Christopher Crane, Rochester Knighthawks Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©
Featured Image Photo Credit: Scott Cordero
The I-90 rivalry has once again delivered an exhilarating lacrosse spectacle for fans to remember. On Saturday January 13, 2024, in a lacrosse showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Buffalo Bandits (3-2) emerged victorious against the Rochester Knighthawks (3-2) in a high-scoring contest at the Blue Cross Arena. Rochester’s Ryan Smith stole the spotlight with an outstanding performance, tallying 4 goals and 5 assists, accumulating a remarkable 9 points. Smith set the tone by scoring the first goal of the night 50 seconds into the first period, showcasing his offensive prowess. Final Score: Buffalo 15—Rochester 13.
Fans got to witness a fierce exchange of goals in the first, with Buffalo responding with scores from Dylan Robinson (1g), Chris Cloutier (3g, 2a), Kyle Buchanan (1g, 2a) and Josh Bryne (3g, 3a). Rochester’s Kyle Waters (4g, 1a) added to the excitement with his first of four goals on the night, making it a close 7-5 lead for the Knighthawks at the end of the first period.
The squads would not disappoint in the second as the intense back-and-forth battle would continue, highlighted by Ryan Smith’s (4g, 5a) persistent scoring for Rochester. However, Buffalo mounted a comeback with a three-goal run, courtesy of Brandon Robinson (1g, 1a), Nick Weiss (1g, 1a), and Chase Fraser (2g, 1a), leveling the score at 8-8. The period saw power-play opportunities on both sides, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. As the quarter was coming to a close, Tehoka Nanticoke (2g, 1a) contributed a crucial goal for the Bandits with 1:26 on the clock to deadlock the score at 10-10.
The third period fans would witness a defensive showcase, slowing down the offensive production. Rochester managed to capitalize on power-play opportunities blanking the Bandits, securing a 12-10 lead with goals from Kyle Waters and Connor Fields.
Buffalo dominated the final period, outscoring the Knighthawks 5-1. Ian MacKay, Chase Fraser, and Josh Bryne made significant contributions, sealing a thrilling 15-13 victory for Buffalo. Despite Thomas McConvey’s lone score for the Knighthawks with 3:31 getting them to within one, Rochester could not find the back of the net and it wasn’t enough to overcome Buffalo’s late surge.
GAME STATS:
Buffalo Bandits—SOG 63; Saves 51; Sv% .813; FO 8-32; PP 2-3; PIM 22
Rochester Knighthawks—SOG 64; Saves 48; Sv% .762; FO 24-32; PP 4-6; PIM 22
NEXT UP:
The Buffalo Bandits (3-2) will be back in action on Friday January 19th, 2024, when they host the New York Riptide at KeyBank Center, game time 7:30 p.m. EST. Fans in the USA can see the game on ESPN+. Fans in Canada get to watch the action on TSN+.
Meanwhile, the Rochester Knighthawks (3-2) will enjoy a week off before facing the Halifax Thunderbirds (2-3) at the Scotiabank Centre on Saturday January 27th, game time 6:00 p.m. EST at 6 pm. Fans in the USA can see the game on ESPN+. Fans in Canada get to watch the action on TSN+.
Christopher Crane, Rochester Knighthawks Correspondent
Lacrosse is Awesome©