The San Diego Seals will advance to the West Conference Finals to face the Colorado Mammoth after defeating the Philadelphia Wings on Saturday night at Pechanga Arena San Diego in the first round of the NLL Playoffs. The Seals’ 9-8 victory was the team’s first postseason win in franchise history.
“This was obviously a huge win,” said general manager and head coach Patrick Merrill. “I’m so proud of our team, our guys, our coaches, they really put it all out on the floor tonight. This was only game one, and we won’t celebrate too hard, but we’ll enjoy this one tonight. It was a full team effort and what this team was built for.”
The Seals jumped out to a two-goal lead in the first quarter, and while the Wings kept the game close, San Diego was able to hold on to win the do-or-die matchup. Forward Austin Staats led the team’s offense with two goals and five points, while forwards Wesley Berg and Dane Dobbie added a pair of goals each.
“It took all of us for a full 60,” said forward Austin Staats. “This was my first playoff game and it lived up to the hype. The crowd was into it, and gave us energy all night. We all know what this team can do and I’m excited to keep it rolling.”
Rookie defenseman Patrick Shoemay scored his first, and second, career goals in the playoff game. Goaltender Frank Scigliano was dominant making 38 saves in the win, including 11 in the first quarter. Captain Brodie Merrill led the Seals with 11 loose balls.
The Seals will welcome the Colorado Mammoth to Pechanga Arena on Friday, May 13 at 7 p.m. for Game 1 of the West Conference Finals. Tickets at SealsLax.com.
