Source: NLL

Buffalo Bandits Take Game 1 of NLL Finals 12-10

The Buffalo Bandits have drawn first blood in the 2025 NLL Finals, triumphing over the Saskatchewan Rush with a 12-10 victory in Game 1 on May 16, 2025. The game was held at the KeyBank Center, attracting an impressive crowd of 16,761 fans.

Game Highlights and Key Players

Despite trailing for much of the match, the Bandits showcased their resilience by rallying late to shut out the Rush in the final quarter. This impressive performance was characterized by significant contributions from key players:

• Dhane Smith: A standout with three goals and five assists.
• Ian MacKay: Scored four goals, marking a career milestone with his 201st playoff point, making him the all-time leading playoff scorer in NLL history.
• Matt Vinc: Proved invaluable in net, stopping 44 shots throughout the game.

In a commendable effort from Saskatchewan, Austin Shanks emerged as the biggest impact player, delivering three goals and five assists. The first half saw the Rush controlling the pace of the game, leading 29-20 in shots and maintaining strong ball possession.

Turning Point in the Match

The turning point came in the second half when the Bandits’ defense tightened. They managed to hold the Rush scoreless for over 22 minutes. This defensive dominance allowed Buffalo to build momentum and take control of the match. Smith and Buchanan played a crucial role in regaining the lead for the Bandits, with Smith executing an impressive overhand shot to secure a late-game advantage.

Upcoming Matches and Series Information

Game 2 of the finals is set to take place on Sunday, May 21, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET at Sasktel Centre. The Bandits aim to clinch their third consecutive NLL championship, while the Rush will be fighting to stay alive in the series. If necessary, a Game 3 will be contested on Saturday, May 24, at KeyBank Center.

Fans can catch the action live on TSN and streaming platforms such as ESPN+ and NLL+ (subject to territorial restrictions).

Quotes from Players and Coaches

Post-game, Dhane Smith shared insights about the team’s strategy: “It would have been easy for us to fold up there. Saskatchewan was on a few goal runs multiple times in the first half, I thought they dominated most of the play.”

Also notable was Rush head coach Jimmy Quinlan remarking about the contest, “It was kind of like a heavyweight fight… They got the last punch; we’ll have to get the last punch Sunday.”

With the playoffs heating up, the outlook is promising for the Buffalo Bandits as they prepare for Game 2. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether the Bandits can continue their winning streak or if the Rush will mount a comeback.

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Buffalo Bandits, NLL Finals, Saskatchewan Rush, Dhane Smith, Ian MacKay, Matt Vinc, Austin Shanks, lacrosse news, Game 1, sports highlights