(KNSI) – The Saint Cloud Norsemen took their best-of-five Division Semi-Final series Monday night, winning 3-2, both in the contest and the series. The one-seed Norsemen had been pushed to the brink of elimination on Saturday night. They entered the third period trailing and down two games to one.
Playing at the Municipal Athletic Complex Monday, the team never trailed in front of the home fans. Forward Blake Mesenburg broke the scoreless tie in the second period and notched another early in the third. Bismarck finally figured out Saint Cloud goaltender Thomas Bolo, cutting the lead to 2-1 at the 9:50 mark.
The Norsemen buckled down defensively, waiting for the right opportunity to counterattack. Forward Ryan O’Neill picked up his fifth assist of the series on a beautiful cross-ice pass to Max Strand, who buried it in the open net at the 16:19 mark.
Bismarck pulled its goaltender with over three minutes to go in regulation and was able to get one with the extra attacker, but came up short in trying to force overtime. Saint Cloud outshot Bismarck, 46-27.
Saint Cloud advances to the Division Championship round, beginning the best-of-five series against #3 Aberdeen on Friday night. Tickets are already on sale.
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