Photo credit: Bill Wippert
Chris Vale, Beat Writer Buffalo Bandits
Lacrosse is Awesome
The Buffalo Bandits were at home Saturday night at the KeyBank Center to take on the top western conference team and two time NLL champs the Saskatchewan Rush. Buffalo had just come off their loss to Eastern Division rivals the Rochester Knighthawks; and Saskatchewan was trying to regroup after they were defeated by the Colorado Mammoth, both losses occurring on March 25, 2017. Unfortunately, the Bandits would again come up on the short side falling to the Rush by the score of 17-11 and Saskatchewan would be the first team to clinch a play-off berth.
Buffalo jumped ahead with the first two goals of the game coming off Dhane Smith and Ryan Benesch who assisted each other. But the Rush would put up four straight; and seven of the next eight goals in the game. Ben McIntosh got the night started with Mike Messenger; Mathew Dinsdale; Robert Church; and Ryan Keenan to follow.
Adam Jones also added (3G, 2A); and Adrian Sorichetti two goals. Mark Matthews lit the score board up with two goals and seven assists. Curtis Knight had a six-point night while rookie Keenan also added two more goals and two assists to his night’s total. In net Aaron Bold notched another win under his belt making thirty-nine saves. The Rush controlled the game and played great on the road and earned the win.
Even with the Bandits loss, Dhane Smith was still impressive with a seven-point night; and Benesch with five of his own. This tag team are the top two Bandits offensive player’s game in and game out. Steenhuis had four assists and shows he can still produce even though he is getting up there in years.
Tim Edwards did have more face off wins (22) and (2A); with the Rush’s Jeremy Thompson having only thirteen. In net Dave DiRuscio made 39 saves and Anthony Cosmo playing just over nine minutes made eight.
The Rush are showing why they were the 2016 NLL Champions and are the favorites to win the West for a third straight year. For Buffalo, they will need to get some wins under their belts as they look to push for that third playoff spot in the east.
Chris Vale, Beat Writer Buffalo Bandits
Lacrosse is Awesome