The Springfield Jr. Blues attempt at a late comeback was thwarted by the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. Springfield was defeated by Fairbanks 3-1 on Saturday night in front of a packed Nelson Center crowd.
Springfield conceded a goal in each of the first two periods and trailed 2-0 entering the 3rd. Springfield did not give up, as forward Ryan Leibold scored with 22 seconds left to make the score 2-1.
Pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, Springfield was unable to get a shot off in the final 22 seconds. Fairbanks stole the puck and converted on an empty net goal as time expired to seal their 3-1 victory.
Springfield was not short on scoring chances, outshooting Fairbanks 44-41. Springfield goaltender Jordan Greenfield-Flemon finished the game stopping 38 of 40 shots faced.
The loss puts Springfield 3 points behind Fairbanks for 3rd in the NAHL Midwest Division standings. With the top 4 teams making the Robertson Cup Playoffs, Springfield is in a playoff position. However, the Coulee Region Chill are currently 4 points behind Springfield and coming off a big win on Saturday night against the 2nd place Minnesota Magicians. Springfield has 6 of their 13 remaining games against Coulee Region.
