The Buffalo Bandits took on the Las Vegas Desert Dogs in the first game of the Tucker Out Lymphoma Cup, a 3 game, round robin series between the Bandits, Desert Dogs, and Oshawa FireWolves. The Bandits kicked things off into high gear, putting Las Vegas in an early 3-0 hole. The Bandits offense was causing chaos down low and being aggresive. Kyle Buchanan with back-to-back goals in the first quarter, ended up with 4 goals and an assist in this game.
Ian MacKay had a huge second quarter, and in my opinion might have had the goal of the night. MacKay would go around the Las Vegas net then make an over the shoulder goal on the opposite side of the floor from where he normally plays. MacKay would record 7 points on the night, with 3 goals and 4 assists. The Bandits pick up a 15-13 win and get ready to head into enemy soil against a hungry Rochester Knighthawks team. If Buffalo can play like they played tonight, scoring at least 4 goals in 3 out of 4 quarters they’re definitely shaping up to be an NLL Cup contender once again.
Desert Dogs Get The Bang For Their Buck Against Bandits
Even though Las Vegas fell short, give credit to this team for battling back in 4th quarter, putting up 8 goals after trailing 12-5. One of the biggest assets that the Desert Dogs acquired in the offseason was Mitch Jones, who had a big game with 5 goals and 3 assists for 8 points. He was getting himself space to attack the Buffalo net and deliver some nice goals.
Two former Bandits returned to Buffalo for the Desert Dogs on this night. Chris Cloutier got 4 goals, while Chase Fraser had three assists to go with a highlight reel goal that went through the back of the net. But right when it looked like the Desert Dogs were putting Buffalo on their heels, the Bandits did enough to hold off Vegas for the win. Things don’t get easier for the Desert Dogs as they welcome the league leading Saskatchewan Rush into Sin City in Week 7.
