Needing a point to clinch a playoff spot, the Melfort Mustangs did just enough as they dropped a 5-4 overtime decision to the Humboldt Broncos on the final day of the regular season.
The Mustangs built up a 4-2 lead in the third period, but fell apart down the stretch, giving up two goals in the final three minutes and another 1:03 into overtime.
Trevor Blevins, the Mustangs’ head coach, said it was a contribution of factors that they could not control.
“And obviously the pressure of being in that situation. Just a couple turnovers, three or four there at the end, cost us,” said Blevins. “But we found a way to get it done and that’s what’s important and we know if we get into that situation again, learn from it and not get too wound up or too tight,” he added.
The Mustangs got off to a terrific start to the game as Dakota Boutin scored on the power play and Carson Albrecht scored shorthanded to give them a 2-0 lead after the first.
Reed Gunville added his 19th of the season in the second period and Justin Ball scored his eighth of the year shorthanded in the third for the Mustangs in the losing effort.
The penalty kill was terrific for the Mustangs, as they held the Broncos to just one goal on seven opportunities, while also scoring twice.
“Ball and Albrecht were great today. There’s no other word for it. They scored two shorthanded goals,” said Blevins, who noted a number of players brought their A-game.
“I thought the whole line of Zentner, Ball and Albrecht were solid. And same with the three 20-year-olds. I thought [they] really wanted it too. So it was good to see that kind of effort.”
The power play also chipped in with a goal, snapping a streak of four straight games without a power play goal, but Blevins would have liked to have seen more from his power play, which finished the night 1/6.
“We’re hesitant and we’re not real confident in that situation... We need to have more success on the special teams in playoffs to be successful. So that’s going to be a thing we’re going to focus on for sure,” Blevins continued.
The point, coupled with a Melville Millionaires regulation loss, gave the Mustangs a two point victory for the final playoff spot, setting up a survivor series showdown against the Notre Dame Hounds.
A big key to winning the series is going to be pushing the puck, said Blevins.
“They’re a really solid defensive team that works hard.”
The series is going to be a battle for the Mustangs as they face a dangerous Hounds team that features SJHL co-Player of the Year Ben Duppereault and SJHL Rookie of the Year Adam Dawe, who finished first and ninth in league scoring respectively.
Having a chance to be successful means keeping them off the scoresheet, said Blevins.
“They’re a key to their team and we’re just going to have to be solid defensively when they’re on the ice,” noted Blevins.
Game 1 of the series is set for March 10 in Wilcox, with the series returning to Melfort March 11 for Game 2.
