The Cranbrook Bucks earned a big 3-2 win over the Victoria Grizzlies at home Wednesday night, snapping a two-game mini slump in the process.
First period action saw the Grizzlies strike first. Victoria’s Reegan Hiscock was able to complete a passing play deep in the Cranbrook zone to lift the Grizzlies to a 1-0 lead at 5:07. The Bucks pulled into a 1-1 tie with a Matthew Gilmore goal at 12:42. The Grizzlies responded with a late goal from Landon Mackie to take a 2-1 lead into intermission.
Neither team made a dent on the scoresheet through the second period. Cranbrook outshot Victoria 13-11 in the middle frame, but the Grizzlies held on to their 2-1 lead through the forty minute mark.
The defensive stalemate ended nearly thirteen minutes into the third period. Cranbrook’s Jacob Fletcher converted on a nice feed from Rasmus Svartstrom to put the Bucks back into a tie at 2-2. Overtime seemed like a forgone conclusion, but the Bucks were able to beat the clock. A late scramble in the Victoria zone gave way to a Matthew Gilmore rebound, and the rookie was able to bury the go-ahead goal with just over thirty seconds left in regulation. The Bucks ticked the clock down to zero and walked away with a 3-2 win.
Wednesday’s win lifts Cranbrook’s record to 28-18-2, they outshot the Grizzlies 42-33. On special teams, both clubs went 0/1 on the power play.
The Bucks return to action on the road Friday versus the Sherwood Park Crusaders.
Buck Tracks:
- Goalie Kolten Bourret makes 31 saves in his first start since September.
- 2 goals for Matthew Gilmore
