The Saints knew it would be a different ball game heading into game 3 vs. the Thunder in Drayton Valley therefore they needed a gritty road victory to take a strong lead in the series. Well the boys put the hard hats on and went to work exchanging blows with the Thunder throughout the game. A total of nine goals and 3 lead changes made for an exciting and tense contest that needed double overtime to declare a winner.
It seemed as though anytime a goal was scored by either team it was quickly answered and improved upon by the opposition. This made for very tense moments in the final minutes of the third period as well as overtime where the Thunder seemed to spend time in the Saints zone more often than not. However it was a battle along the boards won by Dylan Richard that freed his stick long enough to charge down the left wing and hit a streaking Nolan Huysmans who sniped over the glove hand of Thunder goaltender Cody Nicolay to win the game.
The Saints may have a firm grasp on the series however the Thunder are a rugged group that will push the Saints until the possible final minute of their season. If the Saints come out with anything other than a acute focus and will to finish the series they could find themselves back home Wednesday night battling not only the Thunder players but their momentum as well.
If the Saints are able to advance to the North Division Final series with a win in tonight’s game they will experience a 10 day rest that will help them prepare for their next opponent as well as nurse any injuries. The Fort McMurray Oil Barons took a 3-1 lead in their series with the Sherwood Park Crusaders Sunday night, if they are able to finish off the Cru Tuesday night at home they will also have a significant rest to prepare for their next opponent.
The Saints took game 3 in a track meet and look to close the series tonight in Drayton. Puck Drop is 7:30pm at the Drayton Valley Omniplex, a Saints Fan Bus will leave the Grant Fuhr Arena at 6pm SHARP to the game.
Story courtesy of sgsaints.com