Can you call it the Tavares effect?

In his first game after missing six straight with a calf injury, John Tavares would lead the Buffalo Bandits to their second victory of their season, defeating the Philadelphia Wings 13-11.

In what could have been a repeat performance, the Bandits fell into a 5-0 hole halfway through the first period and had some battling back to do. 

Shortly after giving up those five goals, Mike Thompson exited the game. However the Bandits would respond with goals from Kevin Dostie, Tom Montour, and two from Mark Steenhuis to bring the Bandits within one at the end of the first quarter. 

The Bandits would also use the power play to gain the lead in the game and keep it through the duration.  In their best showing of the season, the Bandits would score on four of seven opportunities on the night.

However, the night belonged to John Tavares who netted two goals and four assists in his first game of the 2010 season. 

Tavares presence settled an anxious team and gave some strong veteran leadership to a struggling offense.

Head Coach Darris Kilgour alluded to the importance of John in the line-up all season long and the effect it had on the team as a whole.  After tonight’s match-up there is certainly no doubt that John Tavares’ presence had a profound effect on the team.

The Bandits also snapped a three game losing streak on the road, and are now 2-5 on the season. 

Absent with injuries from tonight’s match-up were Mike Accursi, Roger Vyse, and goaltender Ken Montour.  Montour did not make the trip due to injuries sustained during last week’s match against the Toronto Rock.  Also absent was rookie defenseman Steve Priolo.

The Bandits complete the home-and-home series against the Wings on February 27 at the HSBC Arena.  Game time is 7:30 and tickets are still available.