Tyler Hennen’s goal 3:48 into overtime Saturday night lifted the Anchorage Wolverines to a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wilderness Saturday night. The goal spoiled what had been a thrilling contest for Wilderness netminder Adam Prokop, who stopped 31 of 33 shots in the loss. It also gives Anchorage a 2-games-to-none lead in the best of five Midwest Division Semi-final series.
Both goals in regulation time were scored in the third period. The Wilderness broke a 0-0 tie when Joe Cesario scored his first playoff goal when he converted on a short-handed breakaway 1:07 into the frame. Nate Murray assisted on the tally which was Minnesota’s first of the postseason, after dropping Friday’s game 1, 4-0.
Anchorage evened the score at the 6:17 mark thanks to a power play goal from Cole Christian.
It was the fifth time in the game the Wolverines were on the man-advantage, as the team finished 1-for-5.
The Wilderness went 0-for-2 on the power play.
Both teams finished the game with 33 shots on goal. Wolverines goaltender Liam Beerman earned his second straight playoff victory, making 32 saves.
Minnesota now faces a must-win situation as the series shifts to Cloquet for game 3 and, if necessary, games 4 and 5. Game 3 is expected to be scheduled for April 26 at 7:15 p.m. at Northwoods Credit Union Arena.