The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins were less than a minute away from beating the Battlefords North Stars for the third time in four meetings this season.
But the North Stars tied the game with 32 seconds to play in the third, and then won in a shootout in a 3-2 decision Saturday night at Affinity Place.
After a scoreless first period, Austin Becker opened the scoring for the Battlefords 2:51 into the second period, but just over two minutes later, Jayden Davis tied the game with a short-handed tally.
Eddie Gallagher’s goal with 2:48 to play in the second gave the Bruins a 2-1 lead. The lead would remain in tact until the final minute of the third period, when Ryan Gil scored the tying goal.
Neither team scored in overtime, and the shootout was scoreless as well until the fifth round, when Owen Lamb scored for the Battlefords.
Will Koop had the best chance to score for the Bruins in the penalty shot competition, but he hit the crossbar.
Tyler Szturm stopped 26 of the 28 shots he faced in his second straight start for the Bruins.
Joel Grzybowski made 25 saves for North Battleford.
The Bruins (30-22-2-2) have 64 points, which leaves them five points clear of the Yorkton Terriers for top spot in the Viterra Division. Estevan has two games to play; Yorkton has three.
Estevan will close out the regular season next weekend with a home and home against the Weyburn Red Wings. They will be in Weyburn on Friday night and in Estevan on Saturday.
