In a game filled with plenty of momentum swings, the Saskatoon Blazers defeated the Regina Pat Canadians 4-3 to extend the SMAAAHL Finals to a fifth and deciding game on Thursday in Saskatoon.
The Blazers opened the scoring with three goals in a 1:39 span in the first period to grab an early 3-0 lead. Regina was able to get on the scoreboard just before the end of the first period with Jagden Taylor scoring.
Regina continued the comeback attempt in the second as Kolten Bridgeman scored on the power play to close the gap to 3-2 with 6:34 remaining in the period. The goal sent the crowd at the Co-Operators Arena into a frenzy, which caused the a couple of panes of plexiglass to break.
The game was halted for 45 minutes to repair the glass with both teams returning to their dressing rooms.
After the extended break, the Pats Canadians continued to maintain the momentum as Matthew Ronn scored to tie the game 3-3.
It was a back and forth third period with both teams getting chances for the go-ahead marker. With 7:10 remaining, Gavin Granger’s shot snuck in between the crossbar and Pat Canadian goalie, John MacPherson’s shoulder to score the eventual game-winning-goal.
Despite outshooting the Blazers, the Pat Canadians were unable to get the equalizer as the Blazers tied the series at 2-2.
Alex Garrett made 41 saves for the Blazers while MacPherson had 17 saves for Regina.
So far in the series, the road team has won every game.
Game 5 of the series will go on Thursday night at the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon with a 7:00 opening faceoff.
