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Blazers Knocked Out of NLL Playoffs by Buffalo

May 2, 2009 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Boston Blazers News Release


BUFFALO, NY - The Buffalo Bandits defeated the Boston Blazers, 10-8 on Saturday night at HSBC Arena. Mark Steenhuis scored four goals as the Bandits will now face the New York Titans in the East Division Final next weekend. The Blazers finish their fine inaugural season with a 10-7 record.

Buffalo jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the first quarter. Mark Steenhuis scored twice as the Bandits grabbed an early lead. Boston responded with three goals, including two by Brendan Thenhaus. Buffalo led 5-4 after the opening frame.

Defense and goaltending took over in the second quarter. Following a Daryl Veltman goal that tied the score 6-6, with ten minutes remaining, both goalies buckled down and held the game scoreless until Mike Accursi's goal with three minutes remaining. The goal gave the Bandits a 7-6 lead that they took into halftime.

In the third quarter, the goalies stepped up their games even further. Cosmo stopped all 14 shots he faced, while Ken Montour stopped all but one of the 14 shots he faced. The goal by Daryl Veltman tied the score at 7-7 through three quarters of play.

With the season on the line, the big home crowd looked on as the Bandits started the final quarter having not scored in the previous 27 minutes of play. John Tavares quickly restored the confidence of the Bandits faithful, scoring a minute into the quarter to put Buffalo back in front, 8-7. Steenhuis scored two minutes later for a 9-7 lead. A Gary Bining goal brought Boston back to within one at 9-8. but that's as close as it would get. Steenhuis scored his fourth goal of the game with 7:32 remaining, and Ken Montour did not allow another goal to the Blazers en route to the 10-8 win.

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