Bobcats Fall in Pair of Overtime Losses

The Bismarck Bobcats began their quest for the Robertson Cup at home with a pair of games against the Aberdeen Wings.  

Friday night it was the Wings that opened the scoring in the 1st period on a deflection from the left wing to make it a 1-0 contest. Aberdeen led shots on goal 8-6 after the opening 20 minutes, but both teams generated a good amount of Grade A chances.       

The 2nd period was a wild ride as Aberdeen extended their lead on a tipped shot in the slot that found its way five-hole to make it 2-0. The Bobcats needed a quick response and that’s exactly what they got. Julian Beaumont with an aggressive forecheck forced the turnover behind the net and found Tommy Cronin out in front as he tapped the puck home to make it a 2-1 game. The Bobcats were awarded a power play seconds after and Louie Kamienski fired one home to tie the game at 2. With the momentum in the Bobcats favor, they committed a penalty and sent Aberdeen to a power play. The Wings would convert on a net front scramble that barely squeaked through the legs of Tomas Anderson to restore the lead for Aberdeen. They would take the 3-2 lead heading into the 3rd period.       

The 3rd was ALL Bobcats. They outshot the Wings 21-6 in the period and dominated all facets. Aberdeen would be called for a double-minor penalty with 5 and a half minutes to play in the game. The Bobcats pulled the goalie with 3 minutes on the clock and would strike with under 2 minutes to play. Keanu Krenn had his stick in position and Cronin found it as Krenn deflected the puck into the back of the net forcing overtime. 

In overtime, the Bobcats registered the first 2 shots on goal, but on Aberdeen’s first attempt, Matthew Martin-Gaudreault would go bar-down to give the Wings the victory and a 1-0 series lead.

Moving ahead to Saturday’s game, it was a battle for 60+ minutes but the game would be scoreless heading into the Overtime period. Both teams hit posts and crossbars. The penalty kills throughout regulation were stellar. It would once again be Aberdeen, this time in the first 90 seconds finding the game-winner on a 3 on 3 rush. The puck was sent to the goal mouth and Cade Moxham was there to fire it home to give Aberdeen a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. 

Next week the Bobcats are on the road Friday in Aberdeen at 7:15 P.M. and Saturday (if necessary) at 7:15 P.M. as well. Friday the Bobcats will be hosting an official Road Watch Party at Lucky’s Bar. Saturday, if necessary, the Road Watch Party will be at the Comfort Lounge at the Quality Inn.