Bandits, Rush Protect Home Floor in NLL Finals
The 2025 NLL season will come down to a winner-take-all game three next Saturday after the Buffalo Bandits and Saskatchewan Rush both defended their home floors over the weekend.
This is the first winner-take-all game since 2023, when the Bandits needed three games to defeat the Colorado Mammoth. They also lost in three games in the 2022 finals.
The split this weekend came after a dramatic game in Saskatchewan that included more hot play from Austin Shanks, who continues his remarkable play this postseason.
More the recaps of both the games over the weekend, keep reading below!
Game 1: Buffalo Bandits 12 – Saskatchewan Rush 10
In a dramatic finish, the Bandits scored the game’s final four goals to defend home floor and take game one. The fourth quarter was essentially scoreless, with one empty net goal coming late from Kyle Buchanan.
Dhane Smith had 3 goals and 5 assists while Ian MacKay continued his dominance with 4 goals. Kyle Buchanan had a hat-trick and Josh Byrne finished with a goal and 4 assists.
Shanks had 3 goals and 5 assists to lead the Rush, while Zach Manns scored twice. The Bandits held the Rush to just 1 goal from a defender (Mike Messenger).
Stat of the Game: The Bandits blocked another 12 shots with 4 each from Steve Priolo and Paul Dawson.
Attendance: 16,761
Game 2: Saskatchewan Rush 11 – Buffalo Bandits 10
Back-to-back goals from Shanks put the Rush ahead in the fourth quarter and the Rush escaped with a victory in front of their home fans. Shanks led all scorers in the game with another 3 goals and 5 assists, putting together a 6-goal, 16-point weekend.
Manns, Ryan Keenan and Jake Boudreau each scored twice for the Rush, while Frank Scigliano had 40 saves to secure the win.
Dhane Smith, Chase Fraser, Ian MacKay and Clay Scanlan each scored twice for the Bandits.
Stat of the Game: Shanks is leading the playoffs in both goals (16) and points (30) after being signed as a free agent in the off-season.
Attendance: 8, 216
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