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Lakeland wins first round series in overtime
Emily Plihal
for Smoky River Express
Lakeland Eagles’ dream of winning the NPHL cup this year is one step closer after the team defeated the Kings in Fairview on Feb. 16.
After winning the first three games in landslide victories, the Eagles were determined to cap off their first round competitors’ chances of advancing in the playoffs.
Fairview was determined to stretch the series on for as long as they possibly could. The team came out flying in the first period throwing 22 pucks in Cannon Cunningham’s direction.
Kings’ Brandon Hill opened up the scoring at just 54 seconds, scoring his third goal of the season. His goal was assisted by Dustin Honing.
Chase Helgeson added to Fairview’s lead, scoring his second of the playoffs at 4:39.
Fairview continued their dominance in the first period, adding another goal by Dustin Honing at 10:16. His second goal of the playoffs was assisted by Hill and Darryl Peterson.
Tom Bondaruk scored his fourth goal of the playoffs and the Kings’ fourth goal of the game. His goal was assisted by Dustin Craig and Travis Bettenson at 13:49.
Hill scored his second of the game to give the Kings a 5-0 lead at 16:02 of the first. Assists were earned by Peterson and Lance Rapson.
Just when Fairview thought they may be able to shutout Lakeland’s offense, Jay Anderson scored the Eagles’ first goal of the game on Scott Frayn.
No penalties were awarded in the first period. Shots on goal in the first were 22–16 in favour of the hometown Kings.
Second period action was started by flashy all-star forward Tyler Shantz with his fourth goal of the playoffs. The goal, scored at 2:16, was assisted by Junior Anderson.
Craig Anderson sent a puck flying past Frayn at 3:53 on the power play. His third goal of the playoffs was assisted by Shantz and Jay Anderson.
Shantz scored his second of the period at 6:01, with help from Junior Anderson and Rocky Collins.
The last goal of the period was scored by Joey Anderson at 8:43 of the second with an assist awarded to James Tallman.
Penalties were handed out to Lance Schultz, Ashley Cameron, Mich Landry and a bench minor to Lakeland.
Chase Helgeson of the Kings opened up scoring in the third period. The assists were awarded to Trevor Morrow and Lance Rapson at 4:31.
Clay Bondaruk increased the Kings’ hopes of victory at 9:47 on the power play. Dustin Craig assisted on the play.
Eagles’ Lance Gauchier scored at 13:49 on the power play. His first goal of the playoffs was assisted by Craig Anderson and Travis Chalifoux.
Shantz scored his hat trick goal at 14:32 of the period to send the game to overtime.
Jay Anderson and Junior Anderson assisted on the play.
The overtime period held Fairview’s playoff life in its hands. The team, who finished fourth in the East Division came out swinging, hoping to push the series to game five.
Unfortunately for the Kings, Lakeland’s offense proved to be too strong for the Fairview team.
Junior Anderson scored at 4:14 of the overtime frame to earn the Eagles a victory.
Final score of the game was 8–7 for Lakeland.
Lakeland swept the first round series, winning all four games straight to send them automatically to the second round of the playoffs.
The team (as of press time) were still waiting to see who they would be playing in the second round of the playoffs.
The Falher Pirates were ahead of the Peace River Stampeders in their series 3-2.
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