TIGERS TAKE 2-0 SERIES LEAD
The Tigers and Broncos played another tight action packed game. The two goaltenders were terrific and the Tigers held a slight edge in shots 37-36. Tied late in the game Chad Butcher put home his second game winner of the series on the way to a 4-2 Tigers victory. With the win the Tigers head to Swift Current for games on Tuesday and Wednesday up 2-0 in the series.
After a tight back and forth first period the Tigers’ power play took over the second frame. Tommy Vannelli opened the score with a blast from the point that found the top corner. Trevor Cox and Jacob Doty picked up the helpers on the go ahead goal. Miles Koules made it a 2-0 game in the final minute of the second with his first of the postseason. Curtis Valk and Tommy Vannelli set up the goal to give the Tigers a two goal lead heading into the final period.
The Broncos came storming back midway through the third with a pair of quick goals. Jake DeBrusk cut the lead to one 7:58 into the period with Nathan Burns and Coda Gordon picking up the helpers. The three players connected again less than three minutes later to tie the game at 2-2. This time it was Burns with the goal and DeBrusk and Gordon getting the assists. Chad Butcher broke the tie a couple of minutes later with his second of the series. Markus Eisenschmid and Miles Koules set up the eventual game winner. The Broncos tried hard to get back in the game but they weren’t able to put another one on the board. The Tigers put the game away with two second left when Trevor Cox iced it with an empty net goal. Cole Sanford and Dylan Bredo picked up their first point of the playoffs with the assists.
Marek Langhamer was in net again for Game 2. He was fantastic again and was named the game’s first star for the second game in a row. He allowed only two goals against on 36 shots. Eetu Laurikainen was solid again in net for the Broncos. He allowed three goals against on 36 shots in the loss.
The Tigers went 2 for 4 on the power play while killing off 3 of 3 Broncos’ power play chances.
Earls Restaurant Three Stars of the Night:
- Marek Langhamer – Medicine Hat Tigers
- Eetu Laurikainen – Swift Current Broncos
- Tommy Vannelli – Medicine Hat Tigers
The Tigers’ next game is Tuesday, March 25th when the Tigers visit the Swift Current Broncos in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarter Finals. The game will begin at 7:00 pm (MST) and can be heard live on CHAT 94.5 FM at tigershockey.com or watched via webcast at livestream.whl.ca.
