The Helena Bighorns used a sparkling performance by Adam Ranck to take down the Gillette Wild, as the netminder did not allow a goal in Helena\’s 4-0 shutout victory.
Brandt Miller had two goals and one assist to lead the Bighorns. Miller scored the first of his two goals on the power play at 4:57 into the first period to make the score 1-0 Helena. Helena had gotten the advantage when Gillette\’s TJ McMinn was sent off for elbowing. Miller\’s next tally on the power play made the score 3-0 Helena with 7:54 left in the second period. Johnny Bonta provided the assist.
The Bighorns racked up the penalties in the contest, and ended with nine minors and two majors for 68 minutes in penalty time. Helena surpassed its season average of 23.0 penalty minutes per game. The Bighorns excelled on the penalty kill, not giving up a single goal in seven chances. Helena\’s defensive effort looked to be improved. The Bighorns gives up 2.2 goals on average per game.
Helena additionally got points from Kendall Bolen-Porter, who also finished with one goal and one assist. Brian Skillicorn also scored for Helena. More assists for Helena came via Matt Mohar and Blake Babineau, who contributed one each.
The Wild\’s penalty box was a popular destination as the team totaled eight minors and two majors for 46 minutes in penalty time. Gillette had been averaging 20.0 minutes in penalties per game. The Wild were held below their usual level of production. Gillette averages 3.7 goals per game.
Ranck rejected 29 shots on goal for Helena. The Bighorns registered two goals on five power play opportunities. Alex Feese recorded 20 saves for the Wild.