BISMARCK, N.D. – The Aberdeen Wings produced another overtime victory Saturday night and as a result own a two-game lead over the Bismarck Bobcats in their best of five NAHL hockey playoff series.
Cade Moxham found the back of the net 90 seconds into the extra session to give the Wings a 1-0 win. Damon Cunningham stopped all 27 shots he faced in goal for Aberdeen.
“Playing to our strengths have been key,” said Wings coach Scott Langer. “Obviously, our goaltending has been good and Damon gives us an opportunity. Five-game series are long, so we have to move on from this come (Sunday) an prepare the right way for Friday. They will be hard to beat and playing desperate.”
Bismarck outshot the Wings 27-22, including 7-2 in the third period. However, the Wings quickly got two shots on net to start the OT before Moxham took an assist from Cooper Anderson for the game-winner.
Aberdeen has now won 11 straight games, including back-to-back road playoff wins against the top squad in the NAHL.
“11 in a row against a team that won 14 in a row,” Langer said. “I think when you gain traction and feel what it’s like to win, it’s contagious.”
Cunningham stopped 68 shots in the two victories this past weekend.
“Cunny has been solid,” Langer said. “He is a competitive kid that hates to lose. His play the last two nights was what we needed to jump start this series.”
As a result, the Wings are now just one win away from advancing to the Central Division finals and will have two chances, if needed, at the Odde Ice Center to close out the series this coming weekend. Friday’s puck drop is set for 7:15 p.m.
“Coming home is great,” Langer said, “but we need to have a good week and be ready for the top team in the league.”
In the other opening round matchup in the division, Minot leads Austin 2-0 after claiming two road victories to start that series.
To see a complete box score from Saturday, click on the following link:
