The Buffalo Bandits are on the verge of making history in the National Lacrosse League (NLL) as they aim for a third consecutive championship. This would place them among the elite teams in professional sports history, joining the ranks of dynasties like the 2000-02 Los Angeles Lakers and the 1998-00 New York Yankees.

The Road to the Finals

The Bandits have had a stellar season, finishing with a 13-5 record and securing the top seed in the playoffs. They swept through the semifinals, defeating the San Diego Seals and Vancouver Warriors without a loss. Now, they face the Saskatchewan Rush in the NLL Finals, a best-of-three series that begins on Friday night in Buffalo.

Star Power: Dhane Smith

Dhane Smith, one of the league's most dynamic players, is just two points away from breaking the all-time playoff points record, currently held by his coach, John Tavares. Smith, who tied for the most points in the league during the regular season, is a key figure in the Bandits' quest for a three-peat.

The Opponent: Saskatchewan Rush

The Saskatchewan Rush, making their first Finals appearance since 2018, are a formidable opponent. They also finished the regular season with a 13-5 record and swept their semifinal matchup, including an overtime win against the Halifax Thunderbirds.

The Fan Base: Banditland

The Bandits' passionate fan base, known as Banditland, has been a driving force behind the team's success. This season, they set an NLL attendance record with 166,238 fans across nine home games, including four sellouts. The support from Banditland has been instrumental in creating a home-field advantage that rivals any in professional sports.

The Bigger Picture

A third consecutive championship would not only cement the Bandits' place in NLL history but also elevate the profile of the league. As John Tavares noted, 'It shows that we can be the next major league like an NHL, like an NBA, like an NFL.' The Bandits have the opportunity to make a statement about the growth and potential of professional lacrosse.

Conclusion

The stage is set for an epic showdown between the Buffalo Bandits and the Saskatchewan Rush. With a historic three-peat on the line and a record-breaking performance within reach, the Bandits are ready to make lacrosse history.