Despite a late comeback effort, the Lloydmister Bobcats were unable to extend their four game losing streak, while suffering their first loss at home since December 1st.
In a penalty filled affair, the Fort McMurray Oil Barons left the Civic Centre Saturday night with a hard fought 5-3 victory.
The MOB used a three goal first period to help survive a pair of Bobcat comebacks throughout the contest.
Leading by three after one period of play on goals from Connor Lyons, Reed Morison and Merritt Oszytko, the Oil Barons quickly found themselves on the wrong end of penalty trouble.
Five penalties in the middle frame, including two double-minor spearing calls, where whistled against the Oil Barons and the Bobcats power-play went to work.
Zach Kaiser extended his point streak to 12 straight games with a pair of power-play goals to pull the Cats within 3-2 after 40 minutes of play.
However after getting a power-play of their own, The MOB took advantage to restore their two goal lead.
Morison broke in and danced his way through the Bobcats zone before sliding the puck past Pierce Diamond to make it 4-2 in favour of Fort McMurray.
Special teams once again helped the Bobcats get back in the game later in the third though.
Tucker Scantlebury scored his second goal in as many nights with a rocket of a slap-shot that got through Eric Szudor.
Although they would come within inches of tying the game later, the Bobcats were unable to find the equalizer before Jack Hamly found the empty net to seal the Cat’s fate.
Pierce Diamond stopped 26 of 30 shots for Lloydminster, while Szudor turned aside 25 of the 28 shots he faced.
The Bobcats finished the game 3 for 10 on the man-advantage, with The MOB operating the power-play to the tune of 1 for 5.
Next up for the Bobcats is a trip to Whitecourt on Tuesday, before visiting the Drayton Valley Thunder on Wednesday.
