Last Saturday the weather was perfect so I was able to make the trip to Buffalo for the Bandits vs Toronto Rock game. Things were looking good when we got there (two hours before game time) as the crowd was already building, more so than usual, and lining up at the gates waiting to get in. All that changed as the game neared.
The pre-game introductions were delayed eliminating the few minutes the fans usually use to get the HSBC rockin' and when the game started, neither team had the high intensity expected when these two rivals meet. Despite being spotted two goals, the Bandits could not capitalize on them and the Rock came back to take a five all tie into halftime. Toronto came out in the second half with energy but the Bandits came out even flatter then they were in the first. While the Rock defense was tight, the Bandits offence remained flat-footed and did not really challenge the goal. Watson did not get the start in net for Toronto but was solid when he did enter the game at the 38 second mark of the first quarter. Buffalo finally woke up late in the fourth quarter but by then Toronto had a five goal lead. The only blemish on the game for Toronto was their captain whining about every penalty that went against Toronto. I honestly don't know how he didn't get a penalty.
With the 13-9 win, Toronto pulled ahead of Buffalo for third place in the East. New York handed Philadelphia their second loss of the season while moving into fifth place in the East and one win away from fourth place and the final playoff spot. Buffalo will need to play a lot better if they want to be in the playoffs, having just four games left. They have an off week this week before playing on four straight Saturdays, three at home.
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2 comments:
That was a great game. Of course, I am a Rock fan, so I'm more likely to think that than a Bandits fan. Watson was awesome, the Rock defense was great, JT was almost completely shut down, and Steenhuis didn't score at all.
I was surprised that the Bandits didn't honour Jim Veltman, since it was his last regular-season game in Buffalo before he retires. He did win three championships with the Bandits, so I was expecting some kind of acknowledgement.
I guess the Bandits are expecting to meet them in the playoffs. I for one hate the whining Veltman but that cannot cloud the fact that when he actually plays he is a great player. They were so unorganized before the game that I am surprised they even made the player intros. I do agree that Veltman deserved some recognition from the Bandits organization and am surprised nothing was done.
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