Latest news with #BuffaloBandits
CTV News
28-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Saskatchewan Rush optimistic after turnaround season comes up short
The Saskatchewan Rush came up one game short of a National Lacrosse League (NLL) championship against the Buffalo Bandits Saturday night, losing 15-6 to the Buffalo Bandits in game three. (Source: Saskatchewan Rush/X) The Saskatchewan Rush came up one game short of a National Lacrosse League (NLL) championship against the Buffalo Bandits Saturday night, losing 15-6 to the Buffalo Bandits in game three. The win makes the Bandits the second team in league history to complete the three-peat, winning three consecutive league championships. Being a part of history doesn't take out the sting for the Rush. 'They're a good team, and we kind of played with them for ten quarters,' said Jake Boudreau, Saskatchewan Rush defense. 'And then just kind of lost it in the second half there. So that sucks, but I think we have a lot to be happy about. Obviously not satisfied, but happy.' For a team that posted losing records since the pandemic, pushing an eventual dynasty opponent to game three of the NLL finals leaves room for perspective. 'We didn't get the result we wanted,' said Jerrett Smith, Saskatchewan Rush defense. 'But making it to game three of the NLL finals against the Bandits, I think at some point you've got to chalk it up as somewhat of a win.' The Rush finished the regular season with a 13-5 record, tied for the second best in franchise history, despite being dismissed as young and inexperienced all year. But that all changed after this year's team got six playoff games under their belts. 'I saw a stat, it was like over half the guys on our team, their first playoff run,' said Zach Manns, Saskatchewan Rush forward. 'And that's valuable experience. It's an experience that not everyone gets. And you've got to take it for what it's worth. Those are high pressure games and those are the type of games that can really make or break a season.' Now that the season has ended, it gives players time to appreciate how far the team has come in just a year, and it gives them time to start looking ahead. 'We really just had a special group this year,' said Brock Haley, Saskatchewan Rush forward. 'To make it this far and compete with one of the best teams, kind of ever, it goes to show what we can do and what we're going to be capable of next year.' The Rush got five individual awards, Frank Scigliano for best goalie, Matt Hossack for best defender, Jimmy Quinlan for top coach, and Derek Keenan won best general manager. Keegan Bell won the best teammate award as voted by the NLL Players' Association. Despite the individual success, it was the enjoyment of coming to the rink every week that made the season especially fun. 'It was just a fantastic group of guys from the top down,' said Manns. 'I can't say anything better. It was probably the most fun year I've every had playing lacrosse, so couldn't be more excited for the future.' The 2012-2014 Rochester Knighthawks are the only other team to win three consecutive NLL championships.
Newsweek
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Buffalo Bandits vs. Saskatchewan Rush Game 2: Live Stream NLL Finals, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Buffalo Bandits are one win away from a three-peat, but the Saskatchewan Rush aren't ready to roll over yet. Now, it's on to Game 2 as the series heads north to SaskTel Centre in Saskatchewan for what promises to be an incredible atmosphere on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. The Buffalo Bandits celebrate after a goal against the Colorado Mammoth during the final game of the NLL Championship at KeyBank Center on June 3, 2023 in Buffalo, New York. The Buffalo Bandits celebrate after a goal against the Colorado Mammoth during the final game of the NLL Championship at KeyBank Center on June 3, 2023 in Buffalo, New York. Photo byfor NLL How to Watch Saskatchewan Rush vs. Buffalo Bandits in NLL Finals: Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Time: 8:00 PM ET Channel: ESPN+ Stream: ESPN+ (WATCH NOW) Game 1 of the 2025 NLL Finals went to Buffalo, who pulled off a gritty 12-10 comeback win in front of a raucous crowd of 16,761 at KeyBank Center. The defending champs trailed for much of the game, but the Bandits found another gear late, locking things down when it mattered most and reminding everyone exactly why they're the team to beat. For the Rush, it's win or go home. A victory would force a decisive Game 3 and keep their championship hopes alive. But if the Bandits can ride their momentum into enemy territory and pull off the win, they'll secure their third straight NLL Cup, a dynasty-defining moment for a team already building its case as one of the best. Will Saskatchewan rise to the occasion in front of their home fans? Or will Buffalo finish the job and bring the Cup back across the border? Live stream Rush vs. Bandits Game 2 with ESPN+: Start your subscription now! If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Newsweek
