How do you prepare for a moment that means everything?
“This group is really close and plays for each other. We have great leadership so it’s really about continuing the momentum.”- Max Adler
“The guys know the challenges ahead and are focused, prepared, and eager to play.
“With wants that happened the last couple of years, we want to give back to the fans and win a championship. Anything less would be a disappointment.” – John Tavares
Can you sacrifice enough?
“Failure is not an option. They know exactly what it takes, and the sacrifices they made needs to start paying off. All of the hard work has led up to the finals against Colorado.
“That one play can make a difference. You have to treat every play like it’s your last.”-John Tavares
Can you block out the noise?
“We know we are a top team, and we still feel that way, and that’s really all that matters.”- Kyle Buchanan
“We’ve played without Chris, we’ve played without Josh, without Tehoka, with Chase, and we won a lot of lacrosse games.”- Steve Dietrich
Can you keep the doubt at bay?
“It’s funny, I said in the room the other day, although we had the same record (as last year), it’s not the same feeling amongst the group; it gives us that little chip, a little bit of edge.”-Kyle Buchanan
“We have been good all year when adversity comes at us, whether it be lineup or travel or whatever, the guys have just rolled with the punches. We need the same mindset going into the finals.”- Steve Dietrich
“Now the challenge is to win it.”- John Tavares
Rocky Mountain High, Colorado
It’s hard to believe these two teams will face each other again for the 2023 National Lacrosse League Championship.
Both clubs, decimated with injuries and doubts from those on the outside looking in of their postseason trail through the brackets, have raised eyebrows.
Two teams with storybook endings already etched, just waiting to fill in the blanks.
While the vapor trail of the Bandits’ two-game sweep over Toronto remains visible, with great numbers achieved through individual performances; be it goals, assists, saves, blocked shots, loose balls, caused turnovers, the Mammoth have been served notice:
The Buffalo Bandits are healthy, happy, and ready to kick some butt.
Finishing 9-9 on the regular season, including a two-game losing streak at the end to place fourth, the Mammoth took care of San Diego and Calgary in the playoffs.
With a healthy lot of forwards, a stingy and physical defense, and stellar goaltending, this club will arrive in Buffalo for game one of the NLL Finals locked and loaded.
Swirling in doubt back on March 18, when the Mammoth made a regular season visit to KeyBank Center, head coach Pat Coyle didn’t know what to say about the performance of his club and the lack of call-to-action.
But I feel their 13-8 win over the Bandits on that night gave them tremendous confidence. They have persevered through the injuries and drama to where they are today.
Ok, here is the standard sportsmanship refrain: They are a damn good team.
True, Saturday’s game against the Roughnecks was similar to a tennis match, with no scoring volleys between the two clubs that lasted forever.
But what shined was the Mammoth’s defense and, gulp, the fantastic performance of goaltender Dillon Ward, which included some jaw-droppers in the fourth quarter.
Read familiar?
Forgotten?
I don’t need to remind you that it’s been 15 years since the last Bandits championship season, with more sad endings than Joni Mitchell’s “Blue” album in between.
Nope, all yesterday’s news with faint streaks of memories too painful to share.
Amplifying the words from Kyle Buchanan:
“This year feels different. Definitely a different mentality, with a chip on our shoulder.”
How do you prepare for a moment that means everything?
In the end, it’s simple.
You bring it all.
You give it all.
And when that moment comes?
You take it all.
Broadcast Headquarters
Game 1 of the 2023 National Lacrosse League Finals will be carried on TSN, ESPN2, TSN+, and ESPN+. The broadcast time will be 7 PM. Radio coverage will be carried by WGR Sports Radio 550 and audacy.com.
The pregame show will start at 6:30 PM and feature interviews with Mammoth head coach Pat Coyle and player Zed Williams. Bandits head coach John Tavares will update us on the club, and Dhane Smith will share his perspective on the series.
Steve Bermel will join me in the booth. Dave Buchanan will provide updates, storylines, and interviews from the playing surface.