The Bandits opened the playoffs against the Minnesota Swarm at the HSBC Arena without their star goaltender in net. Steve Dietrich missed Sunday's game with a leg injury so it was up to backup Mike Thompson to handle the duties between the pipes.
The Bandits overcame a 4-0 deficit to start the game by outscoring the Swarm 14-4 through the remainder of the game to earn the 14-8 victory.
After holding an 8-7 halftime lead the Bandits scored seven times, including three second-half goals from veteran John Tavares who finished the day with five points. Kevin Dostie also added three goals and two assists to lead the Bandits on the offensive side. Thompson and the Buffalo defense held Minnesota scoreless through the entire second half as he earned his first career playoff win.
Buffalo will meet the Rochester Knighthawks on Friday in the Eastern Divisional Final. Faceoff is set for 8:05 p.m. at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester.
