Springfield Jr. Blues Goaltender Jordan Greenfield-Flemon stopped every shot he faced in the shootout and Springfield Captain Matt Long scored the shootout winner to give Springfield a 3-2 victory on Friday night at The Nelson Center.
After a scoreless first period, Springfield fell behind when the Magicians scored on the power play with 4:21 left to play in the second period. Springfield trailed 1-0 heading into the third period.
Springfield was able to tie the game early in the third period on a delayed power play when Brandon Puricelli deflected the puck past the goaltender. The goal was Puricelli’s 13th goal of the season.
With under 2 minutes to play, Springfield forward Matt Cassidy put Springfield ahead 2-1 when he followed up a wrap-around attempt and buried his 13th goal of the season and what many assumed to be the game winning goal. However, with the goalie pulled, Minnesota was able to tie the game with 55 seconds remaining in regulation. With no scoring in the 5 minute overtime period, the game went to a three round shootout.
All three shooters from both Springfield and Minnesota missed their shootout attempt,which lead to sudden death. Minnesota’s shooter rang his shot off the goal post and Long scored the winner for Springfield.
Greenfield-Flemon picked up the win and stopped 38 of 40 Minnesota shots. Springfield outshot Minnesota 49-40 for the game.
The teams will wrap up their 2 game series tomorrow night at The Nelson Center. Puck drops at 6:05.
