The Springfield Jr. Blues received goals from 3 different players and Juraj Ovecka was solid in net again, as they defeated the Bismarck Bobcats 3-2 at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, MN.
While Springfield was short-handed, forward Jeff Skinner poked the puck away from a Bismarck defenseman and scored on a breakaway shorthanded goal to give the Jr. Blues a 1-0 lead in the first period. The Bobcats were able to tie the game with just over a minute left in the period.
The score was tied 1-1 after one period on Thursday before Springfield forward Bradley Marek scored on an assist from Max Brainin and Max Osborne at 5 minutes 31 seconds into the second period. Osborne dumped the puck in and the Bismarck goaltender misplayed the puck as it went to Brainin, who found Marek all alone in front.
Springfield’s Fletcher Fineman followed with a power-play goal assisted by Marek and Cole Lawrence to make it 3-1 at the 14:56 mark. Bismarck was able to cut the lead in half to 3-2 within the final minute of the second period.
Springfield edged Bismarck 34-32 in shots on goal. Jurja Ovecka was in goal again, stopping 30 of 32 Bismarck shots on goal
The Jr. Blues meet the Shreveport Mudbugs at 8:30 p.m. Friday before wrapping up the Showcase against the Austin Bruins at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
