The Cranbrook Bucks are getting used to going the distance after a second consecutive overtime win over the Spruce Grove Saints Tuesday night.
The Bucks looked like they would have the game well in hand after vastly outshooting the Saints through the first period at 16-2, though the home team only surrendered one goal. A Rasmus Svartstrom tally just past the five minute mark gave the Bucks a 1-0 lead which held steady through intermission.
The Saints squared back up early in the middle frame. Spruce Grove’s Ryan Johnstone netted the tying goal at 3:04 to even the score at 1-1. It looked like the stalemate would carry over to the third period until a second goal from Svartstrom put the Bucks up 2-1 with just twelve seconds left, giving Cranbrook the lead after forty minutes.
The Bucks looked ready for a regulation finish as time ticked down through the third period, but a late power play for the Saints halted those plans. Max Seguin was able to convert on the man-advantage to put the Saints back into a tie with less than ninety seconds remaining in the final frame. Overtime would prove necessary to solve the 2-2 deadlock, and like Friday night, the Bucks had some OT magic to spread around. Cranbrook’s Jacob Fletcher found an opening in the Spruce Grove slot and sniped the game-winner at 3:23 for a 3-2 final.
Tuesday’s win lifts Cranbrook’s record to 19-13-2, the Bucks outshot Spruce Grove 43-35. On special teams, Cranbrook’s power play finished 2/5 and they went 3/4 on the penalty kill.
The Bucks are back in action Wednesday night on the road versus the Blackfalds Bulldogs.
Buck Tracks:
- 2 goals for Rasmus Svartstrom, 27 on the season.
- 1g, 1a for Jacob Fletcher, 36 points on the season to share team lead with Bryce Sookro.
- 33 save win for Jaden Cholette.