NLL Insider

The National Lacrosse League playoffs start this weekend. Yeah, I know what the schedule says, but the Philadelphia Wings can’t afford to take a regular-season approach into Sunday’s tilt with the Toronto Rock.

The Philly-Toronto game is chock full of potential. The visitors are playing for their playoff lives, a stunning and disappointing scenario given the Wings started 6-0 this season. Looked unbeatable. But a 2-5 road record and shaky tending in the goal brought Philly back to earth. Toronto’s got no chance at the playoffs, but there’ll be no lack of emotion as the Rock relish their spoiler role and try to send classy vet Jim Veltman into retirement on a winning note. The formula’s ripe for an intense, physical matchup and it’ll be a big surprise if this game doesn’t meet the hype.

It’s simple for the Wings. Win, and they’re in. Lose, and they can still get in but they could also be left in the cold. Hard to say exactly what the problem’s been. The Wings (210) are the only team in the league with more than 200 goals, but they’re also the only team that’s given up more than 200 goals (206). What’s gonna happen when that O collides with the Toronto D, which is tied for first in the league with just 159 goals-against. Yeah, it’s a simplistic look at things, but it really might be as simple as this: Can the Philly O crack the Toronto D?

Philly did it once already this season, beating Toronto 11-9 earlier this month. The big X-factor this time around? Philly’s gotta do it on the road, which has been anything but kind to these Wings.

• Mammoth playoff tickets on sale: ColoradoMammoth.com
• Final episode of Jax Lacrosse Weekly airs tonight: PortlandJax.com
• Veltman jerseys up for bid in Toronto: TorontoRock.com
• NBA’s Steve Nash has a laxer hero in Alexander: Globe and Mail

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