Lindgren, Papirny lead Broncos by Pats in Overtime Heroics
The Swift Current Broncos went into the Brandt Centre and snatched a potential Game 1 victory away from the Regina Pats as Lane Pederson scored late in regulation and Ryley Lindgren netted the game winner in overtime to give the Broncos a 2-1 win.
The Pats came out flying as they mustered 19 shots on goal in the opening frame compared to just two shots for the Broncos but the visiting team limited Regina to mostly shots from the perimeter and one goal from forward Austin Wagner. Pats captain Adam Brooks skated down the right wing and tossed the puck on net and it was Wagner that redirected it by Papirny.
Swift Current adjusted accordingly for the second period and directed 14 shots on Pats goaltender Tyler Brown whereas the Pats got only eight shots on goal. The Broncos power play was ice cold though as they were 0/4 on their man advantages through two periods.
The third period saw physicality between both clubs as well as generating scoring chances but also being conservative at the same time. The Broncos had two more power plays that they failed to score on but got one when they needed it most.
Desperate times called for deaperate measures and with Papirny pulled for the extra attacker in the final two minutes of regulation, Lindgren found Peterson all alone in front of the goal and the Arizona Coyotes prospect chipped it by Brown with 38 seconds remaining to tie it up in dramatic fashion.
Overtime was required and it was a see-saw affair as the East Division rivals went back and forth down the ice firing shots on goal trying to win it. Then at the 15:12 mark of overtime, Sahvan Khaira skated down the right wing, passed it over to Heponiemi in the slot who one-touch passed over to Lindgren to set up the one-timer and game winner.
Papirny was brilliant in Game 1, stopping an astonishing 53 shots in the victory while the Pats Brown countered with 34 saves of his own.
Swift Current went 0/6 on the power play and killed off the one time they were shorthanded. Final shots on goal were 54-36 in favour of Regina.
Game 2 goes Friday night at the Brandt Centre at 7:00pm MT. Fans can catch the game on Sportsnet 360.
