RECAP: Hitmen Take 2-0 Series Lead in 6-5 Overtime Win Over Wheat Kings

RECAP: Hitmen Take 2-0 Series Lead in 6-5 Overtime Win Over Wheat Kings

Calgary, AB – The Calgary Hitmen took a 2-0 series lead over the Brandon Wheat Kings on Sunday night with their second consecutive overtime win.

Calgary opened the scoring in the first period with goals from Kale Dach and Andrei Molgachev to take an early lead. Brandon responded in the second period, shifting momentum with goals from Jimmy Eagan and Grayson Burzynski to tie the game at two.

Julien Maze restored Calgary’s lead after exiting the penalty box and converting on a stretch pass from Axel Hurtig. However, Brandon surged ahead in the third period, scoring three unanswered goals, two from Luke Mistelbacher and one from Jaxson Jacobson, to make it 53.

Calgary answered on the power play at 12:53, when Ethan Moore capitalized to bring the Hitmen within one. Then, with 1:11 remaining in regulation, Axel Hurtig tipped in a shot from Julien Maze to tie the game and force overtime.

In the extra frame, Ethan Moore played hero for the second straight game, scoring the overtime winner at the 10:05 mark.

Julien Maze earned first star honors with an incredible six-point performance (1G, 5A), tying Pavel Brendl’s franchise record for most points in a playoff game, set during the 1998-99 season.

The series shifts to Virden, Manitoba’s Tundra Oil & Gas Place this week for the next three games beginning on Tuesday, Mar. 31.  Game time is 7:00 p.m. CST/6:00 p.m. MT.  Game 4 is then scheduled for Thursday, Apr. 2 with Game 5, if necessary, the following night on Friday, Apr. 3. All Games are available to stream for free on Victory+.

SERIES SCHEDULE: Best-of-Seven Round 1 series a 2-3-2 format.

*Indicates if necessary