Benders Boom: Full Team Performance Brings Playoffs Back Into Sight

MADISON, WI — The Bucky Benders have officially arrived. In a game that will be etched into the locker room's lore for years to come, the Benders outlasted "Bedard 67" (henceforth the 67’s) in a back-and-forth classic to secure a 6-5 victory. This win, the first of the campaign, moves the Benders to 1-2 on the season, keeping their playoff hopes alive and proving this squad has the grit to close out a nail-biter.

The Opening Volley: Captain's Confidence

The energy was electric from the opening draw, and it didn't take long for the Benders' leadership to make a statement. Captain Marco Salomone, seeking to break a scoring drought that spanned back to last season, opened the scoring with a clinical finish. The goal was manufactured by the "heart and soul" of the defense, Hans, who delivered a tape-to-tape pass that allowed Salomone to pot his first of the year.

The goal did more than just put a number on the scoreboard; it got the boys "bumping" on the bench. While the 67’s answered back quickly, the Benders' offense remained relentless. Drew (Bender Celebrini) notched the second Benders goal of the evening, much to the delight of the five "birds" in attendance—all of whom were reportedly "chopped". The teams traded blows throughout the first, heading into the intermission deadlocked at 3-3.

The Second Period: Defensive Dominance

The second period belonged to the blue line. Defenseman Viktor Mitchell continued his torrid start to the season, maintaining his incredible "goal-per-game" average. Mitchell found the back of the net on a "muffin" that somehow eluded the 67’s netminder through the five-hole.

Beyond the scoring, Mitchell and Hans provided a defensive masterclass. Mitchell finished the night with a +4 rating, a testament to his ability to lock down the zone. Hans, the Benders' star club player, was equally instrumental, finishing with two assists and acting as the stabilizing force during high-pressure shifts. Between the pipes, Luke Rosner settled into a rhythm, allowing only one goal in the frame and sending the Benders into the final twenty minutes with a narrow 5-4 lead.

The Final Stand: "The Windmill" and the Kill

The Benders looked poised to run away with it early in the third when Carson netted his second of the game to establish a two-goal cushion. However, the 67’s refused to fade. They brought the game within one with seven minutes remaining, launching a desperate, all-out offensive onslaught that tested the Benders' resolve.

That’s when Luke Rosner reached another level. Facing a barrage of shots, Rosner stood tall, eventually setting a career-high with 23 saves on 28 shots. The defining moment of the season occurred with just 71 seconds remaining. With a sure goal destined for the back of the net, Rosner flashed the leather, snatching the puck out of the air before punctuating the save with a dramatic windmill motion. Even the opposition was forced to admit it was the "Save of the Year."

The drama didn't end there. The Benders took a late tripping penalty with 40 seconds on the clock. Faced with a 6-on-4 disadvantage after the 67’s pulled their goalie, the core group of Salomone, Hans, and Mitchell anchored the penalty kill. They weathered the 6-on-4 and 6-on-5 storms until the final horn, securing the two points and the MVP game puck for Rosner.

Locker Room Talk: Post-Game with Captain Marco Salomone

After the game, we caught up with Captain Marco Salomone near the Benders' bench to discuss the emotional victory.

Reporter: Marco, you got the scoring started tonight—your first since last season. How did it feel to finally see one go in?

Salomone: "It was huge, honestly. Not just for me, but for the energy on the bench. Hans put it right on my tape—perfect pass—and I just had to finish it. Once that went in, you could feel the guys start bumping. We needed that spark to remind us that we can put the puck in the net."

Reporter: You guys faced a massive challenge at the end there, playing 6-on-4 and 6-on-5 with the goalie pulled. What was the mindset in the final minute?

Salomone: "Just stay composed. Hans and Viktor were absolute rocks back there tonight. We knew if we clogged the lanes and played our positions, we could weather it."

Reporter: Speaking of Rosner, you handed him the MVP game puck. Talk about his performance, specifically that windmill save with 71 seconds left.

Salomone: "Unbelievable. Career high in saves for him tonight, but that glove save was something else. Even the 67's guys were talking about it. When your goalie makes a save like that, it just drains the life out of the other team. He earned that puck today. He’s the reason we’re 1-2 right now and not 0-3."

Looking Forward

With the monkey finally off their back, the Bucky Benders look to carry this momentum into next week. If the defense remains this stingy and Rosner keeps the windmill greased, the playoffs are well within reach.

The Bucky Benders are just getting started, and they need the "Bender Nation" louder than ever as they push toward the postseason! Don’t miss a second of the action—head over to rosnerespn.com for game tickets, exclusive highlights, player stats, and the latest schedule updates. Whether you’re coming to witness the next "Save of the Year" in person or to see if the great Viktor Mitchell can keep his incredible goal-per-game streak alive, make sure you're rink-side to help the boys keep the momentum rolling. Captain Marco Salomone is planning a very special giveaway for one lucky fan at the next game on 2/27 at 9PM. Grab your gear, bring the energy, and let’s turn this first win into a playoff run for the ages. Let’s go Benders!