NLL Insider

The Buffalo Bandits proved to be a bit too much for Boston Saturday night, defeating the Blazers 15-11 at the TD Banknorth Garden. Boston struck early and often, capitalizing on Buffalo penalties and lazy defense to jump out to a 5-1 lead. However, the sleeping giant that is the Buffalo Bandits was awoken about 12 minutes into the 1st quarter which spelled trouble for Boston. The Bandits went on to score the next 7 goals which was enough for them to take the lead and never look back.

Ken Montour was solid in the net for the Bandits. Even in the 1st quarter when he gave up several goals, they were a result of being short handed as well as his defense giving up shots in tight. Montour still made some big saves early to keep Buffalo in the game. Monster also posted a 2nd quarter shutout, stopping all of Boston’s 14 shots. Darris Kilgour has named him the number one goaltender, but who knows who will play with two games coming up this weekend (will Darris split the starts)?

Mike Poulin started out in the net for the Blazers but was pulled after 9 goals and 23 minutes of game clock. The Bandits were finding ways to beat him from all areas of the floor. Anthony Cosmo was great in relief, but wasn’t able to stop the potent Buffalo offense. One has to wonder if the game would have been different if Cosmo started in goal for Boston.

John Tavares once again proved why he’s the offensive record holder in every aspect of the game. JT was unstoppable for Buffalo putting up 6 goals and 3 assists. Is this guy ever going to be ready to retire? He continues to produce like a kid in his mid-20s despite being 40 years old.

Mark Steenhuis had a game similar to the one he played against New York last week. Several times he picked the team up early with big goals to swing momentum in Buffalo’s favor. He pitched in 4 goals and 2 assists for a rock solid performance.

Dan Dawson was his usual self, getting 5 assists on Saturday night. Sean Morris led all Blazers with 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists). Gary Bining, Brendan Thenhaus, and Matt Lyons each pitched in 3 goals and 1 assist.

The Bandits have now clinched a playoff berth, and will try to lock up home field advantage. They trail the Calgary Roughnecks by 1 game for the overall best record in the league and have a 1.5 game lead over both Boston and New York, who also both clinched a spot this weekend.

The Bandits come home to face the Rochester Knighthawks on Friday, April 10th at the HSBC Arena and then head to New York to play the Titans on Saturday. The Blazers host the Knighthawks at the TD Banknorth Garden on Saturday April 11th.

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