A win is a win and the Bandits will take it.

I would be lying if I didn’t indicate the game against San Diego could have gone either way. But good teams find a way to win. With a mix of incredible goaltending, some shifting of defensive schemes, and high-flying offense, the Bandits showed why they are a good team.

Have a look again at the saves Matt Vinc made in the closing minutes of the game. Living up to his marquee, making big saves when needed.

Three saves and then feed it for a goal. Matt Vinc is unreal. 👀 pic.twitter.com/GRX0qvh6n8

— Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits) December 8, 2019

Good Core

Players were soaking shots as well, clogging up the shooting lanes, and the Seals gave a good challenge to the Bandit defense. So much so that you could see changes being made in the second half when formations were changed and rotated.

It’s the core of this team that makes them good. They are the usual suspects for several seasons now and always work well with the new players.

“This group is always built on the family atmosphere. Everybody is pretty tight,” assistant captain, Kevin Brownell, entering his eighth season with the Bandits, said. “The core group of this team has been around for quite some time, so we integrate the new guys in and get them thinking with the same mindset.”

It worked game one as two rookies were in the line-up with Brett Noseworthy and Marcus Minichiello, and they played as if they’ve been with the team for a year.

Numbers don’t Lie

Everybody made a contribution in their 13-10 win over the Seals. Even when Quinn Powless went down with an injury mid-week, and Chase Fraser already out, the call to action came to shore up the right forward side with Dallas Bridle and Kevin Brownell.

Bridle, a third-round choice in 2017, has spent most of his time on the Bandits practice squad, which included working his way back from injury. The former University of Denver product (won an NCAA Championship in 2015), worked and wiggled his way back into the lineup and made a huge contribution with his first-ever NLL goal and four assists.

You'll always remember your first in Banditland… pic.twitter.com/wAmSGhJqzk

— NLL (@NLL) December 8, 2019

Brownie

Brownell, a third-round choice by the Bandits in 2012, made his debut up front for the first time since playing defense. But he’s been familiar with the position, even earning MVP status in juniors.

“Basically, my whole life I played offense until I came to Buffalo. It’s a position I’m familiar with, but it’s eight years since I’ve been up there,” Brownell, who picked up an assist off his hard corner work and setting picks, said. “It comes back pretty quick. We have a lot of guys with offensive skill, just get the ball in their stick.”

Let’s go to the Video Tape

Corey Small, Chris Cloutier and Dhane Smith each bagged three goals. Let’s look again!

And it was good to see Air Byrne back, making #3 on ESPN’s Top Ten.

AIR BYRNE sealed it! ⚡ pic.twitter.com/598ilQQFEx

— Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits) December 8, 2019

Behind the Bench

I thought there were quick and witty changes by the coaching staff during the game, which made it very interesting. In a seesaw battle, the Bandits scored in pairs four times in breaking the seven ties. The team reacted to the coaching of the game, something they’ve been working on during training camp.

“Things seem to be coming together. Guys are really starting to get the game plan,” general manager and assistant coach Steve Dietrich said. “I think the fact that we are trying some different things, the guys are buying in, which is a big. We’re doing some different things that we haven’t done in the past.”

And what about his first game behind the bench?

“I haven’t been nervous like this since I played, but it’s a fun nervousness,” he said. “I have two great guys [head coach Tavares and fellow assistant coach Rusty Kruger] that I’m going to lean on, and then Coz [goaltending coach Anthony Cosmo] and [assistant general manager] Troy [Cordingley] upstairs.”

Bye, Bye, Bye

The Bandits will be away from NLL action until Saturday, Dec. 28 when Halifax comes to KeyBank Center. Oh, yes, there will be plenty of practice time and a chance for players to mend early-season bruises, get some maintenance work done and get healthy.

And continue to work on unfinished business.

Merry Christmas to all and Happy Holidays, Banditland!