The Buffalo Bandits are set to face the Georgia Swarm in a first-round, single-elimination playoff game at Gas South Arena on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., following their recent defeat to Oshawa, according to an April 24 announcement by head coach John Tavares. The team is looking to rebound after missing out on a home playoff game and ending a seven-game winning streak.
The matchup is significant as both teams are known for their disciplined, low-scoring style of play. The Bandits went 7-3 against other playoff teams this season and previously defeated the Swarm 15-11 in their opening night meeting. Dhane Smith contributed four goals and four assists in that victory and finished the regular season tied for third in the National Lacrosse League with 118 points.
Georgia’s goaltender Brett Dobson has set league records this year, leading all qualified goalies with a 7.86 goals-against average and an 84.7 save percentage. He has allowed fewer than eight goals twelve times this season and leads his team into the playoffs having given up the fewest total goals among all NLL teams.
Tavares said, “It’s an opportunity for us to learn from our mistakes. Hopefully this is a wake-up call going into the playoffs… That first round of playoffs, that one-game elimination, anything can happen.” He also noted that maintaining discipline will be key: “We got to be disciplined. That’s one of the team goals, is stay out of the penalty box.”
Injuries have affected Buffalo’s offense recently with Tehoka Nanticoke and Clay Scanlan missing games due to injuries; no update was provided on their status. Despite these challenges, Tavares expressed confidence in his veteran group: “Having a veteran group, the guys have been through this… Being a veteran group where we’ve been there before, we understand what it takes.”
Fans can watch Saturday’s game on CW23 (Buffalo broadcast market), stream it via ESPN+, or listen on WWKB 1520 AM radio.
