Early deficit does in Shamrox
February 24, 2008 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Chicago Shamrox News Release
HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill.- Last week on February 16 against New York the Chicago Shamrox fell behind 10-1 and could not overcome the initial deficit and fell to the Titans.
On Sunday afternoon the Buffalo Bandits scored seven of the games first eight goals in similar fashion and upended the Shamrox 13-8 in National Lacrosse League action at the Sears Centre.
Buffalo forward Cory Bomberry began the scoring when he fired a shot past Chicago Shamrox goaltender Brandon Miller within the games first 1:30. Thirty seconds later Bandits' Dan Teat made it 2-0 Buffalo.
Mark Steenhuis provided the highlights for Buffalo's offense. He pulled down a long over-the-shoulder pass, and with a two-on-one breakaway, Steenhuis dished off a behind-the-back pass to Teat who scored the third goal of the game. The Bandits scored the game?s first six goals.
"The whole team, we're starting in a hole and it's tough," said backup goaltender Derek Collins who replaced Brandon Miller after the first quarter. "The last couple games, it just takes a little time to settle everyone down."
Chris Panos got Chicago's offense going with the Shamrox first goal midway through the first quarter. Buffalo's relentless offense came back, however, and the Bandits took an 8-2 lead into the second quarter.
"We're just not coming out ready to play," Panos said. "I don't know what it is, the coaches talk about it all the time, we're just not executing."
After Buffalo's initial surge, the offensive fireworks settled down and the defense settled in.
Chicago forward Callum Crawford was the only player to score in the second quarter. His goal made the score 8-3 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Buffalo's Ian Llord had to serve a ten minute penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. Mat Giles took advantage and scored Chicago's second unanswered goal to make the score 8-4 after nearly 15 scoreless minutes by both teams.
Buffalo ended the quarter with consecutive goals by former Shamrock Rusty Kruger and John Tavares off a power play, respectively, but similar to last week's game against New York, the Shamrox offense came alive in the fourth quarter to close the gap.
Giles added two more goals in the fourth quarter and then with 10:35 remaining in the quarter, Chicago forward Chris Panos scored his 200 career goal in the National Lacrosse League. Panos became the 31st player in NLL history to reach the milestone and in the process Panos to cut the score to 11-7.
"I've played with great players throughout my career," Panos said. "Unfortunatley we were unable to get the win, but this is definitely a day I am going to remember personally, only 30 players have (scored 200 goals) and it?s a tribute to my hard work and dedication."
Panos finished the day with six points off two goals and four assists. Mat Giles scored four goals for the Shamrox. Steenhuis recored seven assists to go along with two goals for Buffalo. Tavares and Bomberry each had two goals and three assits also.
The Shamrox return home on Saturday March 1 to face off against the Rochester Knighthawks at 7:00 p.m. The Buffalo Bandits next game is also on March 1 at home against the Philadelphia Wings.
National Lacrosse League Stories from February 24, 2008
- Shake up sparks Roughnecks to 12-9 win over Mammoth - Calgary Roughnecks
- Mammoth falls in Calgary - Colorado Mammoth
- Early deficit does in Shamrox - Chicago Shamrox
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