When they’re not playing co-hosts on their podcast, Dhane Smith and Josh Byrne are a duo to be reckoned with on the lacrosse field, and they reminded everyone why once again on Saturday night.
With both teams fighting for the right for a tomorrow, Smith (3+7) and Byrne (4+5) combined for 19 points, each one acting as a prime catalyst for the Bandits’ offensive onslaught in their 20-8 NLL Quarterfinal victory over Rochester.
The 20 goals netted by Buffalo marks the first time since 2016 that the Bandits have accomplished the feat.
“They were both on fire for us tonight,” head coach John Tavares said after the game. Buffalo will advance to play Toronto in the NLL East Final, a best-of-three series that begins Friday at KeyBank Center.
Back in February, Smith gave his insight as to why he thinks he pairs so well with his partner in crime.
“I think it’s our relationship off the field, to be honest, he said. “We always bounce ideas off each other and we’re really close off the field, and it relates to our play on the field. We’re always discussing how we could be better, not just for ourselves, but for our team as well.”
Smith, who set the NLL single-season assists record this year, is well known for his prowess when it comes to dishing out the ball, but he showcased his scoring talents as well Saturday night.
After relinquishing the lead from Rochester with Holden Cattoni stockpiling a quick hat trick, Smith put his first on the board with 4:24 left in the second quarter, then added another at 2:04.
Smith was a member of the entourage whose surge sealed the game for Buffalo, positioning the Bandits with an 8-4 lead heading into halftime.
That @Tehoka1 ➡️ @dhanesmith92 connection! 🔥#LetsGoBandits pic.twitter.com/8CFfaYkCuD
— Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits) May 7, 2023
Smith’s goal 7:35 into the second half was his third of the game. It snapped a 2-0 run by Rochester and opened up a 5-0 run by Buffalo.
With 2:00 remaining in the third quarter, Bynre scored to open a 7-0 run that carried through the fourth quarter.
Byrne’s first of the night came as Buffalo’s last in the first quarter, giving the Bandits a 3-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
His final addition of the night provided an uptick to the Bandits’ scoreboard, setting it firmly at 20.
THAT'S 20!!!!!
20-7 Buffalo | Q4 7:10 pic.twitter.com/826fX5ghqW
— Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits) May 7, 2023
Banditland welcomed Rochester to the exits as the clock took its final breaths, waving their white playoff towels like flags in the air, not to signal surrender, but to bask in the overwhelming triumph.
MOVING ON! ➡️#LetsGoBandits pic.twitter.com/9fWKdGrc4P
— Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits) May 7, 2023
“Josh and I are being successful,” Smith reiterated, “but we can only do it because of our team’s group effort. For us to take that next step, it’s gonna take everyone.”
The tag-team of Smith and Byrne will attempt to continue their success when they take on the Toronto Rock in the NLL Eastern Conference Finals, starting Friday from KeyBank Center.