Mark Steenhuis scored four goals to lead the Bandits past the previously undefeated Wings on Saturday at HSBC Arena.
BUFFALO STOMPS PHILADELPHIA, 21-12
Steenhuis, Bandits deal Wings first loss in high-scoring affair
03/01/2008
The Buffalo Bandits defeated the Philadelphia Wings, 21-12, in front of 13,720 fans at HSBC Arena on Saturday. The Bandits, who have won three straight, have made a habit of taking down powerhouses on their home turf -- it was only two weeks ago that Buffalo beat the 6-0 Minnesota Swarm at HSBC Arena.Mark Steenhuis led Buffalo with four goals, while Delby Powless, Cory Bomberry, Roger Vyse and Billy Dee Smith added hat-tricks. John Tavares and Dan Teat each scored twice, and Clay Hill added a single to round out the scoring.
The Wings held 4-0 and 6-1 leads in the first quarter, but the Bandits scored five straight to tie the game at 6-6 early in the second quarter. Buffalo outscored the Wings 8-3 in the second, grabbing a 13-9 lead at halftime, and never looked back.
Mike Thompson made his first start since returning from injury, but was pulled five minutes in after allowing four goals on eight shots. Ken Montour, who also was returning from injury, made 24 saves and allowed eight goals in the remaining 55 minutes to secure the win.
Athan Iannucci led Philadelphia with four goals, while rookies Merrick Thomson (three goals) and Drew Westervelt (two goals) were also impressive. Geoff Snider won 33 of 34 faceoffs, scored a goal and added three assists for the Wings.
Rob Blasdell (53 minutes, 27 saves, 17 goals against) got his first loss in net, while Jay Preece (7 minutes, 3 goals against, 0 saves) played the end of the game.
Buffalo (6-4) hosts the Minnesota Swarm next Saturday at HSBC Arena, while Philadelphia (6-1) hosts the Toronto Rock at Wachovia Center on Saturday.
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