New England Black Wolves coach Glenn Clark said in a conference call this week that he's pleased with what his players learned about themselves in last week's 15-11 victory over the Buffalo Bandits at Mohegan Sun Arena.

“From a confidence standpoint that these little successes along the way are making the guys feel that they don't have to press, they don't have to do things out of character,” Clark said of the primary lesson. “We don't have to do things in a spectacular fashion. We have the depth (it takes to win).”

New England, in first place in the East Division of the National Lacrosse League after that victory at 3-1, takes on Buffalo (2-2) for the second straight game at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the First Niagara Center in Buffalo.

Kevin Crowley (8 goals, 11 assists) led the Wolves in the their last victory, tying a career high with six goals, while Shawn Evans (12 goals, 12 assists) had seven assists. New England goalie Evan Kirk, who had a career-high 56 saves, leads the NLL in goals-against average (8.25), save percentage (.844) and saves (178).

Buffalo is led by Dhane Smith (13 goals, 17 assists) and Ryan Benesch (9 goals, 8 assists).

The game was a physical one and Clark said he doesn't see that changing the second time around.

“We're establishing that we're that kind of team, as well,” said Clark, whose team has given up an East Division low 33 goals. “No one's taking a step back. We're not going to back down in terms of our intensity and neither will they. It makes for an entertaining battle.”

The Black Wolves return home on Feb. 14 for an East Division game with the Toronto Rock (3 p.m., Mohegan Sun).