The two 11-7 teams meet again
It’s not the David and Goliath story for the matchup of the Bandits and FireWolves in the 2024 National Lacrosse League Finals.
Nope.
This best-of-three championship series represents two teams with exceptional talent in the changing landscape of the box game.
It’s more like Porsche vs. Mercedes.
The latter are the Bandits, with massively built firepower on both sides of the ball, playoff pedigree in triplets, and the coveted championship trophy won last season to prove their dominance further.
“It’s not just in terms of years in the league but playoff experience. On paper, that gives Buffalo an edge. Buffalo is healthier now and playing with a lot of confidence,” said Ed Comeau, head coach of the Georgia Swarm, who has two decades of coaching experience in the NLL.
“The Bandits are a team of veterans led by Byrne and Smith, making it difficult for the opposition to play effective defense, which spreads the rest of the floor out for everyone else,” said Pat McCready, former Bandit and NLL Hall of Fame member.
The FireWolves represent Porsche’s newest line: sleek, fast, colorful, and sturdy in any condition.
Unbashful of their talent, they are the get-up-and-go team, playing anyone, anywhere, anytime, regardless of their opponent’s medals and chevrons.
“Sometimes a young team doesn’t know what they don’t know and ends up not being nervous and playing loose,” Comeau said.
They’ve come a long way.
Since the FireWolves started in Albany in 2021, more than 30 players have come and gone. The 2022-23 season was a disaster for the organization, as they lost all of their home games and finished 3-15, with a -66 goal differential.
“Albany, considered the underdog, might be too young to know it,” said McCready. “Alex Simmons leads the way on offense. A product of St Catharines, Simmons finds a way to fill the net. Goaltender Doug Jamieson can steal a game in a three-game series, which is everything.”
Things are dramatically different for the FireWolves this season.
“They are a very well-coached team. Simmons, Kurtz, and Walker may lead the offense. Still, they have great players behind them,” said Bandits GM and defensive coordinator Steve Dietrich.
“Defensively, they are athletic and aggressive and quickly transition the ball up the floor. Doug Jamieson is one of the best goaltenders in the world.
“Albany is no shock to us. They have already beaten us twice this season, and we must play our best to give ourselves a chance.”
Numbers
Both teams are 3-0 in postseason play and +11 in goal differential.
Rookie Alex Simmons leads in playoff scoring with nine goals and ten assists for 19 points. Josh Byrne is 8+10=18, Rookie Tye Kurtz is 5+12=17, and Dhane Smith has three goals and 13 assists for 16 points.
Matt Vinc is #1 in the playoffs with a .878 save percentage, 151 saves, and a 3-0 record. FireWolves Doug Jamieson has a .839 save percentage, 130 saves, and a 3-0 record.
Most impressive of late is the Bandits’ power play, which is 19 for 25 in the last seven games (win streak) for 77 percent. The club is 7 of 9 in the playoffs for 78 percent.
With the 15th-ranked power play during the regular season, the FireWolves are 8 of 27 for 30 percent in the playoffs.
Both teams scored ten short-handed goals during the regular season.
The FireWolves won both games during the regular season, including a 17-13 win on December 9. Alex Simmons scored six goals and eight assists.
Albany plays what basketball calls ‘small ball.’ Their forwards are not that big, but they move the ball well and fast and have some excellent outside shooters.
On February 24, the FireWolves prevailed 13-10. Tye Kurtz scored six as Buffalo went 24 minutes without scoring a goal. Jamieson even got in on the act by scoring a goal from his perch into an open Buffalo Net.
“Defensively, they play differently than other teams. They force players to the middle of the floor versus other teams that force offensive players down the wall (like Buffalo). They have help in the middle and clog it up,” noted Comeau.
The overall series, which started in 2022, has Buffalo with a 4-3 record, including a 10-5 playoff win back in ’22.
Comeau noted, “They are an excellent transition team with several D players who are scoring threats.”
The FireWolves earned their way to the finals with talent and commitment. Instead of boys with stones ready to sling at the mighty Bandits, they stand together with the refrain, “We are …”
Broadcast Information
Radio coverage of the two games, Friday and Saturday, will be broadcast on WGR Sports Radio 550. Steve Bermel will join me in the booth, and Dave Buchanan will be remote throughout both venues.
The pregame show on Friday will start at 6:50 p.m., and Saturday’s pregame show will start at 7 p.m.
CW23, TSN, ESPN+ and TSN+ will carry television coverage Friday night from Albany. The broadcast time will be 7 pm.
Saturday, the game will be carried by CW23, TSN, ESPN+ and TSN+ in Buffalo. Broadcast time will be 7:30 pm.