CROSSEFIRE OPEN FLOOD-GAITS, DEFEAT WINGS
14-8
February 26, 2000
The biggest crowd in the history of pro indoor lacrosse saw an
offensive show in the return of lacrosse’s twin superstars,
brothers Paul and Gary Gait, but went away disappointed as the
pair led the visiting Pittsburgh CrosseFire to their second
victory in two nights, 14-8.
A record 18,911 witnessed the first game in Philadelphia by pro
indoor lacrosse’s top two all-time leading scorers since
they led the Wings to a semi-final playoff victory in April of
1994. The two were reunited when Paul was traded to Pittsburgh
from Syracuse on February 12.
Paul was the star of the show, earning Game MVP honors for his
seven goal, four assist performance, which was complemented by
brother Gary’s eight point night (two goals, six assists).
The difference in the game was the second quarter, in which
Pittsburgh blanked Philadelphia 4-0 on a quartet of goals by the
Gaits, three from Paul and one from Gary. Goaltender Devin Dalep,
who made 48 saves on the night, stopped all 15 shots by the Wings
during that 15 minute stanza.
The loss dropped the Wings to 4-2, with the CrosseFire handing
their cross-state rivals both defeats thus far. The rivalry
showed in the teams combining for 65 minutes on 22 penalties.
Jake Bergey led the Wings with four points, all assists, while
Tom Marechek was their top goal scorer with three. Rookie Jason
Clark also had a three-point night (2+1).
The previous attendance record was 18,595 at Marine Midland Arena
in Buffalo on two occasions during the 1997 season.