Rochester Rolls Maine, Bismarck Takes Advantage and Anchorage Forces Game 5
by Sydney Cordova & Noah Radomski
Photo Credits: (Cover and Top: Rob Morin, Middle: Toby Newton, bottom: Ted Davis)
Rochester 7 @ Maine 2 (Rochester leads East Division Finals 2-1): With the East Division Finals even at one game apiece, the Rochester Jr. Americans steamrolled the Maine Nordiques 6-1 Friday night to take a 2-1 series lead. The Jr. Americans got off to a roaring start, as Ryan Shaw tallied a goal early in the opening period. From there, the offense continued their scoring ways, this time thanks to Keanan Dewberry, who extended their lead. They did not stop there however, as the team kept flying in Maine’s zone. Clay O’Donnell ripped one past the goaltender 2:56 into the second, before Ryan Shaw saw his shot hit the back of the net just minutes later. With an already commanding lead, Calle Karlsson scored his 5th goal of the playoffs to give Rochester the five-goal advantage. Looking to get back into this one, the Nordiques finally got themselves on the board thanks to a nice pass and deke that freed up a shot for Ocean Fancy. The Jr. Americans did not halt though, as Hugo Branthsson brought the lead back up to five. Things were all but solidified heading into the third and final period. Midway through, Karlsson netted another one to advance Rochester’s lead. Cole Estey then tacked on the Nordiques second of the game just 11 seconds later. As the seconds wound down, the Jr. Americans held on to win 7-2. They will look to win the series tomorrow versus Maine.
Bismarck 2 @ Austin 1 (Bismarck leads Central Division Finals 2-1): The Bismarck Bobcats are a win away from the Robertson Cup after taking Game 3 of the Central Division Finals by a score of 2-1.During the first period, it remained scoreless. During the second period, Nick Snyder scored a goal for the Bobcats assisted by Charlie Sandven and Calle Arvedson. In the third period, Ashton Bynum put the Bruins on the board assisted by EJ Paddington and Ludvig Mellgren. However, the tie wouldn't last long as Louie Kamienski took the lead back for the Bobcats assisted by Snyder for the win. Tomas Anderson made 26 saves to earn the win in goal while Jack Solomon made 19 saves for Austin.
Wisconsin 2 @ Anchorage 4 (Midwest Division Finals tied 2-2): Facing elimination for the first time all postseason, the Anchorage Wolverines were able to survive on home ice and force a decisive Game 5 tomorrow night. After a scoreless first period, the Wolverines broke the tie off a beautiful behind the back feed from Andrew Karkoc to Aaron Vanwie who put the puck past Beau Altman. Luke Baker would even the game about 11 minutes later but the tie wouldn’t last long as Karkoc buried a puck past Altman to give Anchorage their second lead of the evening. Toby Carlson would increase the lead just 79 seconds with his second of the postseason. The third period saw the Wolverines hold down the fort defensively, even picking up an empty net goal with just under five minutes to play in the game. Hunter Hayes would get the Windigo back within two but it was too little too late as the Anchorage doubled up Wisconsin by a score of 4-2. Michael Manzi ended the night making 32 saves to pick up the win in between the pipes. Altman closed the evening with a perfect third period but stopped 28 of 32 shots. This forces a winner-take-all Game 5 on Saturday night in Anchorage where the winner will be crowned the Midwest Division playoff champion and advance to the Robertson Cup in Blaine, Minnesota.
