(Burlington, ON) – The Buffalo Junior Sabres’ six-game unbeaten streak ended in a shootout loss to the host Burlington Cougars last night. The Cougars erased Buffalo’s two-goal lead with special teams goals then took the extra point.
Max Mikowski put the Jr. Sabres in the lead with his first period goal at the 4:22 mark. Pat Egan (in photo) then increased the lead to 2-0 at the 19:27 mark of the period.
With Tyler Gjurich serving a double minor for high sticking in the second period, Steven Mueller put Burlington on the scoreboard with a power play goal at the 10:12 mark.
In the third period, the Cougars’ Jeremy Laing went to the penalty box at the 8:12 mark for slashing but his mates were able to steal a goal while shutting down Buffalo’s power play. Adam Glynn tied the game with his shorthanded goal at the 9:36 mark.
With no more scoring in regulation and none in the five minute overtime session, it was on to the shootout. Buffalo’s Tyler Gjurich, Pat Egan, Max Mikowski and Ryan Schmelzer were all unsuccessful on their attempts. So, too were Burlington’s Shane Conacher, Cooper Richards and Joe Sullivan. The Cougars’ Mark Rodgers, however, scored on his try and the hosts emerged as winners.
Parker Gahagen took the loss for Buffalo while Burlington goaltender Alex Murray earned the win. Shots on goal were not recorded.
The Jr. Sabres will practice this coming week, enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday then return to game action on Friday, November 23 at Milton.
*****
NOTE: Pointstreak reports Brian Ruff as scoring Buffalo’s first goal. This is inaccurate. Video replays will show it was Mikowski who scored the Jr. Sabres’ first goal of the game, though Ruff should be credited with an assist.
