DULUTH, GA (MARCH 15, 2024)– The Georgia Swarm are making a strong push for the playoffs as they climb to the fourth spot in the NLL standings with only four games left in the regular season. This Saturday at 7:30 PM, they face off against the Philadelphia Wings at Harrah’s Cherokee Field at Gas South Arena.
This season, the Georgia Swarm has delivered thrilling matchups, featuring one-point games and overtime victories that have kept fans at the edge of their seats. The term “Swarm Madness” captures the excitement surrounding the team, particularly during the March to May playoff drive. In a recent nail-biting win, the Swarm won in overtime over the Calgary Roughnecks with a diving shot, clinching a 13-12 victory. Remarkably, the Swarm has won six out of eight games decided by two goals or less this season, including two in overtime. However, with the unified standings in the National Lacrosse League, surprises are always possible, and any team can emerge victorious regardless of their current rank.
This weekend don’t be fooled into thinking that the Swarm won’t give fans another heart attack. Swarm take on the Philadelphia Wings (4-7), who recently suffered a loss against Panther City 8-9. The Wings and Swarm have a history of playing close games, with 7 straight one-point games and three overtime games. This could be considered a rivalry game, but the matchup between these two teams has been equally competitive over the years.
Although the Philadelphia Wings are currently ranked 12th in the standings and have lost their chances of making it to the playoffs, they can still play a crucial role in deciding whether the Toronto Rock has a chance to clinch a playoff berth. The Wings have taken 518 shots this season, scoring 120 goals. Mitch Jones, with 64 points (16G, 48A), and Joe Resetarits, with 59 points (23G, 36A), are the offensive and power play leaders for the Wings. On the defensive front, Ian Llord has kept his position by blocking 15 shots this season, while goaltender Zach Higgins has made 605 saves.
The Georgia Swarm have four regular-season games left to play at home, with a chance of a playoff game if they maintain their current position. They have won two games in a row and will now face four teams that are currently non-playoff teams in their last stretch of games. The Swarm are currently in fourth place, which would secure a playoff game at home against the Halifax Thunderbirds. If they stay strong during their final stretch of the season, they will make their first playoff appearance since 2019.
Heading into this week’s match, Coach Comeau stated, “Every team’s ultimate goal is to win a championship, and the first step to achieving that is getting into the playoffs.” Comeau empathized, “Our team’s focus is to win games and secure our place in the playoffs. Each week, if we can secure more wins, it will bring us closer to our goal. We need to concentrate on playing well and winning the upcoming games.”
The Swarm’s top offensive trio of Lyle Thompson (35G, 35A), Shayne Jackson (21G, 47A), and Andrew Kew (27G, 38A) has been pivotal in crucial moments. In addition, the team boasts depth across its offensive lineup. Seth Oakes and Zach Miller have delivered standout performances this season, with Oakes currently ranked third on the team with 23 goals scored.
In goal for the Swarm is Brett Dobson, who leads the NLL with 526 saves and has played over 790 minutes this season. The team’s defense has also been solid, with Jeremy Thompson leading the team in loose balls with 94 and Jordan MacIntosh contributing 88 this season. Adam Wiedemann and John Ranagan rank second and third in blocked shots in the league, respectively.
Following Saturday’s game, the Swarm will return home on Sunday, March 24 at 5:30 PM for Family Night, Diamond Drop, and Gwinnett County Public Schools’ School Spirit Night. Tickets for upcoming Georgia Swarm games can be purchased at
https://www.georgiaswarm.com/tickets/singlegametickets/.
