** Photo Courtesy of Heather Jordan
March 17
Winnipeg, MB – Home ice prevailed once again as the Winnipeg Blues evened their MJHL Quarter-Final Series with a 3-2 win over the Oil Caps on Thursday night.
For 2nd time this series the Oil Caps had a handful of opportunities in the first period to open the scoring. Much like game two, the Caps went 0/4 on the power play in the first period including a minute long 5 on 3 opportunity.
The Caps would finish the night 0/7.
Winnipeg would score first, as Kam Nault banged home a rebound to notch his 1st of the playoffs. Nault, who missed game three played a big factor in the Blues game four win.
Less than two minutes into the 2nd period the Blues would take a 2-0 lead as Riley Hillis snapped home his first of the playoffs.
Winnipeg would open up a 3-0 lead late in the period, converting on a power play of their own as Ryan Pruden took a rebound and put it over the shoulder of Sean Kuehn.
Early in the third, Dylan Cusmano would grab a loose puck and head in on a breakaway where he beat Scott Parsons for his first of the playoffs.
The Cusmano goal would give the Caps some life as they pushed hard to even the game.
Officially the MJHL scoresheet credited Zach Whitecloud with the late game goal by the Oil Caps but it was Drake Bodie who snuck the puck under Scott Parsons setting up a thrilling finish.
However, it was too little too late as the Blues entered shut down mode and didn’t allow the Oil Caps any room to set up for the equalizer with the empty net.
With the win, the Blues and Oil Caps series is now tied at two games a piece with game five set for Saturday night in Virden.
Tickets are on sale now, with season ticket holders having until 5:00 tonight (Friday) to reserve their seat.
Game time Saturday is 7:30.
Scoring Summary – Click Here