A potential playoff preview lies ahead for the Cranbrook Bucks with the Brook Bandits on deck, and momentum is on the Kootenay club’s side following Friday’s 5-2 win over the Blackfalds Bulldogs.
The Bucks, who were looking to rebound from back to back losses against Trail and Cowichan Valley, set a good tone in the first period. Cranbrook broke the scoring shortly after the midway mark via Pat Murphy’s 13th goal of the season, giving the Bucks a 1-0 lead heading into intermission.
Cranbrook’s lead increased to 3-0 with second period goals from Shane Baker and Kaslo Ferner. However, the Bulldogs showed signs of a comeback bid after cutting Cranbrook’s lead to 3-1 with a late tally from Jared Langdon. The Bucks held a 3-1 lead after forty minutes.
Blackfalds chipped away at Cranbrook’s lead once around the seven minute mark of the third period. A strong effort from Danny Hussa and a shot off the rush was able to find the net, pulling the Bulldogs back in the game at a 3-2 score. The Bucks ensured their lead would remain intact and added goals from Rasmus Svartstrom and a second from Ferner to secure a 5-2 victory.
Friday’s win lifts Cranbrook’s record to 21-15-2, the Bucks outshot Blackfalds 34-25. On special teams, the Bucks went 1/1 on the power play and 3/3 on the penalty kill.
Cranbrook returns to action on the road Friday versus the aforementioned Brooks Bandits.
Buck Tracks:
- 2 goals for Kaslo Ferner.
- 2 assists for Grant Denuccio.
- 5 game point streak for Jacob Fletcher (1g, 7a)
