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Back on the Road

Mustangs fail to close in third, Broncos extend series to Game 6

Apr 14, 2024 | 10:07 AM

The Melfort Mustangs are still one game away from the SJHL Finals but are now down one of their three lives.

Melfort was just 20 minutes away from a series win in Game 5 on Saturday night but failed to close in the third period on home ice, preventing them from advancing to meet the Flin Flon Bombers next Friday, at least for the time being.

After the Humboldt Broncos scored the only goal of the first period, taking the lead into the second, it was the Mustangs who responded in the middle frame, grabbing a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Stangs, who seemed to dictate most of the play in the final 35 minutes of the contest, a capitalized powerplay goal from Humboldt and a broken scramble off the rush was all they needed before an empty net goal sealed it.

The Broncos three-goal third period, two of which came from Spencer Bell, who had a hat trick on the night, extended their season to a Game 6, which will go Sunday night at the EPA.

The Blue and Green’s perfect playoff record at the Palace was also broken in the process, as they’re now 5 and 1 at home, following the 4-2 defeat.

The Broncos also have that record at home, as they now try to push their season to a Game 7 in Melfort on Tuesday.

For the Mustangs to prevent that, they’ll have to improve their 2 and 2 record on the road, while also trying to solve Humboldt netminder Benjamin Motew, who made 41 of 43 saves on the night.

The opening faceoff of Game 6 is scheduled for 7:30 pm. and can be heard on 105 CJVR, with the Suncrest College pregame show starting at 7:15 p.m., as Ben Tompkins has the call.

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @BenTompkins_8

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