As if the condensed schedule and 10-hour bus trips weren't enough, the first three games of the SJHL wildcard series between the Estevan Bruins and Flin Flon Bombers went to overtime.
The two clubs had played 13 periods in four days heading into Game 4 last night in Flin Flon.
Still, the Bruins have something to show for it after winning a pivotal third game on Monday, as Lynnden Pastachak pounded the puck right through the net early in the extra period.
Psychology is a huge part of playoff hockey, and the Bruins were in a tough spot headed into overtime. They had blown a 3-1 lead in the third period and now they had to score the next goal in the Whitney Forum, in an extremely hostile environment, in a massive swing game.
Talk about a pressure situation. But they got it done.
The victory was Estevan's third in as many games in Flin Flon this year, a truly impressive feat, and gave them two chances to close out the series.
If, and it's a big if, they manage to take the series in four, it gives them an extra couple of days before beginning the quarter-finals against the Battlefords North Stars on Saturday.
Pastachak's clutch goal on Monday continued a big series for the 17-year-old right winger, as he scored twice in a 4-3 overtime loss in Game 2 on Saturday and was one of the team's best players in the opener on Friday.
Indeed, the Bruins' youngsters have been leading the way on the scoresheet so far, accounting for seven of the team's 10 goals. Pastachak and fellow rookies Keegan Allison and Jason Duret have been the club's most effective line through three games.
League scoring leader Austin Daae scored his first of the playoffs on Monday and that might be a turning point for him after a quiet first couple of games.
The Bombers deserve a lot of credit for their play thus far. I don't think many people gave them a chance after they traded away their stars at the trade deadline, but their young guys have also been getting the job done, particularly Tyson Empey, who has been their top player.
Flin Flon was by far the better team in Game 1, dominating the second and third periods and pounding 52 shots at Bruins starter Matt Gibney, who stole that game.
The Bombers also played well on Saturday, although it was a more even, back-and-forth affair. They pretty much lived in the Estevan zone in the third period and won it on Empey's goal in overtime.
They did, however, get some help from the officials in the third period. Dean Allison scored twice in a span of less than four minutes to tie the game, and Gibney was interfered with on both plays.
On the first goal, Gibney appeared to have the puck covered and was waiting for a whistle when he was pushed out of the way by Empey. Allison then jammed in the suddenly loose puck.
On the second, Gibney was bumped by Brody Robinson at the side of the net. Robinson also took a shove from Bruins defenceman Nick Egan, but video of the play appears to show Robinson making contact with the tender first. Allison then grabbed the puck and put it into the empty net on a wraparound.
It's worth pointing out that Gibney appeared to try to sell the call, and the goal probably wouldn't have happened otherwise.
What happened next was entertaining: Gibney, who had been angry after the Bombers' second goal, reacted by throwing the net against the end boards and tossing his stick. Bruins coach Chris Lewgood also broke a stick on the bench. Somehow, perhaps in an attempt at a makeup call, there were no penalties.
Two things are clear after three games: fans have gotten every bit of their money's worth, and the Battlefords North Stars and Yorkton Terriers are salivating at the prospect of facing a team that has played so much hockey in the wildcard series.
Contact Josh Lewis at 306-634-2654 or [email protected]. Have the Vancouver Canucks hit rock bottom or is there more to come?
