The Melfort Mustangs hit the road yesterday as they prepare for Games 3 and 4 against the Estevan Bruins. The Mustangs made the drive south last night as they meet the Bruins both tonight and tomorrow night. Series is tied 1-1 after the first two games in Melfort. Game time both tonight and tomorrow begins at 7:30pm.
The Bruins and Mustangs opened the first two games of the series in practically the same fashion. Estevan scored first both nights taking an early lead. However, each game would result in opposite outcomes.
In Game 1, the Bruins would hold on as Keenan Rancier would steal game 1 for the Bruins. Christian Albertson would score the lone Mustang goal. Shawn Parkinson made 15 saves on 18 shots. Keenan Rancier however was the story. The Bruin goalie made 44 saves on 45 shots Friday.
In Game 2 it was a lot of the same as the Bruins would once again score first in the opening frame. In the second period, the Mustangs would find some life as Tian Rask would rip one over the shoulder of Rancier tying the game. In the third, the Mustangs would grab the lead with Christian Albertson’s second of the playoffs. He banged it home on the door step to give the Mustangs their first lead of the series. Empty net goals from Gabe Odowichuk and Kenzie Arnold would seal a 4-1 Mustang win, knotting the series at 1-1. Shawn Parkinson made 14 of 15 saves on the night while Keenan Rancier made 42 of 44.
The Mustangs would outshoot the Bruins 91-34 on the weekend, a wide margin in shot differential. With game’s 3 and 4 returning to Estevan the Mustangs will look to continue that play on the road. Both games begin at 7:30pm and Mat Barrett will have the call on 750 Beach Radio. It can also be seen on HockeyTV for those with a subscription.
Around the rest of the SJHL all three other series follow the exact same dates. So it’s game 3 tonight around the league. Here’s where things sit right now.
SJHL Playoff Matchups!
Battlefords(1) vs Nipawin(8)
Battleford Leads Series 2-0
Flin Flon(2) vs Humboldt(7)
Flin Flon Leads Series 2-0
Melfort(3) vs Estevan(6)
Series Tied 1-1
Yorkton(4) vs La Ronge(5)
Series Tied 1-1
Photo Credit: Broad Leaf Media
