The Power Dodge Estevan Bruins extended their winning streak to five games in a 2-1 shootout victory over the Nipawin Hawks Saturday night at Affinity Place.
The game was scoreless after two periods, and the shots on goal were also close, as Estevan outshot Nipawin 20-18.
Carson Ehrhardt opened the scoring for Nipawin 3:37 into the third period, but just over five minutes later, Turner Ripplinger scored for the Bruins to tie the game. Ripplinger’s goal came moments after a Nipawin penalty had expired.
Both teams had chances to score in the third, but couldn’t convert. Overtime didn’t settle anything, either, although the Bruins did have a power play.
The Bruins outshot the Hawks 19-9 in the third period, and 4-0 in overtime.
Ripplinger opened the shootout with a goal. It proved to be the only goal among the six penalty shots combined.
Grant Boldt stopped 28 shots for the win.
Declan Hobbs made 45 saves for the Hawks.
With the win, the Bruins (23-20-2-1) moved back into a tie for first place in the Viterra Division with the Yorkton Terriers, although the Terriers have two games in hand. Both teams have 49 points.
Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.
