With four games complete, the series is still too close to call.
It was another one-goal decider game Thursday in Bonnyville, but this time it was the Fort McMurray Oil Barons squeaking out a tough 4-3 victory over the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs, tying the best-of-seven Alberta Junior Hockey League North Division semi-final series at 2-2.
Following Wednesday's marathon triple-overtime affair, it wouldn't have been surprising if the two teams would be a little fatigued playing the next night, but the game was anything but boring.
“That's a tremendous hockey game. I thought this game was even quicker paced and harder fought than the night before. It's a testament to both teams' character,” said Pontiacs head coach and GM Chad Mercier.
The coach said his team had the effort against Fort McMurray Thursday, but a few lapses led to the loss.
“It's a fine line. We made a few mistakes that ended up in our net. We'll have to eliminate some of those things, but we've got to stay the course.”
The Pontiacs got down early, allowing a power play goal just over three minutes into the game.
Jake Towriss responded for Bonnyville tying it up halfway through the first. But only seconds later Fort McMurray once again took the lead on another power play goal to go up 2-1 heading into the second period.
Devon Kalinski tied it up for the Pontiacs, but again the Oil Barons had a quick response, going up 3-2 after the second period.
Marc-Antoine Juneau scored early in the third period on a superb three-way passing play to once again tie it up for the Pontiacs. It appeared the hometown squad would carry some of that the momentum and take a lead for the first time in the contest, but hopes were dashed when Fort McMurray scored its third power play goal to go up for good.
They then shut the door and hung on for the crucial 4-3 victory to tie the series heading back to Fort McMurray for game five Saturday evening.
The series has been so close, both teams should be pleased with the way they are playing regardless of the results, said Mercier.
Neither team has been willing to give in, with each game coming down to the final moments. All four games have been decided by only one goal.
“I think we've been playing very good as a team,” said Pontiacs captain Michael Westfall following Thursday's loss. “But they've matched our skill and our want and our will. Everybody knew going in that is was going to be a close, hard-fought series. We just have to keep going at them.”
With the way the games have been played, players, coaches and fans should all be looking forward to game five in Fort McMurray, Mercier said.
“This is not a series you usually see in the second round,” said Mercier. “This series is so tight, so close.
“But, I believe our guys will regroup, have a short memory and be ready for game five.”
The venue will then shift back to Bonnyville for game six Monday at 7 p.m.
If a seventh and deciding game is needed, it will be played in Fort McMurray next Wednesday evening.
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