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Buffalo Bandits vs. Saskatchewan Rush: Live Stream NLL Finals, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The stage is set for an epic showdown in the 2025 National Lacrosse League Finals with Game 1 on Friday between the Buffalo Bandits and the Saskatchewan Rush. Catch all the action with Game 1 on Friday night in Buffalo and streaming on ESPN+. Chase Fraser #95 of the Buffalo Bandits scores his second goal against the Colorado Mammoth during the first half of game three of the NLL Championship at KeyBank Center on June 3, 2023 in Buffalo,... Chase Fraser #95 of the Buffalo Bandits scores his second goal against the Colorado Mammoth during the first half of game three of the NLL Championship at KeyBank Center on June 3, 2023 in Buffalo, New York. More Photo byfor NLL After both top seeds dismantled their semifinal opponents, lacrosse fans are in for a championship matchup featuring the league's most decorated franchises of the modern era. How to Watch Buffalo Bandits vs. Saskatchewan Rush in NLL Finals: Date: Friday, May 16, 2025 Time: 7:30 PM ET Channel: ESPN+ Stream: ESPN+ (WATCH NOW) The Buffalo Bandits enter the finals as the team to beat, aiming for a rare three-peat after winning championships in 2023 and 2024. Their recent dominance has cemented their legacy, as they've now tied the record for most NLL championships in history with six titles. This also marks their fourth straight finals appearance—a run that began with a loss in 2022, followed by back-to-back championships. Meanwhile, the Saskatchewan Rush returns to the championship stage for the first time since 2018, hoping to revive the form that once made them the league's defining dynasty. The Rush were a powerhouse in the mid-2010s, winning titles in 2015, 2016, and 2018, and narrowly missing a four-peat with a finals loss in 2017. They also reached the final in 2012, underscoring their long-standing reputation as a championship-caliber franchise. 2025 NLL Finals Schedule Friday, May 16 Game 1: (2) Saskatchewan Rush at (1) Buffalo Bandits, 7:30 PM ET KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY TSN (Canada), ESPN+ (US), CW 23 Buffalo Sunday, May 18 Game 2: Buffalo Bandits at (2) Saskatchewan Rush, 8:00 PM ET SaskTel Centre, Saskatoon, SK TSN (Canada), ESPN+ (US), CW 23 Buffalo Saturday, May 24 Game 3: Saskatchewan Rush at (1) Buffalo Bandits, 4:30 PM ET * KeyBank Center, Buffalo, NY TSN (Canada), ESPN+ (US), CW 23 Buffalo *If necessary Live stream Bandits vs Rush in NLL Finals with ESPN+: Start your subscription now! If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
CTV News
15-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Saskatchewan Rush collect awards in pursuit of third NLL championship
WATCH: The Saskatchewan Rush looks to add a third NLL cup to the trophy cabinet as the team faces the Buffalo Bandits in the final.
CBC
11-05-2025
- Sport
- CBC
Saskatchewan Rush heading to NLL championship final after dramatic OT win
For the first time since 2018, the Saskatchewan Rush are back in the National Lacrosse League championship final. Austin Shanks scored the game-winning goal in overtime Saturday night at Saskatoon's SaskTel Centre, giving the Rush a 10–9 victory over the Halifax Thunderbirds in Game 2 of their best-of-three semifinal. The win completed a 2–0 series sweep and sends Saskatchewan to the NLL final against the two-time defending champion Buffalo Bandits. Stunning comeback in final seconds The Rush were down 9–7 with under a minute to play in regulation when they pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in franchise history. Zach Manns scored with 44 seconds left to bring the Rush within one. Then, with under five seconds remaining, Matt Hossack tied the game off a turnover caused by Mike Messenger. In overtime, Saskatchewan earned a power play. Shanks, who spent several seasons with Halifax, scored his second goal of the night to send the Rush to the league final. WATCH | NLL recap of Saskatchewan Rush v. Halifax Thunderbirds: Saturday's win sets up a rematch of the 2016 championship, when the Rush defeated Buffalo to claim their second NLL title. The Rush last won the championship in 2018. Now, with home-turf advantage in Game 2, they'll look to reclaim the title in front of their fans at SaskTel Centre. The series begins Friday in Buffalo before shifting to Saskatoon on Sunday. If necessary, a deciding Game 3 is scheduled for Friday, May 24, back in Buffalo.
