The Buffalo Bandits lost to the Oshawa FireWolves 12-8 at Tribute Communities Centre on April 18, ending their seven-game winning streak. The Bandits were unable to secure a home playoff game with the loss and will now rely on the outcome of the Georgia Swarm versus Rochester Knighthawks game to determine if they will play their opening-round playoff match at KeyBank Center.
The result is significant for Buffalo as a win would have guaranteed them a home advantage in the playoffs. Instead, their postseason position remains uncertain pending other league results.
Oshawa started strong by scoring the first seven goals of the game, with Alex Simmons leading all players with seven points. The Bandits struggled offensively, going scoreless for over 25 minutes before Joe Resetarits scored late in the second quarter. Dhane Smith led Buffalo with six points and Josh Byrne contributed five points. Despite being without Tehoka Nanticoke for a second straight game and missing Clay Scanlan due to injury, Buffalo managed three power-play goals out of six opportunities.
Oshawa capitalized on special teams as well, converting four out of six power plays against what had been one of the league’s top penalty-killing units. Goaltender Doug Jamieson was instrumental for Oshawa, making 44 saves and limiting Buffalo’s offense throughout key stretches.
After falling behind by seven goals early, Buffalo responded late in the first half with four consecutive goals but could not overcome Oshawa’s lead. Notably, Smith surpassed Mark Steenhuis for second place on Buffalo’s all-time goal-scoring list during this contest.
As both teams look ahead to potential playoff matchups, attention now turns to other results that will finalize postseason seeding.
