Kevin Miller scored all three goals for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons Saturday night as the Barons downed the Spruce Grove Saints 3-2 in overtime. The win gives the MOB a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
“We started a bit slow, which I kind of figured we would, and we were a little bit undisciplined at times,” said Oil Barons head coach and general manager Gord Thibodeau. “But we really started to get some energy with about 10 minutes left or so, we started to really press. At that point it seemed like we were just one shot away, we were really getting our chances, so it's good to see.”
After a scoreless first period, the Saints tallied twice in the middle frame with Jarid Hauptman and Austin Hunter lighting the lamp for the home team. But Miller would score his first of the night at 15:14 on a shorthanded opportunity, to cut the lead in half.
The Barons were able to tie the game with 3:40 to go in the third period, with Miller earning his second of the night. No.19 for the MOB needed just 31 seconds of overtime to get the Barons the win off an excellent shot and complete the hat-trick.
“He was outstanding,” said Thibodeau. “He actually had all three goals, though he wasn't credited with one of them, it was actually Miller's I believe. He was real good. He was making plays all night, he was extremely motivated. He's had two great games to start the series.”
Tanner Jaillet made 27 saves to get the win for the Barons. The two teams will meet again Monday and Tuesday night at the Casman Centre. Puck drop for both games is at 8 p.m.