North Stars take commanding 3-0 series lead over Bruins

A quick start was once again key for the team’s victory.

Layne Young, fresh off being named the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League player of the week, scored twice in the first eight minutes, while Troy Gerein added a first period marker as well to give the visitors a commanding 3-0 lead after 20 minutes.

“I think our guys are pretty dialled in here,” Bedford said. “We know we’ve got five more wins to win this thing. We’re focused on doing that as a team and not individuals. I think the start to that [first] period, all five guys touched the puck.”

Bruins forward Jason Miller scored his seventh of the playoffs late in the second to make it a two-goal game heading into the final period.

Just 3:13 into the third period, Matt McNeil would tighten the gap further, after netting his fourth of the playoffs to make it 3-2 for Battlefords.

“I was…obviously a little bit upset with what outside influences were doing on the ice and probably lost myself a little bit in that but I wasn’t frustrated or worried at all,” Bedford said. “I think we always take our foot off the pedal. We don’t have that killer instinct that you wish you had but…our goals for in the playoffs is just under six. If we’re getting frustrated with scoring, we’re never going to be happy.”

Four minutes after the Bruins got to within one, forward Jayden Davis was handed a five-minute major for checking from behind when he hit North Stars forward Jared Blaquiere in the corner. Teammate Reed Deliainey stepped in to defend his winger and the two fought, which resulted in an instigating minor for Delainey in addition to the off-setting fighting majors.

The result was two minutes of four-on-four followed by a three-minute power play for the North Stars, where they were able to capitalize after Coby Downs fed Keaton Holinaty in front. It was Holinaty’s fifth goal of the playoffs – and third on the power play – as well as Downs’ third assist of the game.

“[Holinaty] has been in front [of the net on the power play] for a long time now, probably a month or so and he’s been fantastic,” Bedford said. “He’s a big body. He’s fearless in there. He doesn’t mind the hacks and whacks. He’s got a real good stick and he’s a goal scorer. Once the puck is on his stick, he finds a way to put it in the back [of the net].”

Conor Jensen would add an empty netter, also on a power play, with 33 seconds left in the game to make the final 5-2.

Game three reignited the hate between these two teams, after there wasn’t much to be found in a dominating game two performance from the North Stars.

Game four in Estevan goes on Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. with rookie Joel Gryzbowski scheduled to get the start. Gryzbowski stopped 24 of 25 shots for his first career playoff win in game two.

“Gryzbowski will go tomorrow for sure,” Bedford said. “Hopefully we wrap it up tomorrow, get some rest and get ready for our spring camp the 7-9 [of April]. He’s chomping at the bit and I guarantee Kotchorek is happier with how he played tonight than last game and I feel like we’re rolling.”

The Ultra Print pre-game show begins on CJNB/CJNS at 7:15 p.m.

nathan.kanter@jpbg.ca

@NathanKanter11

by Nathan Kanter

North Stars take commanding 3-0 series lead over Bruins

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