Rush set to face tough opponent in Wings

Two division leaders — the Saskatchewan Rush and Philadelphia Wings — will go stick-to-stick Saturday night in Philadelphia.

The Rush, who lead the National Lacrosse League’s West Division with a 5-2 record, will visit the East Division-leading Wings, who are 7-3.

The Rush have been the NLL’S best road team so far, and here are some things to know as they fly to Philly:

1. Road warriors

Saskatchewan is one of two NLL teams without a loss on the road this season. They’re 4-0 outside Saskatchewan — winning in Colorado (9-8), New York (11-4), San Diego (12-9) and Halifax (16-15).

The only other unbeaten road squad is New England; they’re 2-0.

In home-floor action, the Rush are 1-2 at Sasktel Centre.

2. Hot hands

The weekend opponents are riding identical hot streaks. Both are winners of two straight games, and four of their past five.

The Rush are the only team in their division with a plus-.500 record; they’re followed by Colorado (5-6), Calgary (3-4), Vancouver (4-6) and San Diego (3-6).

3. Recent history

Philadelphia has a long NLL history, but after a half-decade without a franchise, the Wings came on board prior to last season. The Wings have met the Rush just once, with Saskatchewan winning 16-11 last year at Sasktel Centre.

Saturday’s game is the teams’ only regular-season meeting.

4. Finding the net

Philadelphia’s Kevin Crowley is enjoying a fine season; he’s second in NLL scoring, behind only Vancouver’s Mitch Jones, with 17 goals and 34 assists for 51 points through 10 games. Wings’ forward Matt Rambo is tied for eighth with 43 points.

Saskatchewan’s relative lack of games to this point keeps its players off the scoring-leaders list, but they’re topped by 2018 NLL MVP Mark Matthews, who has nine goals, 24 assists and 33 points through his seven contests.

5. Up next

The Rush, who have played just three times at home this season, have a back-to-back Sasktel Centre set on their immediate horizon.

They’ll host Toronto next Saturday, and Vancouver on March 7, before travelling to Calgary for a March 13 game with the Roughnecks.