Fort Worth, TX – The Albany FireWolves (10-6) take a trip south on Sunday, April 14 to square off against Panther City Lacrosse Club (8-8) at Dickies Arena in a matchup that has big National Lacrosse League (NLL) playoff implications.
With a win against Panther City the FireWolves will secure a historic first home playoff game since the team moved to Albany in 2021. A win for Panther City keeps their playoff hopes alive as they are one of the few teams with the best chances of clinching a spot as the season comes to a close. With four straight losses and two regular season games remaining, this game is a perfect opportunity for Albany to get back on track as they prepare for the NLL playoffs.
This game will be nationally broadcast on ESPNU and will begin at 5 pm ET.
Every Game Is A Playoff Game
The FireWolves have clinched a spot in the NLL playoffs, but have been struggling as of late to play complete games. With an opportunity to secure a home playoff game, Albany needs to play with a playoff mentality from here on out to start to build momentum for a big postseason run. Early in the season, when they came out to out to blistering 6-0 start, they played with confidence and an “us against the world” attitude. With many people doubting them once again, the FireWolves are ready to regain that attitude as they know they have the skill, the leadership, and the heart to be a championship team.
Getting The Mojo Back
To get back to their winning ways it starts with the offense playing with the mojo that earned them a franchise tying 10 wins this season. Rookie Alex Simmons continues to lead the way for the FireWolves with a team high 85 pts (33g, 52a) with his great shooting and dynamic playmaking. The leader of the offense Ethan Walker has 72 pts (27g, 45a) and is only 3 assists away from reaching 100 in his career. It won’t be surprising if he hits that mark against Panther City. The offense has the luxury of having very balanced scoring from forwards like Sam Firth, Travis Longboat, and Tye Kurtz who have shown the ability to explode for big games. The FireWolves offense is at their best when they are buzzing the ball around with crisp passing, slick two-man games, and creativity that is thrilling to watch. This needs to be the game when this group regains their mojo.
Scouting Panther City
The NLL playoff race is coming down to the wire and Panther City is right in the mix to claim one of the four remaining spots with a record of 8-8. They play fast and are a resilient team who has won three overtime games this season. Forward Will Malcolm has been the catalyst for PCLC with 95 pts (33g, 62a), but it has been the veteran Callum Crawford who is surprising everyone as he has produced 82 pts (37g, 45a) at the age of 39. Goalie Nick Damude has been solid as he has back stopped a defensive group that plays physical and fast. PCLC will be playing do or die lacrosse with their playoff hopes on the line.
FireWolves Players To Watch
Nathan Grenon was a member of Panther City last season before being released from the team after training camp this season. He has enjoyed a productive season for the FireWolves and will be extra fired up to compete against his former team.
Travis Longboat was held scoreless for the first time this season last game against Toronto so he will have extra motivation to have a big game. Longboat has been a clutch scorer for the FireWolves who creates offense every time he’s on the floor and gets crucial loose balls in huge moments.
Doug Jamieson has been very good despite the recent losses, and he will need to have another great game in net for Albany to defeat run and gun Panther City.
Opposing Players To Watch
Jon Donville is third in scoring for PCLC with 73 pts (27g, 46a), but his four game winning goals have made him one of the most clutch players in the league.
Tony Malcom has been PCLC’s biggest threat in transition and the FireWolves will need to do a great job of substituting to limit his chances. Transition goals have been a killer for Albany in recent games so shutting that down needs to be a top priority.
Rookie Jason Knox had 4 goals and 4 assists in Panther City’s last game and will surely be looking to continue his hot streak against Albany. Limiting his opportunities will be important early on for the FireWolves defense.
Come party with us at Recovery Sports Grill and cheer on the FireWolves on Sunday, April 14th as the FireWolves hit the road to take on Panther City! The party and the game begins at 5pm. We’ll see you at Recovery Sports Grill in Rensselaer, NY on April 14th!
For more information regarding tickets, visit www.albanyfirewolves.com or call/text the FireWolves ticket hotline 518-612-4196.
About Albany FireWolves
The Albany FireWolves is the Capital Region’s very own Professional Box Lacrosse team, playing in the National Lacrosse League out of the MVP Arena in downtown Albany, NY. For more information, contact the Albany FireWolves Front Office at (518) 362-4900 or visit AlbanyFireWolves.com. Follow the team on Facebook at facebook.com/AlbFireWolves, Twitter @AlbFireWolves, and Instagram @AlbFireWolves.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 15 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, Las Vegas Desert Dogs, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (TX), Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors. For more information, visit NLL.com and find @NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About MVP Arena
MVP Arena is a full-service entertainment and sports facility featuring a wide variety of family shows, sporting events, trade shows and concerts. Owned by Albany County and managed by ASM Global, MVP Arena opened in 1990 and is home to the Albany FireWolves of the National Lacrosse League, the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football League and the Division I Men’s College Basketball Siena Saints. For more information, please visit https://www.mvparena.com/
