The Nipawin Hawks have clinched fourth place, something the Flin Flon Bombers did not expect as the Hawks tangled with and secured three out of a possible four points in a home and home series with the Melfort Mustangs.
The Bombers now have destiny in their own hands. Win on Tuesday against the Nipawin Hawks or even just get a point, and the Bombers will get what they hoped would happen. A best of seven first round series with the Nipawin Hawks, a team they matchup very well against.
On Friday in Flin Flon, the Bombers got off to a roaring start, taking a 4-0 lead into the first intermission all started off with a goal from Kristian St. Onge just two minutes into the first. Although LaRonge narrowed down the game to a 5-2 deficit, it was the Bombers who came out with 2 points and a 7-3 home win, setting the stage for an interesting game on Saturday night back in LaRonge. Jason Lavallee led the Bombers with two goals coming in the third period while Brandon Newton made 33 saves for the win. With Estevan also grabbing two points against Yorkton, two points on Saturday for the Bombers was that much more imperative.
Saturday’s game was an early start at 7 PM, but a defensive battle to say the least. Both teams grinded it out back and forth in one of the most physical games these two teams have played against each other. Early powerplays set the stage, but both teams were unable to capitalize going 0-7 combined in the first 30 minutes. It took until there was only 4.6 seconds left in the second period and a scrummage in front when Greyson Reitmeier jumped on the rebound and potted one past Kris Joyce who was excellent in the game so far. Things stayed that way until there was just under six minutes left in the game when Ryley McNeil sent one towards the net from the point which found a way past Bombers netminder Zac Robidoux.
La Ronge had the best chance to win the game late with a break from Cole Porter off a nice pass from Matt Painchaud but Robidoux showed he was up to the cause. It was extra time hockey and again, both teams battled back and forth until Jason Lavallee picked up the puck at centre ice and entered the Wolves zone and snapped one up and over Kris Joyce just under the crossbar to grab a dramatic and pivotal two points for the Bombers.
Kris Joyce was very good again against the Bombers making 45 saves while Zac Robidoux was equally as good in the win making some very huge saves. Mike Reagan commented after the game saying “this was a perfect way to win” as he was referring to the playoff atmosphere and the ability to grind out a win.
With the win, the Bombers control their own destiny. A win on Tuesday night guarantees the Bombers fifth place and an opening round series with the Nipawin Hawks, a team they have played very well all year.
Tuesday’s game is against the Nipawin Hawks with a 7:30 PM puckdrop at the Whitney Forum, and although this game means nothing for the Hawks, I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw more or less the same fast physical play we saw on Saturday night in La Ronge.
