Much like Wednesday night in Bonnyville, the Lloydminster Bobcats came out strong in the first period Friday night at home against the Spruce Grove Saints, but it was not enough as the second and third periods did not go in their favour.
The Bobcats came out strong tallying seven of the game’s first eight shots, but from then on, the defending AJHL champions were able to take control en route to a 5-1 victory over Lloydminster.
Meeting for just the third time this season, and the first of four times during the month of February, Spruce Grove was able to snap their two-game losing streak.
After multiple early chances in the contest, the Bobcats were able to break through when Rylan Nivon got the puck to Noah Taron who jammed home a rebound while short-handed to put the Cats up 1-0.
Nearly eight minutes later the Saints tied the game with a Mackenzie Harden goal of a scramble at the side of Cale Elder’s net.
With the score even at 1-1 after one, the Saints peppered 22 shots on the Bobcat’s net in the second period leading to a pair of even strength goals and a 3-1 advantage after two.
Spruce Grove continued to find the back of the net in the third period with two more goals to secure their 5-1 win over Lloydminster.
The Saints outshot the Bobcats 50-27 in the game.
Lloydminster went 0 for 4 on the power-play, while the Saints went 1 for 6.
The Bobcats will continue their schedule on Saturday night when they play host to the Viterra South division’s Canmore Eagles. Puck drop is at 7:30 from the Civic Centre.