Bobcats down Bruins 3-1
Published 9:55 pm Friday, March 18, 2016
The Austin Bruins’ Justin Mislak turns back for the puck in the second period against Brookings Friday night in Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
The Austin Bruins couldn’t match the energy of a desperate Brookings team as they lost 3-1 in Riverside Arena Friday.
The Bruins (26-23-4 overall) scored first when Zach Kennedy hit a slap shot nearly four minutes into the game, but Austin wouldn’t score again. Brookings (20-27-6 overall), which is fighting to get in the playoff picture, scored two goals in the third period to take the lead for good.
Austn’s Gilbert Gabor turns the puck away from Brookings’ Connor Hutchins during the first period Friday night at Riverside Arena. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
“It’s mental. We’re in third place and we don’t have a cushion, but we’re there,” Austin head coach Kyle Grabowski said. “It’s focus. They’re in last place and they’re looking to get in. They’re working harder than us.”
The Bruins now have seven games remaining in the season and just two of those contests are in Riverside Arena.
Kristofer Carlson had 27 saves in the loss for the Bruins.
“It’s the time of the year where we’ve got to be playing your best hockey,” Grabowksi said. “Certainly we did last weekend. Win or lose, you’ve got to learn something either way.”
SCORING SUMMARY
Brookings 1 2 0 — 3
Austin 1 0 0 — 1
First period
(A) Zach Kennedy (Jon Richards) 3:41
(B) Kane Rument (Peter Valent) 8:45
Second period
(B) Garrett Elmore (Colton Schmidt, Mikael Hakkarainen) 7:04
(B) Durment (power play) (Nick Ford) 14:11
Third period
No scoring
Shots: Austin — 31; Brookings — 30
Power plays: Austin — 0-for-5; Brookings — 1-for-4
