Photo credit: Don Boesen, Boesen Photograhy
AUSTIN, MN – Evan Cholak had gone eight games without a point, but he came through with the game on his stick tonight. His goal in the 3rd round of the shootout clinched a 2-1 Bruins win and weekend sweep of the rival Bismarck Bobcats.
Bismarck scored the only goal of the first 40 minutes when Harrison Aide lifted a puck over the shoulder of Kris Carlson at 11:24 of the 2nd period. The Bruins had only 11 shots through two periods but turned it on in the 3rd, getting even when Travis Kothenbeutel skated down the slot and finished off a burst of speed from Justin Misiak. It was a powerplay goal at 12:20 of the 3rd to even the ledger.
The Bruins were granted a powerplay in the final minute of regulation and had chances carrying over into overtime, but Bismarck killed it off. After consecutive big saves by Carlson during the 3 on 3, the Bruins headed to their first shootout of the season,in their 52nd game. (Out of 60)
Carlson stopped defenseman Nick Wallace in the first round and Jacob Paganelli followed with a goal. After Aaron Herdt tied it up, Hunter Shepard stopped Marcus Karlstrom. Carlson turned aside Frankie Melton before Cholak deked Shepard to end the game. Carlson finished the weekend with 59 saves on 60 shots.
The Bruins won their third straight overall and reduced their playoff "magic number" to eight (combined points gained and Minnesota Magicians points lost). Their only game next weekend is at home on Friday against Brookings.
