The Swarm do not have much time to think about the loss to Edmonton on Friday. They have business to attend to, and the Buffalo Bandits aren’t the only ones in town today. With a playoff berth waiting to be clinched, Versus is broadcasting this game to a national television audience.
It’s a big stage, and one the Swarm have never been on before. Swarm coach Mike lines said "“To be on national television is great for our league, our organization and for lacrosse in general in Minnesota. This is an opportunity for us to showcase what we are all about and the exposure is only going to help our league.”
It’s also a chance to clinch the playoffs, something the thrilling loss in Edmonton failed to do. Buffalo is not going to make it easy on the Swarm, as the Bandits are riding a three game winning streak coming into this afternoon’s game.
The Swarm know who they are facing in the second place Bandits. Lines said, “Buffalo is a solid team and they’re playing very well right now. They’ve been running the same system for years now and they’re always a well prepared and coached team. They present a tough matchup and will also come in with a hot goaltender.”
The Swarm certainly look to have the pieces to hang with any team in the league, with the fourth ranked offense in the league. Led by NLL goal scoring leader Ryan Benesch, the Swarm also have Callum Crawford, Mat Giles, and Aaron Wilson to put the ball in the net if the Bandits figure out Benesch.
But I wouldn’t worry too much about that.
Catch the Swarm at the X at 1PM, or if you’re spending a lazy Sunday afternoon at home, flip on Versus. It’ll be worth it. Trust me.