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BANDITS AND ROCK FACE OFF IN BUFFALO TONIGHT

Buffalo looks to build momentum after first win

02/06/2010

By Jonathan McGrath, covering the Buffalo Bandits for NLL.com

The Buffalo Bandits (1-4) look to build-on last weekend's first victory of 2010. A great way to keep momentum in the team's favor would be a victory against the number one team in the East Division, the Toronto Rock (3-1), on Saturday night.

Buffalo's 11-7 victory over Minnesota last weekend was the first of two consecutive home games for the Bandits. Mark Steenhuis registered one goal and seven assists during the win.

"Mark's been doing a great job of moving the ball all season, but we haven't been doing a great job of getting open and finishing for him," said Bandits Head Coach Darris Kilgour.

Kilgour also spoke in regards to the role of his team's leading scorer in the absence of John Tavares.

"His role has changed, but everybody's roll has changed without a player like (Tavares)."

After bringing in defenseman Joe Smith and forward Kyle Clancy before last weekend's game, The Bandits continued to make personnel changes this week by adding defensemen Ryan Maciaszek to the roster. Maciaszek appeared in three regular season games for the Titans last season.

The Bandits were pleased with Clancy's performance last weekend (one goal and one assist) in his first NLL game.

"He played very well for us. He was everything we expected and more," said Kilgour.

Toronto's first and only loss of the season came last weekend against Rochester, who outscored the Rock 16-8. In the loss, Blaine Manning and Garrett Billings each scored two goals a piece.

The Bandits should have their work cut out for them as Billings is currently tied for second in the NLL in scoring with 13 goals and goalie Bob Watson is leading the league in goals against average (6.67) save percentage (.846)

By Megan Robinson, covering the Toronto Rock for NLL.com

The Toronto Rock (3-1 entering Friday's game vs. Philadelphia) travel south to Buffalo Saturday, to take on the Bandits (1-4), less than 24 hours after the final whistle of their first game of the weekend. It is the first of three matchups between the Rock and Bandits this season. Ball drop is 7:30pm Eastern at HSBC Arena and the game will be airing live on NLL.com via the NLL Network.

Toronto Rock General Manager and Assistant Coach Terry Sanderson, is confident that the quick turnaround will not harm the momentum of the weekend.

"We've got 23 healthy bodies so we're going to be able to make changes in Buffalo," said Sanderson of his roster, who have scored a total of 50 goals in their first four games. "I don't think it's going to affect us one way or the other."

The Bandits have scored 45 goals and allowed 54 in their first five games but go into the weekend, 2.5 games behind the Toronto Rock. Former Toronto Rock Captain, Chris Driscoll returns to the Air Canada Centre for the first time since the July 2009 trade that brought defenseman Phil Sanderson back to the Toronto Rock roster. So far this season, Driscoll has recorded two goals and three assists for a total of five points in four games with the Bandits.

The present Toronto Rock Captain Colin Doyle has made a big impact on the focus of the team with his leadership and coaching mentality. Toronto Rock Head Coach Troy Cordingley, commented via email earlier this week on the way Doyle has affected the roster.

"[He] has done a really good job for us," said Cordingley of Doyle who has recorded three goals and 23 assists for a total of 26 points in four games. "The way he has the team going on the floor and in the dressing room, is great for us. He is just a great presence in what he says and does. We are very pleased in Colin."

Doyle enters the weekend's action only nine points shy of becoming the third player in league history to score 1,000 career points. Doyle will join John Tavares and Gary Gait in that elite club once he reaches that milestone.

Cordingley has taken the team back to the drawing board to prepare for this weekend and remains positive, putting the previous weekend in the past. "We have to take a look at how we got to be 3-1, and know that everyone has bumps in the road," said Cordingley. "This weekend is a new challenge for us and we'll see how we're going to react to our poor performance from last week."

The Rock travel to Buffalo Saturday to rival the Bandits at 7:30pm ET at HSBC Arena.

Fans can watch the game live on the NLL Network at NLL.com.