NLL Buffalo Bandits

Bandits Clinch Top Seed in East with Win over Toronto

Published on April 23, 2023 under National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Buffalo Bandits News Release


With their 11-10 win over the Toronto Rock on Saturday, the Buffalo Bandits locked up the No. 1 seed in the East.

Buffalo will host a playoff game on May 6 at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Monday.

Saturday's game at KeyBank Center came down to the wire. Bandits forward Tehoka Nanticoke snapped a 9-9 tie with 5:53 remaining and then Josh Byrne put Buffalo ahead by two just 41 seconds later. However, the Rock cut the lead to one when Corey Small scored with 3:48 remaining.

Buffalo was able to shut the door to secure the team's 13th win of the season. Matt Vinc made 44 saves to pick up his 48th win as a member of the Bandits, setting a new franchise record.

Dhane Smith, who was voted by his teammates as the Bandits' MVP posted seven points (5+7), including his 600th career assist. Byrne finished with six points (3+3) while Kyle Buchanan also had a big game with a goal and three assists.

Mr. Everything. Josh Byrne had 3G, 3A and a whopping 15 shots on goal to help the @NLLBandits clinch the #1 seed in the East

The Bandits had to climb out of an early hole as Toronto led 2-0 after the first quarter and worked their way to a 4-2 lead at halftime.

Buffalo scored five times in the third quarter with Chase Fraser scoring two of his three goals in the game - including one you have to see to believe - to close out a 4-0 Bandits run in the middle of the frame. That run put the Bandits ahead for the first lead of the night at 6-5.

However, the Rock closed out the quarter on a 3-1 run of their own to maintain a one-goal lead.

The Bandits made the most of their opportunities in the fourth. Fraser tied things up with 10:45 left, but Toronto quickly regained the lead, setting the stage for a three-goal run in 1:36 to put Buffalo up for good.

Ian MacKay tallied with 6:48 left and then Nanticoke regained the lead. Byrne made it 11-9 with 5:12 to go.

Toronto finishes their regular season at 13-5. Buffalo will hit the road next week to play Albany on April 29. The Bandits will have a chance to lock up home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

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