Luke Siemens made 30 saves including several point-blank opportunities as the Prince Albert Raiders snuck by the Swift Current Broncos 2-1 in the shootout.
“We had every kind of opportunity,” said Broncos Assistant Coach Darren Evjen. “Breakway, 2 on 1... he came up with a great save. He probably should be the first star. We can't control him, but I thought we did a lot of good things. We were around the net getting rebounds, we drove the net, for the most part we were getting pucks on net.”
The only way the Broncos could beat Siemens was a near perfect passing play on a 5 on 3 that Levi Bews finished for his 7th of the season late in the 2nd period. Coda Gordon and Adam Lowry set Bews up for the beautiful re-direction.
Swift Current couldn't hold the lead as German forward Leon Draisaitl tapped the result of a fanned shot by Mike Winther that ended up right on his stick at the side of the Swift Current net on Prince Albert's only power play. The Broncos did a much better job staying disciplined while playing physical as they only took the one minor penalty and were on the man advantage themselves four times.
Draisaitl then won the game in the shootout as he was the only one of five shooters to score.
“That's a real tough loss,” Evjen said. “It's hard for the guys to swallow... this is probably one of our better games we've played this year. We had a lot more energy, we played a great game defensively, we created great opportunities offensively. We had enough to win the game, but it just wouldn't into the back of the net.”
Siemens stopped Josh Derko on a partial break and Graham Black on a clear breakaway. He also made a huge save on Dillon Heatherington in overtime. The Broncos had a potential goal waived off when Chance Lund pushed the puck over the line, but referee Adam Byblow indicated the play was dead.
The Broncos seemed to find some momentum with their line combinations. Graham Black centered Adam Lowry and Coda Gordon, Brent Benson was between Ryon Moser and Levi Bews, Colby Cave centered Josh Derko and Chance Lund and a fourth line of Zac Mackay, Daniel Dale and Tanner LeSann.
“I thought we had good rhythm,” Evjen added. “We felt that right after the first period... every line was going out there and creating momentum. Hopefully we can build off this. Anytime you can get points on the road you've got to be happy.”
Eetu Laurikainen made 27 saves for Swift Current in a losing cause. The Broncos have only won once in six opportunities in overtime this season.
Their next action is Friday at home against the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Broncos then welcome the defending WHL Champion Edmonton Oil Kings on Saturday.
You can meet a member of the 2012 Bronze Medal Canadian Olympic Soccer team on Friday when Kaylyn Kyle drops the puck and signs autographs. We'll have both weekend games for you with The New Pioneer Co-op Home Centre Broncos Hockey on The Eagle 94.1 FM.
Click here for the WHL boxscore
Click here for audio and interviews from the game
Thu, Apr 25, 6:00 AM
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