Blizzard beats the Timerwolves in extremis

Goalie Myles Hektor was sharp once more in front of the Blizzard net on Sunday night, conceding only one goal in 29 shots. This photo was taken during the first game of the series, Friday, at the Jean-Daigle Centre. Photo Digiphoto

MIRAMICHI, New Brunswick – It ain’t over till it’s over, said Yogi Berra.

We had a great demonstration of that famous mythical phrase on Sunday night in Miramichi when the Edmundston Blizzard overturned the Timberwolves in the final minutes of the game to escape with a 3-1 win. The Blizzard took a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven EastLink North division’s semi-final.

Big forward Logan Johnston took things in hand to tie the game with only 5:42 remaining in the third period. Kyle Ward took advantage of a turnaround to skilfully enter the Timberwolves territory. He gave the puck to Alexandre Jacob who then quickly passed to Johnston who was charging the net. Johnston had only to redirect the puck behind goalkeeper Tanner Somers who saw his masterful performance being ruined. Johnston’s goal came on the 52nd Blizzard shot.

This goal literally knocked out the Wolves. A little less than two minutes later, at 16:05, Ward scored the winning goal with a powerful wrist shot from the face-off circle. Jacob completed in an empty net at 19:28.

The local team’s only goal came at 15:19 of the second by Matthew Kreis, who managed to surprise goaltender Myles Hektor from the rink’s corner.

The Blizzard outrageously outshot the Wolves 55-29. If there is one area where the Blizzard needs to polish, it is the power play where the team did not score in seven attempts.

QUICK NOTES – About forty people made the round trip Edmundston-Miramichi to support the Blizzard. Although they remained on their appetite until the third period, they were treated to a feast in the last five minutes of play. Let’s say they have had a lot to say about the game on the long way back with a scheduled arrival in the early hours of the morning… The series will now shift to Edmundston for the third game on Tuesday, at 7:30 pm… Blizzard’s number one line continues to make sparks. Jacob had a goal and two assists, Johnston and Ward a goal and an assist each… The three stars of the game: Somers (1st), Ward (2nd) and Jacob (3rd)… Johnston and Jacob share the lead in the playoffs’ top scorers column with six points each… The other three series are tied 1-1… A total of 835 spectators attended Sunday’s clash at the Miramichi Civic Centre.

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Contact: Hugues Chiasson, vice-president communications – The Edmundston Blizzard; (506) 740-0623 – cell phone