(Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)

By Mat Barrett

Mustangs lead 3-1

Tkachuk scores late as Mustangs take 3-1 series lead over Bruins

Mar 12, 2020 | 9:15 AM

The Melfort Mustangs are now one win away from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) semi-finals after a 2-1 win over the Estevan Bruins in game four of their series on Wednesday, March 11 in Estevan.

Melfort was finally able to break through in this one as they were able to score first for the first time all series long. It happened in the first period as Tyson Meyers whacked away at a loose puck in front and it found it’s way to Zach Anderson waiting back door and he made no mistake. Mustangs Assistant Coach Trevor Logan said they were able to capitalize on their opportunities on the road.

“We just want to keep it tight, and play tight hockey, not make a lot of mistakes,” Logan said. “Then try and push and try and get ours when we need em.”

The Mustangs seemed to be the better of the two teams in the first period, outshooting the Bruins 8-5, but the home squad was able to come back in the second with some fire as they got the ball rolling. Eddie Gallagher scored on a delayed penalty call where the Bruins had the goalie pulled to make it 1-1, but that’s all they would get as Shawn Parkinson stood tall for Melfort stopping eight of nine shots in the frame.

Things stayed at 1-1 for a long time, late into the third period as both teams got their chances in the third. Logan said after getting pushed back on their heels a bit in the second, they were able to respond well.

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“Third period I thought we were pretty good and we just waited for our opportunity,” he said. “And we finally got one.”

That chance came with less than a minute to play as Tian Rask stormed into the Bruins zone on the forecheck, causing a turnover behind the net, then feeding Ben Tkachuk in front. The 2002-born forward made no mistake for his first of the playoffs to give Melfort the lead late, one they would hold onto.

Logan said in a tight game, he was somewhat worried about overtime for a second straight game.

“Not even overtime, just making a mistake,” he said. “It’s tought to get matchups on the road that you want all the time, and with the speed and skill they have, there’s any moment they could break by you, or long pass and stretch out past you and if you blow a wheel or something, they’re in on [Parkinson] alone.”

Melfort once again outshot the Bruins for the fourth consecutive game. This game wasn’t quite as lopsided as the other games, but the Mustangs held a 25-21 advantage in the contest.

Game five of the best-of-seven goes on Friday, March 13 in Melfort.

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mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6