And Then…
What a wonderful way to start last Friday morning, with a delicious spread prepared by the organization’s talented chefs.
It reminded me of the movie “Dude, Where’s My Car?” when choosing all the options. “And then…And then…Annnnd thennnn” But I didn’t have to struggle with the drive-through menu because everything was right in front of me.
The conversation was positive, filled with anticipation and confidence. The team knew they faced a huge challenge that night against Colorado. Even after the shoot-around and another delicious lunch they had prepared, they remained focused and steady.
And for the 19,070 in attendance and the thousands watching the game on TV and listening on the radio, the evening ended masterfully with a solid victory.
What a difference three weeks make: the club now has a 4-1 record in its last five games and is on a three-game winning streak.
The Great Dhane
Before I postmark the victory with a stamp of approval, the 13-10 win was highlighted by Dhane Smith surpassing the 1300 regular season point mark. He is only the eighth player in NLL history to achieve this feat, and the third fastest in games played to reach the mark (John Tavares 205, John Grant Jr 207, Dhane Smith 210).
Smith is 12 points shy of his ninth 100+-point season, has played in 108 consecutive games, and this season has six hat tricks and 11 games with more than five points. He’s third in league scoring and is now averaging about seven points per game.
“It doesn’t mean that much to me right now, but when I retire, it will mean a lot more, just so I can tell my kids that I wasn’t a bad lacrosse player,” said Smith. “Right now, I am focused on this year and making the playoffs.”
Another View
From calling all of Dhane’s 246 games, I can say, and I’m sure you will agree, that he is, without a doubt, the most talented, creative, and selfless player in the game today. Smith ranks right up there with the greats of the NLL.
Not one player today can cut like him, pass, or possess the vision he has on the floor, and that applies to both ends. Scoring a total of 516 goals so far is a feat in itself.
“Dhane recorded 1300 points, and you say wait, what?” said Josh Byrne, who has 34 points in his last five games, and Smith’s best friend.
“That’s pretty incredible. I think sometimes you take it for granted a little bit, more so because of how close we are. For me personally, I came into the perfect situation with Dhane being here.”
Byrne & Smith
Byrne, now sixth in NLL scoring, mentioned in his Friday night postgame press conference that the Bandits have had some “insanely talented players” over the last eight seasons, and he praised how unselfish and great the group is.
“It’s fun to be a part of,” Byrne said, coming off his four-goal, five-assist night.
Humbly, Smith is currently focused on helping the team make the playoffs.
“I truly believe that if we make the playoffs, anything can happen. It’s important for us to continue building as a team, and I think we’re on the right track, but we can’t be content with where we are; we’ve set the standard, and we want to raise it.”
Hot of Late
As the hottest team in the NLL going into week 17, the Bandits have a tough road ahead of them, but with reinforcements up front, which includes the return of Joe Resetarits, qualified depth, a solid defensive corps, and goaltending with Matt Vinc with an .802 save percentage in his last five games.
Original Buffalo Joe
Making his first appearance in 11 seasons as a Bandit, there were tears of joy from his wife when she learned last week of his trade back to Buffalo.
“Now 36, a father of three, and still living locally in the area, I am thankful I can still play this game and learn from some of the best players who have ever played,” said Resetarits.
“I’ve always wanted to come back here, play in front of my family someday, and be around the best lacrosse fans, period. We have the best one-two punch in NLL history with Dhane and Josh, and we are hitting our stride at the right time.”
Careful Coach
Ever cautious, Bandits head coach John Tavares was busy Saturday mapping out plans for the next game, which is in San Diego Saturday night. And it’s the only game he’s thinking about.
“I look at the standings, but we can only play one game at a time and not get caught up in what people are ranking the team. Every game is going to be a battle. We must make sure the guys understand,” noted Tavares.
“This has given us new life, new belief. What I like right now is that we are in control of our destiny, whether we make the playoffs or not.”
And then…
Bandit Positive Numbers
- The Bandits will travel 7,282 miles over the next two weeks, with games in San Diego and Saskatoon. Their next home game will be on April 4 against Vancouver.
- Bandits are 4-1 in the last five games, including three straight wins
- +8 goals for/goals against
- The club has been in the lead or tied 86 percent of the time in the last five games
- #1 power play in the NLL @ 62 percent. #4 in penalty killing @ 61%
- The defense and transition have contributed 17 points in scoring the last five games
- Matt Vinc has an .802 save percentage in his last five games and
- 22 save percentage in his last 3
- Tehoka Nanticoke has nine goals and 13 points in his last five games
- Ian MacKay has 10 goals and 24 points in his last five games
- Mitch de Snoo since his return: 5pts (1+4) 12 soakers 42 loose balls
- Josh Byrne 12 goals and 34 points in last five games, 6th in NLL scoring, #1 with four GW’s
- Clay Scanlan 3+4 in his last five games
- Buchanan has 8 goals and 16 points in his last five games
- Dhane Smith has 9 goals and 32 points in his last five games, 3rd in NLL scoring, 1st with four short-handed goals, 2nd in 914 effective passes, and 2nd in 1197 touches
- Paul Dawson leads the NLL in blocked shots with 28, 133 regular-season career totals
- 29 Bandit players have participated in a game or more this season
Broadcast Information
Radio coverage of the Bandits/Seals game will be available on WGR Sports Radio 550 AM, 107.7 FM, and Audacy.com. The pregame show will begin at 9:30 pm Eastern time.
Television coverage will be on CW23, ESPN+, TSN+, and NLL+. Broadcast time is scheduled for 10 pm Eastern. If you want radio audio, freeze your smart TV at the opening faceoff and wait for the radio audio to announce it.