 when he converted a pretty set up from Charlie Kitchen (1a) and journeyman, Jordan Durston (2a).
Not to be outdone, Colton Watkinson (1g) hit net at 12:05 set up by Resetarits
That would be all the scoring in the opening stanza
One Down, Three to Go
Resetarits picked up the only Power Play of tbe game off the first point of the afternoon from Andrew Kew to move it 3-0 at the 12:22 mark.
Philly was finally able to get into the “dirty zone” with Matt Rambo planting a left handed blast set up by the suddenly scoring proficient, Anthony Joaquim (1a) and Isaiah Davis- Allen (1a)to give Philly a bit of a push.
Andrew Kew (2g, 4a) put it back to a three goal Albany edge but,Corey Small (4g) answered four minutes later.
Just thirty six seconds after Small lit the lamp, the much traveled, Ryan Benesch (1g,1a), buried a set -up from, the red hot Resetarits.
Defensive specialist, Ian Llord (1g) thrilled the home town crowd with a break away tally at 10:17 that signaled the end of the first half scoring and Albany with a 5-3 advantage.
Quarter Three
The defensive intensity and the physical play was heating up, despite a clean very penalty nearly free game, a few incidents of chirping and shoving were rearing their head in a quarter that witnessed a simple two goals.
Kew kicked things off just :36 in followed with Small hitting rope at 11:19 with help from Big Cat Crowley to send us to the final stanza with Philly staring at a two goal deficit, 6-4.,
Now, It Gets Fun
After the buttoned down conservative first three quarters, things opened up and intrigue was nearing.
After 2:33, Jacob Ruest seemingly put this one to bed but, the Wings refused to read that bed time story.
Finally able to find cracks in the Albany defense, Crowley (1g, 3a), and a pair from Small in a span of Just 3:28 got things even at 7-7.
Albany fired back with Ruest at 10:37 and Resetarits at 12:27 seemed to seal the deal.
Albany had on more nail for the Philadelphia coffin when Kew scored from the doorstep with 1:40 remaining.
Wings Coach, Paul Day threw the challenge flag and the call was reversed as Kew had his foot on the crease line.
With new life, Philly went on the offensive and received a dividend with Blaze Riorden (1g) lighting the lamp off a beauty Crowley feed.
I’m the waning seconds, a wild goal mouth scramble ensued but, Albany was able to shut the door and tighten up the East Division in the early stages of tbe season.
Dis Dat and De Udder Thing
I mentioned oddities…no fewer than ten balls went into the stands….I know, who watches that?
In what could have been the rarest of rare…a delayed penalty on Albany…before the official’s hand went up, a wide Albany shot banged off the boards and bee lined to the Albany net.
The ball missed the net by no more than six inches.. that created a buzz…”If that went in, is it a goal?”
To my knowledge it would be.
A battle within a battle…two of the top face off guys absolutely put on a clinic.
It is a rare game when Trevor Baptiste gets handled but, Joe Nardella went 14 of 21.
Despite the low score, a total of 102 shots went on goal with Doug Jamieson saving 46 of 54
Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.
Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.
A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.
