In National Lacrosse League action Saturday night at HSBC Arena the Philadelphia Wings beat the Buffalo Bandits 10-to-9.
The loss drops the Bandits record to 4-3 on the season while the Wings improve to 4-4. The power play was the difference for Philadelphia. They scored six goals in 9 power play opportunities.
The Bandits tied the game at 9 in the fourth quarter on a Tracey Kelusky goal. Kelusky had a big night with two goals and three assists. With just 1:18 remaining in regulation Philadelphia got the game winning goal. Drew Westervelt drove toward the net then dove and put his shot past goaltender Angus Goodleaf who stopped 25 of 35 Wings shots.
For a second straight game, John Tavares achieved another career milestone, as his assist on Buffalo's first goal of the game was the 1,500th point in his illustrious career. The NLL's all-time leading scorer finished the night with a goal and four assists in the loss.
The Bandits are off for two weeks for the NLL All-Star break. The game will be played Sunday February 27 at the Turning Stone Casion in Verona, New York. Four Bandits will be representing the East Division as Steenhuis, Chris White, Tavares and Brett Bucktooth will head to Turning Stone.
Buffalo's 4-3 record is good for third place in the East Division. The Bandits return to action March 5 at home against Rochester. Face off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.