Bandits Top Lumberjax - Clinching East Title

Story Published: Apr 26, 2008 at 11:13 PM EDT

Story Updated: Apr 26, 2008 at 11:13 PM EDT

The Buffalo Bandits defeated the Portland LumberJax, 14-10, in 18,325 fans at HSBC Arena on Saturday. The Bandits grabbed a 5-2 lead after the first quarter and never looked back.

The Bandits will host the Philadelphia Wings next Friday at HSBC Arena at 7:30 PM ET.

The win puts Buffalo in a three-way tie atop the East Division standings at 10-6 with Minnesota and New York. Buffalo is 3-1 against the Swarm and Titans, winning season tiebreakers.

A Philadelphia win over Toronto on Sunday would improve the Wings to 10-6 as well, creating a four-way tie, however, Buffalo would still win all tiebreakers.

As a result, the Bandits are East Division champions and the top overall seed in the Champion's Cup Playoffs.

John Tavares led Buffalo with four goals, while Roger Vyse and Brett Bucktooth each scored twice. Mike Thompson earned the win in goal with 46 saves.

Portland was led by Peter Jacobs, who scored a career-high four goals. Dallas Eliuk started in goal and recorded 36 saves in the loss.

Portland (7-9) is the fourth place team in the West and meets the San Jose Stealth in a West Division Semifinal game on Sunday, May 4th at HP Pavilion.

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