Photo: Scott Stroh
Bouvier’s Double OT Heroics Knot Series | Series Tied 2-2
It was a tight, hard checking battle throughout but in the end, the Blizzard picked up a gutsy road win in double overtime to make it a best of 3 series heading back to The Pas. Miguel Bouvier wired home his second of the playoffs while Riley See had a goal and an assist in the victory. Cole Sheffield did all he could in the crease, making 37 saves on the night. Tomas Anderson was up to the task after giving up the opening goal in the second, the MJHL Goaltender of the Year shut the door the rest of the way finishing off his night with 20 saves. The Blizzard penalty kill also stepped up huge killing off several minor penalties late in the third to force overtime. Game 4 is set for Saturday night in The Pas.
3 Goal 3rd Period Propel Titans To Even Series | Series Tied 2-2
John Baird, Dawson Andries and Hayden Stocks scored in the final period to help boost Neepawa past Virden for their second win on home ice in the series. Mason Lobreau was a rock star in the crease, especially in the third period when Virden put up an impressive 20 shots but Lobreau stood tall stopping everything that came his way. Bryce Bryant scored the lone goal for the Oil Caps as his impressive playoffs continue, he now has 3 goals in the series while Josh Lehto has 6 assists to this point. Tempers boiled over after the final buzzer and the emotions could carry over into the rest of the series which is now a best of 3 heading back to Tundra Oil and Gas Place on Sunday night.
Pistons edge Nighthawks to complete sweep | Pistons win series 4-0
Up a goal in the third, the Pistons locked down the game allowing only 3 shots in the final period, grinding away and coming out with a 3-2 win to advance to round 2. Connor Paronuzzi had a breakout game as the 18-year-old scored twice, including the game winner. Cole Plowman made 16 saves but he was a stud as a number of those shots were great chances for Niverville but the 20-year-old turned them away time and time again. 20-year-old Brendan Bottem put the team on his back and had a monster game which included a goal and an assist. Keegan Gorden, pressed into action after an injury forced a goalie change prior to the start of the game, was very impressive and stopped 33 shots. Steinbach now waits to see who they will play in round 2.
Tonight – Portage vs Winkler | Winkler Leads Series 2-1
It’s been an emotional ride to this point of the series and it’s doubtful things will dial back tonight. Portage needing to defend home ice, will need all hands-on deck as playoff grind could force lineup changes and some players to have increased roles due to injuries. Winkler will look to keep playing a heavy, in-your-face style game but look to toe the line and stay out of the penalty box. The Terriers have spread the offense around using 7 different goal scorers to this point in the series while the Flyers have multiple goals from 3 players including Jayce Legaarden who’s 4 bingo’s, 3 of which have been power play goals, is leading the club. Game 4 is tonight at Stride Place with the puck drop set for 7:30 pm.
