Another close encounter between the Cranbrook Bucks and Wenatchee Wild came down to the wire Friday night with the Wild coming out as 3-2 winners by way of shootout.
Back and forth action through the first period kept both goalies busy, but neither side was able to find the net until the dying seconds. The Bucks managed to sneak a 1-0 lead into the first intermission thanks to a buzzer-beater from Julian Frias with just five seconds to go in the opening frame.
The Wild were able to pull even with the Bucks in a tightly contested second period. Once again, it came down to the dying seconds with Cade Littler capitalizing on a Wenatchee power play with six seconds remaining in second period action. The score was 1-1 after forty minutes.
Cranbrook got things started early in the third period. A goal from Jack Silich at 2:05 following a battle in the Wenatchee zone put the Bucks in a 2-1 lead. The Wild were able to square up midway through the period thanks to a nifty play from Luke Weilandt to make it a 2-2 game. Both goalies were able to fend off the attacking sides the rest of the way through regulation, signalling 3-on-3 overtime.
Wenatchee controlled the pace of play through most of the extra frame, firing six shots on Nathan Airey, including a late breakaway. However, the Cranbrook goalie was unflappable and kept his team alive for a shootout and an opportunity to extend their winning streak to five games. However, a Wenatchee shootout goal from Cade Littler was enough to clinch the 3-2 victory for the home team while the Bucks walked away with one point.
Friday’s shootout loss leaves Cranbrook’s record at 29-10-1-2, Wenatchee outshot the Bucks 46-34.
The two clubs meet again Saturday night in Wenatchee as the Bucks continue a three game road trip which ends Monday in Penticton.
Buck Tracks:
- Blake Cotton (1a) has 15 points in 20 games since joining the Bucks December 12.
- Cranbrook Bucks have earned at least 1 point in 9 consecutive games (7-0-0-2).
