The Flin Flon Bombers are up two games to none in their SJHL Quarter Final Series against the Humboldt Broncos, after winning both games on home ice this past weekend 5 to 0 and 4 to 2.
Afer a sluggish first period on Friday, the Bombers got things in check when Rhett Ewen grabbed a loose puck off the glass in the Bronco's zone to beat Dazza Mitchell, for what would turn out to be the game winner.
Ewen would add another goal with Ryder Ringor and Leigton Carruthers potting a pair on the powerplay to round out the scoring. It was great to see Carruthers back after an injury sidelined him for over two months. He looked like he didn't miss a beat and he is exactly what the Bomber Powerplay needed.
Matthew Kieper was very sharp and stopped all 24 shots fired in his direction for his first ever Junior playoff win. Kieper had not started a playoff game since his Triple A days.
Dazza Mitchell started for the Bronco's and gave up 5 goals on 40 shots before making way for Brady Holtvogt who stopped all 9 shots he faced in relief.
Penalties were a big part of the story with Humboldt coming a little unglued and took some undisciplined penalties, and were short handed 7 times while the Bombers only had to serve two minors.
Flin Flon went 2 for 7 while Humboldt was 0 for 2.
Saturday you knew the Broncos would be better and they were and managed to score the first goal, when Kye Benoche fired a beautiful shot over the left shoulder of Matthew Kieper for the only goal in the first period.
Flin Flon shook that off and came out and played their best period of the game with Leighton Carruthers and Keefe Gruener both scoring on the powerplay. Ryder Ringor would also add his second of the series even strength.
With Flin Flon leading 3 to 1, Kye Benoche would get his second of the game when he took advantage of a rebound in front of the Bomber net and flipped a back hander past Kieper.
The Broncos kept pressing with a late powerplay but couldn't tie the game.
The only goal in the third period was scored by Ryder Ringor, who found the empty net with the goalie pulled for his third of the series with les than a minute left in regulation.
Matthew Kieper did his job again, only allowing two goals on 36 shots while Dazza Mitchell battled hard with 37 saves on 40 shots.
Humboldt couldn't stay out of the penalty box and the Bomber powerplay made them pay once again going 2 for 8, while Humboldt came up empty 0 for 2.
5 on 5 the Broncos have looked good, but will need to find a way to stay out of the box if they want to get back in this series in Humboldt.
The series will shift to the Elgar Peterson Arena for games three and four, this Tuesday and Wednesday and will start at 8:30 Manitoba time.
Despite the two wins, Leighton Carruthers did leave the game for Flin Flon midway through the second period last night and did come back to the bench for the third, but didn't play another shift. He will be re-evaluated before Tuesday.
Don't forget to listen in to both games from Humboldt as 102.9 CFAR Creighton Furniture Bomber Hockey will broadcast every single Flin Flon Bomber playoff game.
We kick things off both nights with the Great North GM Coach's Show at 8:10.
