Storm vs. Predators

By Compiled by JOHN C. COTEY

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 1, 2000

At a glance

• WHEN/WHERE: 7:40 tonight; Ice Palace, Tampa.

• TV/RADIO: Sunshine; WDAE-AM 620.RECORD: Orlando 9-1, Storm 5-5.COACHES: Orlando -- Jay Gruden (30-14, third season). Storm -- Tim Marcum (122-35, 12th season).SERIES: Tied at 12.

• NOTES: The league's premier rivalry was evened after the Predators rallied in the final minute to beat Tampa Bay 44-43 this season, the fourth time a game between the teams has been decided by one point. This is how close the series is: The Storm holds a 960-959 scoring advantage. ... The Predators have the league's best record and are trying to hang on to home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. ... Neither team has impressed offensively. Orlando ranks 11th in scoring (47.4-point average) and the Storm 13th (44.8). ... The game pits the league's No. 1 defense (Tampa Bay) against No. 2. The Storm relies on its pass rush. Orlando relies on DBs Kenny "The Glove" McEntyre and Damon Mason. McEntyre has 10 interceptions for the second consecutive year and has returned six of those 20 for touchdowns. Mason leads the league in forced fumbles and is second in tackles, and he has four interceptions. ... Storm QB John Kaleo has not thrown an interception in his past three games. In that span, he has thrown for 15 touchdowns and run for two. ... Lawrence Samuels has six touchdown receptions in the past three games. ... FB Andre Bowden needs 26 yards rushing to become the second player with 1,000 career yards in the league. ... OL/DL Robert "Pig" Goff had his only sack of the season in the previous meeting with Orlando. ... In a pregame ceremony, all-time interceptions leader Tracey Perkins will have his No. 24 retired.

Compiled by John C. Cotey.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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