This Team
There is certainly no doubt about the enthusiasm of this Buffalo Bandit team, officially on a five-game heater with yet another victory over the powerful Saskatchewan Rush.
Even with their beautifully designed “Rush Reimagined” uniforms, the best I’ve seen since teams started wearing alternate gear, including buffalo skulls draped down the sleeves and one as the crest of the sweater, the Bandits went on a stampede, paying no attention to the fabric of intimidation.
“We’ve never lacked the confidence; it’s just continuing to grow and get better as we are stringing together some wins, finding ways to win instead of finding ways to lose,” said Ian MacKay, who was busy storming both ends of the floor. “If anything, it’s a boost to our confidence the last couple of games.”
Swagger
Another come-from-behind victory proved this team has the will and desire to dig deep, taking a swig of water from the bench, and finish the business, even in the face of adversity being assessed a penalty with 25 seconds left in regulation.
It’s great to see the herd with swagger.
“I like the swagger that is happening right now; we have that confidence back again,” said Bandits head coach John Tavares.
“When you have that swagger, you think you can win any game, you’re never out of it, and that was a testament in San Diego and Saskatchewan; we found a way to win that game. It’s nice to see the guys have that swagger.”
As Good as it Gets
Especially when you have eight-time Goaltender of the Year and record holder of virtually everything in the NLL goaltending category, Matt Vinc.
With an 82-30 Bandits record and the longest-tenured black and orange ball stopper, Vinc was spectacular Saturday night in the Saskatoon barn, making 26 saves in the second half, including 16 in the fourth quarter. Only allowing two goals in the final two frames, Vinc left the prairie field with a .928 save percentage.
So proudly he stood with his herd after a 44-save performance, knowing the postseason is becoming a reality.
The Playoffs
“We are in a pretty good position for the playoffs, but nothing is guaranteed yet,” said MacKay. We can’t be complacent or happy with where we are at. If we continue to win games going into the playoffs, hopefully, we get a better seed, maybe that fourth spot to get a home game in Banditland is a huge goal.”
Nine different Bandits contributed to the scoring, which included assistance from the strong group of defensemen, scooping loose balls and blocking shots, which included 10 scoops and three blocked shots by 19-year vet Paul Dawson.
Even with Connor Farrell out of the lineup, the trio of Dylan Robinson, Mitch de Snoo, and MacKay gave a yeoman’s effort against one of the league’s best in Rush Jake Naso.
Buffalo Joe
The game-winner by Joe Resetarits was money, taking Dhane Smith’s feed with a twister, completely erasing the 4-1 and 7-4 Rush leads. Congratulations as well to Tyler Hendrycks, earning his first point in his first game as a Bandit.
Not a bad way to celebrate the Bandits organization’s 500th regular season game, which was the headline going into the game. The Bandits now are 301-199 since that cold January night in 1992, and since then, qualifying for the postseason 26 times, 14 championship appearances, and seven titles.
Coach of all Seasons
Bandits head coach John Tavares has been involved since day one, and since ending his 24-year playing career, his overall coaching record of 103-40 is among his impressive accomplishments.
Yet he continues to define the game, humbled as they come, always composing new plays and ideas.
“I don’t look at our record, I just look at how we’re doing; is this working for us defensively? We continue. If we are not generating enough offense, I’m looking for methods, plays, or just tendencies that we can improve on,” said Tavares.
“The game of lacrosse is very fluid, but there is also some structure. I am coaching game to game. Each game is a little bit different with each opponent, and we adjust accordingly.”
Spoken as a true leader of men, who represents this talented and gifted bunch. Never question their enthusiasm.
Broadcast Information for the April 4th Game Against Vancouver
Radio coverage of Saturday night’s game will be on News Radio 930 AM WBEN, with the pregame show starting at 6:30 pm. Steve Bermel will join me in the Ted Darling Memorial booth, while Dave Buchanan will be remote, circulating around the arena.
Television coverage will be on CW23, ESPN+ and TSN. Broadcast time is 7 pm.