NLL Week 17: Bandits and Rush Secure Playoff Berths in Thrilling Action
Week 17 of the NLL season saw the Buffalo Bandits and Saskatchewan Rush clinch playoff spots. Recap the thrilling games, standout players, and updated standings.
The 2024-25 National Lacrosse League (NLL) season continues to deliver high-octane action as Week 17 saw two powerhouse teams punch their tickets to the postseason. The defending champion Buffalo Bandits and the surging Saskatchewan Rush have officially secured their playoff spots, setting the stage for an exciting March to May.
Playoff Picture Takes Shape
With just a few weeks remaining in the regular season, the playoff race is heating up. The Rush became the first team to clinch a berth following the Ottawa Black Bears' Friday night loss. Not to be outdone, the Bandits secured their spot with a commanding victory over the Las Vegas Desert Dogs.
Friday Night Fireworks
- Halifax Thunderbirds 17, Ottawa Black Bears 16: In a nail-biter that went down to the wire, Graeme Hossack (3G, 2A) and Jeff Teat (6G, 4A) put on an offensive clinic. The Thunderbirds' victory eliminated Ottawa from playoff contention.
- Buffalo Bandits 13, Las Vegas Desert Dogs 10: The Bandits' dynamic duo of Dhane Smith and Josh Byrne combined for 15 points as Buffalo built an insurmountable first-half lead.
Saturday's Marquee Matchups
- Albany FireWolves 11, Buffalo Bandits 10 (OT): Rookie sensation Dyson Williams delivered the OT winner in a championship rematch thriller.
- Toronto Rock 15, Philadelphia Wings 8: Chris Boushy's hat trick highlighted Toronto's dominant Marvel Superhero Night performance.
- West Coast Showdowns: Both San Diego (Wes Berg: 5G, 3A) and Vancouver (Keegan Bal: 3G, 9A) posted crucial wins to stay in the playoff hunt.
Sunday Redemption
After Friday's heartbreaking loss, the Ottawa Black Bears bounced back with a 14-9 statement win over Colorado behind Jeff Teat's 9-point performance (5G, 4A).
Updated Standings
| Team | W-L | GB |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan Rush | 11-3 | - |
| Buffalo Bandits | 10-4 | 1 |
| Toronto Rock | 9-5 | 2 |
| Albany FireWolves | 9-5 | 2 |
| San Diego Seals | 8-6 | 3 |
The race for playoff positioning continues to intensify as teams jockey for home-floor advantage in the postseason.
Players of the Week
- Jeff Teat (OTT): 11 goals, 8 assists in two games
- Wes Berg (SD): 5-goal outburst against Calgary
- Keegan Bal (VAN): 12-point masterpiece vs. Georgia
With several teams still fighting for playoff lives, Week 18 promises more electrifying NLL action as the regular season enters its final stretch.
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