BISMARCK, N.D. — The Austin Bruins lost the opener to the Bismarck Bobcats in their best-of-five North American Hockey League Central Division championship series.
The Bobcats took an early lead with a goal on the power play and led 2-1 after the first period. The Bruins tied the game early in the second period, but the Bobcats scored three unanswered goals to end the period and went on to record a 6-3 win.
After falling behind by two goals in the first seven minutes, the Bruins came back. The Bruins scored on the power play at the 8:53 mark of the first period with a goal fro Austin native John Kirby.
Early in the second period, the Bruins were able to tie the game as John Simonson was set up by Chris Fischer. This was the only shot of the second period for the Bruins as the Bobcats took control. After two periods of play Bismarck led 5-2 and had outshot Austin 30-23.
Just a couple of minutes into the third period, Ryan Callahan gave the Bobcats a 6-2 lead. John Simonson was able to get the Bruins third goal as Jake Flynn tallied his second assist on the night. The Bruins continued to apply pressure on the net, but failed to score any further goals.
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The same two teams meet tonight in game two of the series at the VFW Sports Center in Bismarck.
BISMARCK 6, AUSTIN BRUINS 3
Austin 1 1 1 — 3
Bismarck 2 3 1 — 6
First period— Bismarck, Tyler Richter (John Furgele, Patrick Moore), 5:12 (pp). Bismarck, Castan Sommer (Tyler Richter, Francis DeAugustine), 6:43. Austin, John Kirby (Jake Flynn), 8:53 (pp).
Second period— Austin, John Simonson (Chris Fischer), 2:18. Bismarck, Sommer (Shane Omdahl, Richter), 3:35 (pp). Bismarck, Furgele (Richter, Francis DeAugustine), 11:57. Bismarck, DeAugustine (Richter, Daniel Kovar), 18:31.
Third period— Bismarck, Ryan Callahan (Nicholas Miglio, Danny Ray), 2:13. Austin, John Simonson (Jake Flynn), 12:28.
Shots-on-goal— Austin 11-1-19—31. Bismarck 19-3-23—45.
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Goalies— Austin, Tyler Bruggeman (45 shots, 39 saves). Bismarck, Aaron Nelson (31 shots, 28 saves).
Penalties— Austin 2-4, Bismarck 2-4.
