The Blackfalds Bulldogs picked up a solid 3-1 win over the Trail Smoke Eaters last night at Eagle Builders Centre. The victory keeps the Bulldogs two points clear at the top of the BCHL’s Alberta Division standings, holding off the Brooks Bandits (who have a couple games in hand).Olivér Király earned his 12th win of the season in net, turning aside most of what came his way in a strong performance. He was on track for a shutout until a late goal against, which many fans felt came on a questionable call. The Bulldogs were already shorthanded on a five-minute major—stemming from what looked like a light stick tap that sent the opposing goalie sprawling—and then caught another penalty shortly after when a player barely grazed a Smoke Eaters stick. It was frustrating to watch, especially since two-handed stick control is pretty standard on the power play. In the eyes of a lot of folks in the building, Király deserved that clean sheet.
On the injury front, the team hasn’t shared much detail publicly (as usual), so it’s unclear how long forwards Nikolaj Rupi and Carson Mertz will be sidelined. With Mertz out, the Bulldogs brought up backup goalie Cooper Schmidt—a Langdon, Alberta product who’s been suiting up for the Calgary Rockies in the JPHL. Honestly, the Bulldogs looked in control for most of the night. They won the majority of puck battles, outskated Trail consistently, and created plenty of chances. They probably could have padded the scoreline more if not for some standout goaltending from the Smoke Eaters’ netminder, former Spokane Chief Cooper Michaluk. He was lights-out and, in a losing cause, easily could have been named first star of the game. Credit where it’s due—he kept his team in it. A hard-fought two points for Blackfalds as they keep pushing for that division lead.
Shots on goal after the scoreless first period were 11-8 for the Bulldogs
Thomas Neu opens up the scoring for the Bulldogs while shorthanded at 5:17 of the second period. The assist on the goal went to Nicholas DiPaolo.
Noah Mertz scored to make it a 2-0 game for the Bulldogs unassisted at 19:47 of the second period.
Shots on goal in the second period were 8-6 for the Smoke Eaters.
On a 5 on 3 Power Play that The Smoke Eaters should of never been on in the first place seen Cash Carter score at 2:22 of the third period. The assists on the goal went to Christian Kim and the player that whines to the ref in between every play Erik Pastro.
Nikita Ivashchenko scores his 30th goal of the season to seal the game and make it 3-1 at 19:07 of the third period into the empty net. The assist on the goal went to Alex Bosland.
Shots on goal in the third period were 13-7 for the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs outshot the Smoke Eaters in the game 30-21
Oliver Kiraly who would of had a shutout sans crap reffing made 20 saves on the 21 shots that he faced for the win for the Bulldogs. For the Smoke Eaters former Spokane Chief and Sherwood Park native Cooper Michaluk made 27 saves on the 29 shots that he faced.
Three Stars of the game were 1) Noah Mertz 2) Thomas Neu 3) Cooper Michaluk
Attendance in Blackfalds was 837
Bulldogs next game is Friday March 20th in Blackfalds against the Vernon Vipers
