Bruins sweep Blizzard thanks to Paganelli's heroics

Jan 16, 2016

BROOKINGS, SD – For the second time in as many weeks, the Bruins rallied from a 2-1 third period deficit to win on overtime as they came away with a home and home sweep of the Brookings Blizzard on Saturday night at Larson Ice Center. The Bruins improved to 4-0 in the eight game season series with the Blizzard in 2015-16.

Brookings came out strong in the first period, outshooting the Bruins 8-4 and getting the only goal from Mikael Hakkarainen at 8:01. Hakkarainen took a pass from Nick Ford and flicked it over the glove of Bruins goaltender Kris Carlson.

At 7:36 of period two, Gilbert Gabor tied things up, burying a pass from Jade Miller shot side through Blizzard goalie Jacob Gwillim, who had been pulled in Friday's game after allowing three goals in the first period. It took Brookings less than a minute to restore their lead, however, as Chase Gamelin followed up a Griff Jeszka rush at 8:27. The Blizzard held a 2-1 lead after two periods.

In the 3rd, the Bruins piled on the chances and Jacob Paganelli finally converted at 12:52 to tie the game when Paul O'Connor's shot from the right wall was kicked by Gwillim right onto Pagenelli's tape. Justin Misiak also assisted. The Bruins got into penalty trouble late in the third and were down two men after a too many men on the ice penalty followed by a Jade Miller four minute high sticking double minor. Austin killed off regulation and began overtime shorthanded for one minute.

After killing the remainder of Miller's penalty, Gilbert Gabor rushed up ice on a delayed penalty against the Blizzard and worked a quick give and go with Paganelli, who ripped a shot past Gwillim for the game winner at 2:15 of overtime. Carlson made 19 stops for his 15th win, while Gwillim stopped 16 in the losing effort. The Bruins extended their winning streak to four games and maintained a two point edge on Bismarck atop the Central Division and host Coulee Region on Friday before returning to Brookings next Saturday night.

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