The Buffalo Bandits are set to face the Georgia Swarm in a single-elimination playoff game this Saturday, following a defeat to the Albany FireWolves on April 21. The team was missing key offensive players Tehoka Nanticoke, Clay Scanlan, and Tyler Hendrycks due to injuries.
The upcoming match is important as it determines whether the Bandits continue their postseason run. The recent loss cost them a home game advantage in the first round of playoffs. Despite this setback, players and staff remain focused on improving performance and meeting high expectations.
Dhane Smith, who finished third in regular season scoring with 118 points, said, “I hold myself to a high standard, and I hold the guys, especially the offensive group, to a high standard. Obviously, you have those games where you forget what makes you successful, but we want to continue, and it starts with me.”
General manager Steve Dietrich commented on the team’s mindset: “You don’t have to say much to them. They know the big moments, which games are important, and when it’s time to ramp it up. Read the urgency. They want another shot at it.” He also expressed confidence in his squad’s experience: “This has been a pretty special group that knows when the lights come on; it’s a big moment. I trust these guys who know what they are doing; they’ve won three championships in a row.”
Smith emphasized teamwork and preparation: “It comes down to wanting to play with these guys. We know we have a special group… We came up with 10 things as a group you want to be great at. If we can hit six or seven of those, we will be successful.” Looking ahead he added: “I want to lead by example and make my game better by putting the ball in the net… I can always be better.”
Lacrosse analysts Dan Arestia and Gary Groob shared positive assessments of Buffalo’s chances in postseason play during recent broadcasts. Arestia described Smith’s playing style as precise and adaptable while Groob predicted success for Buffalo based on their championship experience.
As anticipation builds for Saturday’s matchup against Georgia—who ended their regular season with two wins—the Bandits aim for another deep playoff run.
