Great Falls tried to dig itself out of a three-goal hole, but Gillette held on for a 4-2 victory.
A goal by Preston Fuller put Gillette up 4-1 in the second period, but Great Falls pulled to within two on Malachi Bushey\’s tally 2:40 into the third period.
Gillette was sparked by Kyle Traux, who had one goal. Traux scored 1:32 into the second period to make the score 3-1 Gillette. Gennadi Zabeline provided the assist.
Gillette stifled Great Falls\’ power play, and did not give up a single goal while down a man. Gillette\’s offense rang up 31 shots on Great Falls\’ net.
Gillette also had goals scored by Nick Scherbinin and Michael Doyle, who scored one goal each. In addition, Gillette received assists from Alex King, who had two and Cade Boreing and Brett Kramer, who each chipped in one.
Great Falls forced its penalty killing units to work especially hard during the game, picking up eight minors and one major for 41 minutes in penalty time. Great Falls surpassed its season average of 16.0 penalty minutes per game. Great Falls\’ offense operated below its season average. Great Falls puts an average of 4.3 pucks into the net per game. Great Falls\’ defense let in more goals than it usually has this year. Great Falls gives up 1.9 goal per game.
Great Falls was helped by Ricards Bernhards, who registered one goal. Bernhards scored 14:55 into the first period to make the score 1-1. Tanner Congdon assisted on the tally. More assists for Great Falls came via Blake Miller and Austin Krantz, who contributed one each.
Alex Feese rejected 20 shots on goal for Gillette. Gillette incurred 14 minutes in penalty time with seven minors. Jake Stephan made 27 saves for Great Falls on 31 shots. Great Falls registered zero goals on three power play opportunities. For Great Falls, Miles Giorgione was ejected from the game.