BISMARCK, N.D.–The Bismarck Bobcats trailed the Minot Minotauros by 18 points following a shootout loss on New Year’s Eve.
After Saturday’s 2-1 win, the Bobcats lead Minot by one point for the fourth and final playoff spot in the central division. Adam Pietila scored the game-winning goal less than two minutes in to the third period. The Howell, Mich. native blocked his teammate Michael Neumeier’s shot off the back, found the loose puck, and spun a shot home.
Cue a shutout third for the Bismarck defense, sound goaltending from Oskar Spinnars Nordin, and the Bobcats are one game away from completing their greatest comeback in the team’s 25 seasons.
With the Minotauros owning the head-to-head tiebreaker, the Bobcats’ one-point lead is irrelevant. The winner of Monday’s game at the Maysa Arena in Minot will move on to the Robertson Cup playoffs. The loser’s season ends that night.
The contest had previously been scheduled for Friday night. The effects of inclement weather throughout western North Dakota forced the postponement.
Fans can tune in to one of the most significant games in Bobcats history on SuperTalk 1270 (free), HockeyTV (PPV video), and at Stonehome Brewing Company in Bismarck.