If the first round of the playoffs is a sign of what’s to come, then we are all in for one fantastic ride through the 2014 NLL Champion Cup Playoffs.
The Bandits who came in riding an eight-game losing streak go into Toronto and defeat the Rock 15-13.
Out west, the Calgary Roughnecks needed another 1:23 of extra time to defeat a tough Mammoth team 16-15 in overtime.
Next weekend the Bandits will host the defending champion Rochester Knighthawks, while the Calgary Roughnecks will host the Edmonton Rush in Game 1 action.
3 Stars for Round 1 NLL 2014 PLayoffs.
1—Ryan Benesch (Buffalo) Seven goals and three assists on 13 shots including two power play goals as the Bandits disposed the Toronto Rock 15-13. JohnTavares (2 goals) was the only multi-goal scorer as the Bandits had six other players with a goal each. Benesch had the hot stick all night as every time he had the ball it seemed something went right. Can Benesch carry this momentum against the two time champs in the following round?
2—Shawn Evans (Calgary) Four goals (1 power play & game winner) and five assists on 11 shots including the game winner in overtime as Evans led his Roughnecks to a 16-15 victory. Evans also had five loose balls. Evans is a definite clutch player, and will look to carry the momentum next weekend as Edmonton visits for Game One. Remember, Calgary defeated Edmonton in their final meeting of the season.
3—Dane Dobbie (Calgary) Four goals and four assists, including a power play and short handed goal. Dobbie had a game high 17 shots on goal. The combination of Dobbie and Evans combined for 11 goals in Round One. Dobbie and company will host Edmonton in Game One this weekend in the Divisional Finals.
Honorable Mention:
John Grant Jr.—Two goals, five assists in a tough loss
Adam Jones—Five goals
Colin Doyle—Three goals, five assists
Kasey Biernes—Four goals, two assists
