Bearcats take game 3 in Overtime, lead series 2-1.

Bearcats Rally for Overtime Victory in Game 3, Take 2–1 Series Lead

Antigonish, NS — The Bearcats erased a two-goal deficit Saturday night to defeat the Bulldogs 3–2 in overtime in Game 3 of their playoff series at the Antigonish Arena.

The Bulldogs opened the scoring in the first period in what quickly became another tightly contested game between the two teams. Just over eight minutes into the contest, Barrett Dachyshyn scored his first goal of the playoffs with a shot from the left corner that slipped past Bearcats goaltender Matt Welsh, giving the Bulldogs the first goal of the game for the third straight contest. Less than two minutes later, Calum MacPherson tipped a point shot past Welsh for his second goal of the series, extending the Bulldogs’ lead to 2–0 heading into the first intermission.

The Bearcats responded in the second period. With under ten minutes remaining, Merle Putnam scored on the power play, firing a shot over the left shoulder of Bulldogs goaltender Justin Sumarah to make it 2–1. The goal was Putnam’s second of the playoffs.

Later in the period, Mitch Deruelle capitalized on a loose puck at the side of the net, scoring his third goal of the playoffs to tie the game 2–2 heading into the third period.

Both teams tightened defensively in the third period, with neither side able to find the go-ahead goal. The Bearcats penalty kill was tested late in regulation, while both goaltenders made key stops to keep the game tied. In the closing seconds, Colin Campbell had an opportunity to end the game for the Bearcats, but Sumarah made a sliding save to send the game to overtime.

In the extra period, both goaltenders continued to make timely saves. Welsh stopped several scoring chances early in overtime, while Sumarah turned aside multiple Bearcats opportunities.

Following a successful penalty kill by the Bearcats, they were awarded a power play late in the overtime frame. Cam Patton controlled the puck behind the Bulldogs net and found Merle Putnam at the side of the goal. Putnam converted on the opportunity for his second goal of the game, securing the 3–2 overtime win and giving the Bearcats a 2–1 series lead.

Welsh made 50 saves in the victory, while Sumarah recorded 43 saves for the Bulldogs.

The series continues tonight in Antigonish with Game 4 scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Antigonish Arena.