Buffalo Bandits Crush Vancouver on Marvel Night, Clinch Playoff Spot

Bandits extend win streak to six games with dominant 15-5 victory over first-place Warriors

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:09pm

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The Buffalo Bandits put on a show Saturday night at KeyBank Center, rolling past the first-place Vancouver Warriors 15-5 and locking up their sixth straight NLL playoff berth. It was Marvel Night in Banditland, with the Bandits wearing Thanos-inspired jerseys and fans showing up dressed as Marvel characters. Buffalo has now won six straight games and is heading to the postseason again for the sixth straight time after already winning three championships in a row.

Why it matters

The Bandits' dominant win over the top team in the standings not only clinched a playoff spot, but also extended their impressive win streak and continued their recent championship-caliber play. The Marvel-themed game created a unique atmosphere and excitement for the home crowd.

The details

Josh Byrne led the way for Buffalo with 10 points, while Dhane Smith added nine points with two goals and seven assists. Joe Resetarits scored a hat trick, Ian MacKay finished with six points, and Kyle Buchanan added a multi-goal game. The game was tied 4-4 early in the second quarter, but Buffalo took over from there, outscoring Vancouver 11-1 the rest of the way. The Bandits also went 3-for-5 on the power play and matched their single-game season high in goals.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Buffalo has now won six straight games.

The players

Josh Byrne

A forward for the Buffalo Bandits who led the team with 10 points in the game.

Dhane Smith

A forward for the Buffalo Bandits who scored two goals and added seven assists for nine total points.

Joe Resetarits

A forward for the Buffalo Bandits who scored a hat trick in the game.

Ian MacKay

A player for the Buffalo Bandits who finished with six points in the game.

Kyle Buchanan

A player for the Buffalo Bandits who added a multi-goal game.

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What they’re saying

“Between the Thanos jerseys, the costumes in the stands, and the Bandits beating up on the top team in the standings, it felt like a full-on superhero beatdown.”

— Matt McGloin, Author

What’s next

The Bandits return to KeyBank Center for Fan Appreciation Night against the Rochester Knighthawks on Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m.

The takeaway

The Bandits' dominant performance on Marvel Night not only clinched their sixth straight playoff berth, but also showcased their championship-caliber play and the unique atmosphere that the Marvel-themed game created for the home crowd.