Minnesota Blizzard weekly summary
February 28, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Alexandria Blizzard News Release
(Alexandria, MN) The Minnesota Blizzard Junior "A" Hockey team struggled to put some space between themselves and the Bismarck Bobcats, in the NAHL playoff chase. Bismarck traveled to the Runestone Community Center Saturday night, and shut out the Blizzard, 3-0, to close to within two points of the fourth spot in the division. The top four teams in each division qualify for post-season play.
Both teams skated with a lot of energy in the opening period. The Blizzard had an apparent goal disallowed, because of a ruling of a Blizzard player being in the crease, as the shot found the back of the net. The Blizzard Coaches, Dave Boitz and Jeff Crouse, vehemently protested the ruling. However, the officials let the "no goal" call stand. After a scoreless opening stanza, Minnesota failed to capitalize, on a 5-on-3 power play opportunity. Eventually, Bismarck got a 5-on-3 advantage of its own. The Bobcats pounced, scoring twice within a 57-second span of the middle period. Bismarck goalie Kasey Moreland made the lead stand up, though the Bobcats got an insurance goal early in the third period, to wrap up the scoring. Moreland turned away all 35 Blizzard shots, to earn the shutout. Minnesota used two goalies on the night. Marcus Paulson (Eden Prairie, MN) stopped 21 of 23 shots in two periods of work, while Clay Nestor (Glenwood, MN) prevented seven of eight Bismarck shots from getting past him. The Bismarck win leaves the Bobcats just two points behind the Blizzard, in the NAHL Western Division standings. Both teams have seven regular season games remaining, including two head-to-head contests.
Ahead for the Blizzard: Five straight road games away from the Runestone Center. In fact, the Blizzard will not be back on home ice until March 25th. This coming Friday, March 4th, Minnesota skates into the John Carlson Coliseum in Fargo, for a 7:05 game with the F-M Jets. Minnesota will look to halt a two-game losing skid, while the Jets aim to put the clamps on a five-game winless streak of its own. The next night, the Blizzard will challenge Bismarck, in a 7:00 game, at the VFW Sports Center in Bismarck. Going into the weekend, the Bobcats have picked up 12 points in the last seven games, going 5-0-2 in that stretch. The Blizzard has enjoyed success in the Bobcats' home rink, with a 5-1 record there this season.
The race is tightening for the post-season. There is still many games to go, before the dust is settled. Thanks for your support of the Minnesota Blizzard in its second season. Keep checking, for further Blizzard updates and summaries.
Good Luck, Blizzard, in your Dakota journey this weekend!
North American Hockey League Stories from February 28, 2005
- Minnesota Blizzard weekly summary - Alexandria Blizzard
- Tickets on sale March 1st for Pros vs. Prospects game - Texas Tornado
- Wildcats Continue Run at Playoff Spot - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Jets Return Home After Montana Trip - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Phantoms Rally for Overtime Win - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
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