Broncos clipped in overtime by Warriors 4-3
In front of a sold out crowd at the Innovation Credit Union I-Plex, the Swift Current Broncos and Moose Jaw Warriors resumed their Round Two matchup with Game 3 on Tuesday night.
Broncos’ captain Glenn Gawdin got this sold out crowd on its feet when he scored the game’s first goal halfway through the first period. With Swift Current on the power play, Aleksi Heponiemi completed a slap pass from the point that bounced right to the stick of Gawdin who was parked in front of the Warriors crease area.
Moose Jaw spoiled the initial party when Brayden Burke tallied his eighth of the playoffs by Broncos goaltender Stuart Skinner less than three minutes later. A two-on-one break involving Burke and Tanner Jeannot led to the goal.
The Broncos struggled to generate consistent offence throughout the duration of the first period, only firing four shots on goal compared to Moose Jaw’s 11 shots but the home team would pick up their pace in the middle frame.
The Warriors took advantage of a power play chance as Brett Howden deposited his fourth of the postseason, beating Skinner blocker high from about 20 feet out.
A beautiful give and go play involving Matteo Gennaro and Beck Malenstyn led to the Broncos second goal of the night and again on a man advantage, tying the game 2-2.
Moments later, New Jersey Devils prospect Colby Sissons completed a little deke around the blue line to create some open ice and he found a pinching Artyom Minulin in the high slot, leading to the Russian Import’s first goal of the postseason.
It was a 3-2 Swift Current lead with only one period to go and the shot clock reading 22-16 for Moose Jaw.
The lead was short lived as Burke again tipped in another goal for his second of the night to knot the game up at three goals apiece.
Overtime was needed and unfortunately it wasn’t Swift Current’s night as the Warriors’ Howden shoveled the winning goal through a crowd and by Skinner 2:49 into the extra frame to send the Broncos to a 4-3 loss.
Shots on goal were 31-23 in favour of Moose Jaw. Swift Current notched two power play goals on three opportunities while Moose Jaw finished the evening 1/4.
Game Four goes on Wednesday night at the Innovation Credit Union i-Plex as the Broncos look to again tie the series up at twos. Puck drop is slated for 7:00pm MT.
