BHP Recap: Ice Wolves Secure Comeback in Game Three for 2-1 Series Lead
The Broncos gave up two powerplay goals in four attempts in their 4-2 loss to the Ice Wolves. Photo: Marla Possberg Photography The Humboldt Broncos have some work to do after dropping game-three of their opening round playoff series with the underdog Ice Wolves.
The series shifted to the Mel Hegland Arena in La Ronge for games three and four.
The Ice Wolves eradicated an early 2-0 Broncos’ lead and scored the next four goals for a 4-2 victory. The win protects home ice for the Wolves and gives them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Kade Olsen opened the scoring for the Broncos just 2:41 into the first period. It was the first time the green and gold scored the game’s opening goal in the series.
Alec Saretzky doubled the lead to 2-0, deflecting a Noah Barlage point shot passed Xavier Cannon on the powerplay for his second of the postseason.
The Broncos would not be granted another powerplay throughout the rest of the game. Over the past two games of the series, man-advantages have been heavily slanted to one side, favoring the Ice Wolves 12-3. To make matters worse for the Broncos, their penalty kill has also struggled, leading to six goals against, two in each game.
La Ronge cut the lead in half before the first period expired with a blast on the powerplay from defenseman Liam McInnis.
Once again, the Broncos became complacent in the second period. The Ice Wolves added goals from Colton Thompson to tie the game, and with 10 second remaining in the period, Mkyllan Couture gave the Wolves their first lead with another powerplay goal.
The Broncos have now been outscored 7-0 in the second period over the course of the three games. This pattern is not something the Broncos have been accustomed to during the regular season, instead taking over games in the middle frame, outscoring their opponents 100-40.
The one goal lead stayed intact until Kole Christensson picked up an empty net goal for a 4-2 victory.
Rayce Ramsay stopped 39 of 42 in the loss, while Xavier Cannon turned aside 41 of 43.
Game four now weighs heavily for the Broncos, who will try to even the series up at 2-2 on Wednesday, March 23rd.