BHP Recap: Broncos Photo Finish in 3OT Marathon Victory over Mustangs
The clock struck midnight and the Broncos struck the back of the net in Triple-Overtime of Game-3 to cap off an exhilarating and exhausting marathon race against the Melfort Mustangs.
Broncos Captain’ Cage Newans proved to be the hero, scoring the game-winning goal after 108 minutes of play, erupting the Elgar Petersen Arena attendance who witnessed the longest Broncos’ game in 10 years. (March 28th, 2014, 6-5 W @ Yorkton Terriers. (117:58 min)).
After a scoreless first period, both teams found the back of the net in the second frame.
Travis Bryson flew down the left wing and snapped home his first of two goals on the night just 20 seconds into the middle period.
Logan Cox tied the game for the Mustangs on the powerplay tapping in a goal mouth scramble.
The two-horse race continued to be neck and neck through the third. Melfort found their first lead of the game, once again on the powerplay. An unfortunate bounce off a misaligned piece of the zamboni gate door, popped off the back wall and back out in front of the net for Aidyn Hutchinson who tucked in the the empty net.
Bryson, who played his best game of the playoffs, tied the game on another goal mouth scramble, sending the Broncos to their second overtime game of the postseason. It was Melfort’s first.
The marathon horse race then extended another 48 minutes before the Broncos were awarded a penalty off a high-sticking call and Cage Newans ended the game.
Both netminders were spectacular, somehow with neither looking fatigued.
Melfort’s James Venne turned aside 63/66.
Humboldt’s Ben Motew was just a little bit better, picking up the victory with 65 saves on 67 shots.
Both powerplays provided crucial offense for the two sides. Melfort scored both of their goals on the man-advantage, finishing 2/7. Whereas the Broncos picked up their overtime winner, finishing 1/8.
There’s no rest for the wicked.
The Broncos will look to even up the series as puck-drop for Game 4 will be less than 20 hours from when game 3 concluded.