by George Bruck, Jr.
Outsider's Guide Game Correspondent
Last week's victory over Syracuse left many fans wondering if the Philadelphia Wings were for real -- if they were able to maintain their improved level of play against a top team. Saturday night, in a 16-13 victory over the first place Baltimore Thunder, the Wings answered with a resounding "yes!"
Both teams showed stingy defense throughout the first half, with only three goals scored in the first quarter and just twelve for the half. Jake Bergey scored a hat trick in the first half, matching that of the Thunder's Joe Hiltz. The Wings held perennial All Pro Gary Gait to zero goals and just two assists, and took the game into halftime tied at six.
The second half showed both teams picking up the pace significantly. There were more shots on goal, but Gait managed just two goals for the half to come away with six points for the game. Hiltz added a pair of assists to his first half stats, leading Baltimore with seven points.
The lead changed hands several times, but neither team would give up. Strong backchecking was evident throughout the game by both teams, and the goalies both had outstanding nights. The Wings were helped by a six-point night by Tom Marechek and an atypical three goal, two assist effort by John McEvoy. The story of the game, though, was once again Jake Bergey, who continues to improve as each week goes by. His five goal, six assist night was huge, earning him game MVP honors and possibly another Player of the Week award.
The game was played in front of 16,398 fans, including a large group of Thunder fans making noise in the second level. The first-place Thunder will visit Rochester next, on 26 March, while the Wings visit the New York Saints the next night to continue their bid for a playoff berth. This win validates the Wings season and shows they have the talent to make a playoff run, and can play with any team on any given night.