BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo Bandits are one win away from a third straight NLL Championship. On Friday night in front of a packed crowd at KeyBank Center, the Bandits topped the Saskatchewan Rush 12-10.
"It was not our best game but we found a way to win," head coach John Tavares said. "I thought we were much better in the second half than the first half."
The Buffalo Bandits are one win away from a three-peat. They’ll either win a championship on Sunday or be back at KeyBank Center next Saturday with a chance to clinch a title. Serious second half effort from the Bandits in front of a rocking crowd @WKBW pic.twitter.com/BWwhiYpOYG
— Matthew Bové (@Matt_Bove) May 17, 2025
Ian MacKay led the way for the Bandits with a dominant four-goal performance. MacKay also added two assists. 2025 NLL Offensive Player of the Year Dhane Smith had three goals and five assists. With his eight-point night, Smith set the all-time NLL playoff points record.
"He always wants the ball when it matters the most and he showed today why he deserves to have the ball in those moments," Tavares said about Dhane Smith's big night.
Matt Vinc made 44 saves for the Bandits and was perfect in the final quarter. The only goal in the final quarter was an empty-netter from Kyle Buchanan, who also scored three goals.
The Bandits will travel to Saskatoon for Game 2 on Sunday night at 8:00 p.m.
"The next one is obviously the hardest," Smith said. "We're hungry, we've been in this position before and we've been on both sides of this...we're excited for the challenge and opportunity ahead."
He's the Offensive Player of the Year for a reason! 😤#LetsGoBandits | @NLL pic.twitter.com/qBF9wFDoVe
— Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits) May 17, 2025
