Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Stanford Stones Broncos Late

Again, it was the opposition goaltender picking up the #1 star against the Broncos as Steven Stanford stole the show in the final minutes to preserve a Saskatoon 3-2 win.

Stanford made save after save in the final minutes as the Broncos threw everything his way including 17 shots in the third. His stop with a minute left on Cody Eakin on the side of the goal will be replayed in the Blades highlight package for the rest of the season. Down and out, Stanford sprawled across on his side and grabbed the puck out of mid-air.

The Broncos had a late powerplay due to a foolish penalty to Curt Gogol in the last three minutes of the game but couldn't find the mark either.

The Blades jumped out to a 2-0 lead midway through the first period on a bank-job goal off the Broncos Brad Hoban just 33 seconds in. Gogol scored on a screen shot mid-way through the first period.

The Broncos got on the board 20 seconds into the 2nd when Cody Eakin finished off a 3-on-2 rush for his team leading 30th of the season. Stepan Novotny tied it on a high slot shot five-hole at 4:47 to even the score 2-2.

The Broncos made a gaffe while on the powerplay late in the 2nd that led to the eventual game winner. Derek Hulak finished a 2-on-1 shorthanded break at 15:26 of the 2nd.

The game was physical and nasty at times but the Broncos didn't back down from the "Bridge City Bullies" all night long. The Broncos coaching staff was pleased in that regard.

The penalty kill was outstanding for the Broncos who were 7/7. They killed a 1:39 long 5-on-3, a double-minor to Matt Tassone and a Major penalty served up to Michael Stickland for a boarding check on Josh Nicholls.

Brad Hoban led the way with several marvelous chances including a point-blank post late in the third period.

The Broncos will head home to host Lethbridge Wednesday night at the Credit Union i-plex.


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