LLOYDMINSTER, SK (October 24, 2014) — For the first time this season, the Fort McMurray Oil Barons (9-8-2) failed to score a goal, as the Lloydminster Bobcats shut out the MOB 3-0 on Friday night over the border in Saskatchewan.
Zach Fortin (St. Jerome, PQ) made 27 saves on 30 shots in the loss.
A spectacular opening few minutes for the Barons saw them dominate the scoring chance battle early, but a sequence of at least 4 major chances saw Lloydminster goalie Devin Green turn every MOB shot away.
Then, exactly halfway through the opening frame, Lukas Biensch converted a one-timer just outside the crease into a power play goal for what stood up as the game winner.
Looking to rebound in the second, the Barons instead found themselves outshot 14-5 and the recipient of two more goals against. First, Kevin Darrar fired a shot home from the slot at the 5:47 mark off of a Barons clearance, and then Bobcat captain Linden Springer scored on a high wrist shot from the blue line to extend the lead to 3-0.
Although the Barons outshot Lloydminster 7-6 in the third period, they couldn't solve Green, who completed the 19-shot shutout for a huge home win for the Bobcats.
The game's rematch goes the following night as the Barons complete their road trip with a Saturday night tilt with Lloydminster at 7:30. Pregame coverage starts at 7:15 on KAOS 91.1.
KAOS 91.1 3 stars:
1. Lukas Biensch (1 goal, 1 assist)
2. Devin Green (19 shot shutout)
3. Linden Springer (1 goal, 1 assist)