(KNSI) – The Saint Cloud Norsemen entered the playoffs as the hottest team in the North American Hockey League. They clinched the Central Division by winning 11 of 12 games down the stretch.
The one-seed Norsemen drew the Bismarck Bobcats in the first round, beginning at home at the Municipal Athletic Complex last weekend. Game One was an easy win. The Norsemen peppered Bobcat goaltender Oskar Spinnars Nordin with 40 shots. Forward Blake Perbix scored twice, including a power play tally in the third. Saint Cloud won 4-1.
Bismarck stepped up the effort Saturday night, though, and snuck out of the MAC with a double-overtime win, 2-1. Spinnars Nordin faced 60 shots. Max Strand was assisted by Leo Gruba and Ryan O’Neill. The league’s scoring leader picked up three points last weekend.
The teams meet in Bismarck tonight and tomorrow at 7:15. Saint Cloud will need to sweep to avoid a potential Game Five, scheduled for Monday night if needed.
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