In the first game of the 2019 NLL season, the Buffalo Bandits faced-off against the revived Philadelphia Wings franchise in what was an exciting back and forth game that most fans likely thought the Bandits should have won much more easily than the 17-15 score indicated. Philadelphia’s strong first game came as a surprise, but nonetheless the Buffalo Bandits came out on top with a win thanks to newcomers like Corey Small and veterans like Dhane Smith, Shawn Evans and Thomas Hoggarth on offense.
There was no question the Buffalo Bandits offense came to play as they scored the first three goals to jump put to a 3-0 lead. They were also able to answer right away after Philadelphia made some runs. Corey Small had a tremendous first game as a Bandit and scored five goals in the first half with several of them being quick stick shots coming from the right side. Dhane Smith played like Dhane Smith should and flew by defenders for his two goals and moved the ball well with crisp passes when he drew attention.
The power play was also buzzing as they scored on four of their seven power play chances. They should have one, if not the best power play units in the league this season with the sharpshooters and playmakers that are there.
One of the most encouraging signs from the game was how well Smith, Evans and Hoggarth worked together on the right side. There were several instances where Hoggarth set a hard pick on Evans’ defender, slipped towards the net and either got a good shot off or scored. It was the same for the Smith/Evans pairing or Smith/Hoggarth pairing. Hoggarth could have a breakout year offensively if he continues to play so well, which will be huge for the offense’s production. These three players combined for a whopping 23 points and will be a serious problem for opposing defenses.
One of the highlights of the night was Hoggarth’s goal off of a Josh Byrne shot/pass. Looking at the video I don’t think it was a planned play like the announcers believed it was. It looks more like Bryne was trying to shoot as he was handcuffed by a Philly defender and it just happened to get a lucky bounce right to Hoggarth who buried it.
Did the @NLLBandits just score on an alley-oop off the glass? Yes, they did ?
Watch FREE now on #BRLive: https://t.co/bdEh1xuIJZ pic.twitter.com/oCCjaWlt8G
— Bleacher Report Live (@brlive) December 15, 2018
Whether it was intentional or not, it was a fantastic play and the Buffalo Bandits will take every lucky bounce or successful trick play that they can get if the rest of their games are as close as this one was.
Now, let’s get to what probably stood out the most for anyone watching, the Bandits defense. 15 goals allowed against an expansion team is a little concerning. Matt Vinc did everything he could and surely was doing his best to talk to the defense throughout the game. There were lapses in communication and missed assignments on several plays that resulted in goals from Philly that allowed them to get on their runs. There were also some bad turnovers in the Bandits own end that resulted in Philly goals. This is definitely the result of only having two weekends of training camp, new players on the unit and a new defense being put in place that the players have yet to perfect.
The good thing is that these lapses happened in the Buffalo Bandits’ first game and they still won. Coach Kilgour will have a week to watch film and get the defense on the same page for their next game. There were some encouraging signs as Bryce Sweeting, who won the Bandits “Heavyweight Player of the Game,” Matt Gilray and Ian MacKay played extensive minutes and were up-and-running in transition. Sweeting scored a big goal at the start of the third period and MacKay had some great chances on breakaways and even had the confidence in his first game to try and score on a backhanded shot. Captain Steve Priolo continues to improve his transition game and had two goals and two assists.
The game ultimately came down to a 15-15 tie in the fourth quarter. Shawn Evans did what he does best and was Mr. Clutch with his game winning goal.
Game. Winner. pic.twitter.com/lzDIK89TOs
— Buffalo Bandits (@NLLBandits) December 15, 2018
Priolo sealed the win with an empty net goal and the Bandits escaped the city of brotherly love with their first win of the season.
At the end of the game Dhane Smith was helped off the floor after he attempted a diving goal that was called off. This was a scary sight, but all signs show that Smith is not seriously injured as he participated in the Bandits practice this week. We will have to wait to see if he is ready to go by Friday.
There are a lot of things to like from the Bandits offense and some concerns on the defense, but the Bandits will be ready to put on a show Friday. Banditland will be on their side in their home opener at the KeyBank Center against their rival the Toronto Rock on December 21.
READ MORE: Check out our new segment, Lacrosse GIFs, where we take five moments from the previous week and describe it in five GIFs. It’s fun, we promise. Read it here. Also, before action starts this weekend for Week 2 of the NLL, check out our winners and losers from Week 1 by Steve Wizniuk here.
