By: Justin Ivey, Beat Writer New England Black Wolves
The New England Black Wolves (3-1) topped the Buffalo Bandits (2-2) in front of a packed Mohegan Sun Arena for their first home win on the season. In fact, it was the Black Wolves first home win since January 10, 2015, a stretch of eight home games. Banditland was well represented, but it wasn’t enough to steal the first game of the home and home series. Final Score New England 15—Buffalo 10.
The first quarter was full of long possessions, and it was clear that both teams wanted to control the clock. Shawn Evans (2 goals, 7 assists) scored the first goal of the evening and really brought the crowd into the game. Mark Steenhuis (1 goal, 1 assist) put in the equalizer on a power play opportunity about halfway through. Kevin Crowley (6 goals, 1 assist) netted his first quickly after. Buffalo would score two more before Pat Saunders (2 goals, 2 assists) would score a beautiful goal with 6 seconds in the quarter and the extra attacker on the field. First quarter would end in a tie, 3-3.
Buffalo came out in the second quarter and scored two unanswered goals to go up 5-3 only 3:11 into the quarter. New England would then turn up the defensive pressure and hold Buffalo scoreless until 7:05 into the third quarter, a period of 18 minutes and 54 seconds. In that time the offense clicked and rattled off three goals to end the first half, and three goals to start the second half.
The third quarter saw Kevin Crowley score three, and Kevin Buchanan (2 goals, 5 assists) score two. Anthony Cosmo (29 saves) was relieved of his goaltending duties in the third quarter by David DiRuscio (7 saves) to try and stifle the Black Wolves offense. Cosmo allowed 10 goals on 39 shots.
The fourth quarter would start with the Black Wolves ahead 11-6. John Ranagan (1 goal) opened the period with his only goal of the game, and Quinn Powless (1 goal, 1 assist) would net the next on a shorthanded breakaway to bring the home crowd to its feet. Down 13-6, the Bandits were not to go quietly. The Bandits would outscore New England in the fourth, 5-4. Dhane Smith (4 goals, 4 assists) would score three of those as he peppered Evan Kirk (56 saves) with shot after shot. With the score 14-11, and 30 seconds remaining, the home crowd was given one more opportunity to celebrate as Kyle Buchanan (1 goal, 1 assist) put one past DiRuscio to put the game completely out of reach. After replacing Cosmo, DiRuscio allowed five goals on 12 shots. There was no stopping the determined Black Wolves offense, as they delivered the win. Final Score: New England–15, Buffalo– 11.
NOTES:
Black Wolves goalie Evan Kirk set a new career high in saves with 56. Up until this game, he had only allowed one goal in the fourth quarter. He leads the NLL with an 8.22 GAA and a .844 SV%.
Kevin Crowley scored his sixth goal in the fourth quarter to tie his career high and give him the sock trick. No socks were thrown, as casino security is…well let’s say “tight”. Being a new team to the city, we are not sure if the fans know about that celebration yet but will soon find out.
NEXT UP:
The Black Wolves visit Buffalo on Saturday, February 6th for the back end of the home and home. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
Justin Ivey, Beat Writer New England Black Wolves
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