Saskatchewan Rush Slip to Second Place in NLL After Buffalo Bandits Defeat
The Saskatchewan Rush have encountered a challenging phase in their schedule, culminating in a critical 8-7 loss over the weekend that has shifted their standing in the National Lacrosse League. This defeat marks their fourth loss in the last five games, dropping them to second place with an 11-5 record as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
Game Recap: A Fourth-Quarter Comeback Seals the Outcome
On Saturday night, the Buffalo Bandits staged a dramatic comeback, scoring four consecutive goals in the fourth quarter to secure an 8-7 victory over the host Saskatchewan Rush. The game began with Buffalo opening the scoring at 11:02 into the first quarter, but Saskatchewan quickly responded. Robert Church tied the game just 37 seconds later, and Zach Manns gave the Rush a 2-1 lead at 7:23, which they maintained into the next quarter.
In the second quarter, Josh Zawada and Clark Water scored within 30 seconds of each other early on, extending Saskatchewan's lead to two goals. Buffalo managed to cut the deficit to one at 9:29, and after an exchange of goals in the final four minutes—including one from Ryan Keenan—the Rush entered halftime with a 5-3 advantage.
The third quarter saw only one goal, scored by the Bandits, narrowing the gap to 5-4. Saskatchewan started the fourth quarter strongly, with power-play goals from Austin Shanks and Church within the first five minutes. However, Buffalo then unleashed a four-goal rally, eventually tying the game and scoring the winning goal with just 46 seconds remaining.
Goaltending Performances and Upcoming Challenges
In net, Frank Scigliano made 35 saves on 43 shots for the Rush, while Buffalo's Matt Vinc stopped 44 of 61 shots. With two games left in the NLL regular season, the Rush now trail the Vancouver Warriors, who hold an 11-4 record and the league's top spot. Saskatchewan will play both remaining games at home, facing the Colorado Mammoth on April 11 and concluding the season against the Toronto Rock on April 18.
Additional Sports Highlights from the Region
In other local sports news, the Prairie Junior Hockey League final series has commenced with a weekend split. The Saskatoon Westleys claimed a 2-1 overtime victory over the Regina Capitals on Friday night, with Tayden Cousins scoring the game-winner just 13 seconds into overtime. Regina rebounded with a 5-3 win in Game 2 on Sunday, setting up Game 3 in Regina on Tuesday at 7:45 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Battlefords Sharks made history by winning the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League championship for the first time. Goaltender Aura Sembalerus delivered a 34-save shutout performance in a 3-0 victory over the Swift Current Wildcats on Saturday, sweeping the best-of-three final series in two games to claim the Fedoruk Cup.
