Photo: Scott Stroh
Titans Even Series In Epic Fashion | Series tied 1-1
For the first time since 2017, the Neepawa Titans have won a playoff game. It took a late third-period goal and double overtime, but the Titans managed to even the series, 1-1. Local good guy Cooper Kasprick scored with less than 3-minutes remaining setting up Colton Alexander to be the overtime hero as he snapped home the winner, sending the Titans and their fans into a frenzy. A frustrated Virden squad will look to rebound in game 3 and retake control while the Titans have proven they won’t go quietly into the night.
Kings In Control After Schmidt Plays Hero | Kings lead series 2-0
It was a high-scoring, back-and-forth, edge of the seat nailbiter in Dauphin but when the dust settled, it was the Kings grabbing a 2-0 stranglehold in the series. Jordan Bax scored twice, the penalty kill came up massive and Joshua Schmidt sent Credit Union Place into celebration scoring the overtime winner with under four minutes to go in the first extra period. After a pair of losses in very different ways, the Blizzard will look to turn the series around in game 3 while the Kings will look to put the hammer down and put the Blizzard’s backs up against the wall.
Terriers Bend But Don’t Break, Take Game 2 | Series tied 1-1
Parker Scherr’s second-period goal with just 9 seconds left in the period proved to be massive as the Terriers held on to win 3-2 over Winkler and knot their series up 1-1. Scherr’s three-point night led the way for Portage while the Flyers refused to quit, making a game of it by scoring twice in the third but couldn’t come all the way back. Connor Jensen had a goal and assist in the loss. Winkler pulled goalie Malachi Klassen after giving up 3 goals on 21 shots, giving Liam Ernst the third period. Jayden Catellier collected his 5th career playoff win making 15 saves. Things got out of hand in the third as the teams combined for 68 penalty minutes in the final period, all within a three-minute span. Game 3 is set for Wednesday in Winkler.
Steinbach’s Strong Second Too Much For Niverville | Pistons lead series 2-0
The Pistons used a three-goal second period to run away from the Niverville Nighthawks and grab a 2-0 series lead. Steinbach opened the scoring early but a packed house at the CRRC exploded with excitement when the Nighthawks tied the game late in the first period. The party was cut short when Brett Kaiser scored his first of two on the night just 9 seconds after the Nighthawks tied it. Sam Noad scored a shorthanded goal to extend the lead and the Pistons buried two more in quick succession, making it too much of a mountain for the Nighthawks to climb. Cole Plowman celebrated his birthday by making 22 saves in his second playoff win. A pivotal game 3 is set for Tuesday night at the Hylife Centre in La Broquerie.
