The Humboldt Broncos took both games at the Elgar Peterson Arena this past weekend to take a 2 games to none lead in the North Division Final.
The first game was a jim dandy with the Broncos winning in double OT. The Bombers led the game 3-2 with less than 4 minutes remaining in the third period when Logan Sproule grabbed a loose puck off the boards and fired it past Devin Buffalo to tie the game.
The first overtime settled nothing. Then, at the 11 minute mark of the second OT period Neil Landry raced down the ice and grabbed the puck away from Devin Buffalo. He fired it into the empty net to grab game 1.
Bomber goal scorers were: Cam Blair (2) and Dallen Hall.
The next night the Broncos scored some timely goals and beat the Bombers 2-1.
Lund scored late in the first at 18:07 and Miazga scored the game winner with only 11 seconds left in the second period.
Flin Flon made the game interesting when Brody Robinson scored with just over 5 min remaining in the third period. Flin Flon pressed but could not beat Matt Hyrnkiw a second time.
I thought the Bombers could have taken game one, but were definately out played in game 2 and without Buffalo could of been down a few goals after the first. I have seen Buffalo play some good games , but he really brought his level of play up for the first 2 games of this North final.
It is back to the Whitney for games 3 and 4 - Tuesday and Wednesday and hopefully the change of venue will jumpstart the Bomber offense.
The Bombers had the second best powerplay in the regular season and have only scored 3 goals with the extra attacker in the playoffs. They are 0 for 11 so far in this series.
Saying that, the penalty kill has been excellent only giving up 1 goal in the entire playoffs. Although it was a big one that Sproule scored on Friday to send the game to OT.
Mike Reagan was on CFAR'S post game show Saturday and said they are ready to come back to the Whitney and make a series of this with what is expected to be 2 very large crowds at the Forum Tuesday and Wednesday.
It was the Bomber's depth players who made a big difference in their first round series win over Nipawin, and so far Humboldt is the team getting the scoring depth in this series.
Flin Flon also needs to get their big guns going with Roach,Balaski, Penner and Boehm all still looking for their first points of this series.
Don't forget both games will be on CFAR-590 and flinflononline.com with the Murray GM Coach's Show both nights at 7:15.
See you Tuesday
Rob Hart
Photos Courtesy of Spotlight Sport & Corporate Wear ltd.
